KUALA LUMPUR: Eateries and food courts along Jalan Pudu and Jalan Loke Yew have emerged as new hotspots for prostitution in the city.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa said that the syndicate's modus operandi has evolved, using these establishments to advertise their prostitution services.
"Entering the post-normal era, the KL Strike Force faces the challenge of combating prostitution activities that are shifting from conventional locations to digital platforms. This is particularly concerning, as lodges, hotels, and private residences have also become hubs for these activities," she said in the Dewan Rakyat today.
She was responding to questions from Zahir Hassan (PH-Wangsa Maju) and Roslan Hashim (PN-Kulim Bandar Baharu) regarding the premises involved in prostitution activities and enforcement measures to address them.
Since the establishment of the KL Strike Force, Zaliha said that police and enforcement agencies have conducted raids on 209 premises offering prostitution services.
"It is inaccurate to claim there has been no reduction in prostitution cases in Kuala Lumpur. Data from 2023 indicates only 159 raids and 540 arrests, compared to the third quarter of this year.
"Statistics from raids conducted between May 27 and Sept 30 reveal that a total of 781 people were arrested, including 149 locals and 632 foreigners aged between 18 and 61," she added.
Zaliha emphasised that ongoing enforcement actions are in place to curb prostitution activities, particularly in areas identified as potential service hubs.
She said that enforcement would be impartial, adding that the same actions would be taken against prostitution activities involving both elite individuals and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
In response to additional questions from Roslan regarding actions against enforcers allegedly protecting syndicates, Zaliha said that the ministry and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) are committed to taking firm action against corruption.
"We have multiple stages for handling complaints. For instance, we include such matters in a committee to review the discipline of the involved staff.
"For complaints related to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), we will not offer protection. We will allow the MACC to conduct their investigations. If the accused or suspected individual is found to have committed offences, we will take appropriate actions," she said.
Meanwhile, as of September, Zaliha said that four out of 11 monitored business premises had been shut down under Section 101(1)(v) of the Local Government Act 1976, as they were fully operated by foreign nationals.
She noted that eight series of special actions against foreign-operated business premises had been conducted.
"Out of 59 monitored premises run by foreigners, 15 were immediately closed. A total of 53 violation notices were issued, 22 businesses were seized, and 22 investigation papers were opened," she said.
Regarding special actions against foreign hawkers, Zaliha said that 21 operations have been carried out, resulting in the seizure of 2,261 items from foreign hawkers around the city.
"Insha Allah, we will ensure that Kuala Lumpur is free from any issues that concern our citizens, and I urge everyone not to engage in any illicit activities in the city," she said.