KUALA LUMPUR: An entertainment outlet in Bukit Bintang believed that the use of a secret door at the back of the premises to allow customers entry beyond operating hours would be enough to fool the authorities.
However, it wasn't enough to pull the wool over the eyes of the cops, when the Federal Anti-Vice, Gambling and Secret Societies (D7) Division, as well as Bukit Aman's Criminal Investigation Department, raided the premises just before 1am on Saturday.
Federal D7 principal assistant director Senior Assistant Commissioner Mohamad Noor Yusof Ali said police arrested 19 people, including 13 foreign women believed to be working as guest relations officers (GRO).
"We arrested 13 GROs, 12 of whom were from a neighbouring country. One was an Eastern European woman. They were aged between 22 and 38.
"Also arrested were six Malaysians: the premises owner, manager, counter staff and workers.
"Out of the 34 workers and 89 customers present, two customers tested positive for drugs."
Noor said the outlet had continued its operations until 8am, which was well beyond the 12 midnight closing time.
"To trick the authorities, they used a secret door at the back entrance after midnight. Only regulars were allowed in.
"The outlet also had other routes leading outside, as well as to customers' parking area.
"This would enable the GROs to flee in the event of a raid."
He said the GROs would be ushered into karaoke rooms only at customers' request.
The customers, he said, would choose GROs based on pictures shared on WhatsApp.
"Each GRO costs between RM1,280 and RM2,080 for five hours.
"An additional RM100 per hour was imposed for extra time."
He said the centre had 20 karaoke rooms, with prices ranging from RM2,200 to RM8,000 depending on size.