KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 68 foreigners were arrested during an Immigration Department raid on a nightclub in Jalan Ampang suspected of offering illicit activities involving foreign women, including guest relations officers (GROs) allegedly receiving tips of up to RM3,000 a night to attract customers through provocative dancing.
Kuala Lumpur Immigration director Datuk Hamsha Injau said 113 people were inspected during Ops Gegar, resulting in the arrest of 47 Thai women, seven Thai men and 14 Bangladeshi men aged between 20 and 55.
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He said the women were reportedly offered tips ranging from RM100 to RM3,000, depending on the sashes and special outfits they wore, with prices displayed for customers. The amounts were also distributed to them as commissions.
The raid followed public complaints, information from partner agencies and two months of intelligence gathering. Some GROs reportedly attempted to flee when officers arrived, while a brief scuffle broke out between enforcement officers and security guards before the situation was brought under control.
The nightclub offered singing and dancing performances, as well as karaoke rooms where customers could spend private time with their chosen GROs.
Hamsha said many of the foreigners were believed to have entered Malaysia on social visit passes but were allegedly working at the premises. Checks also found foreign workers holding employment passes for the construction and cleaning sectors working at the nightclub.
He said action was taken under Regulation 39(b) of the Immigration Regulations 1963 for breaches of pass conditions.
The department would intensify similar operations across Kuala Lumpur, while foreign workers were reminded to work only in their authorised sectors, he added.
All 68 detainees were taken to the Bukit Jalil Immigration Detention Depot for further action, while five Malaysians were issued witness summonses to assist in the investigation.
Also present were Kuala Lumpur Immigration deputy director (Control) Azhar Ahmad and enforcement officers from the Kuala Lumpur branch of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN).