KUALA LUMPUR: Police arrested 47 people in a series of anti-prostitution raids in Jalan Pudu and Jalan Bukit Bintang in the city centre yesterday.
Dang Wangi police chief Assistant Commissioner Noor Dellhan Yahaya said police, acting on tipoffs, raided 11 premises including two brothels, two food courts and seven massage parlours.
It is understood that at the food courts, clients would purchase garlands for the sex workers, and they would then leave the premises together to engage in sexual activities elsewhere.
Those arrested include eight locals and 39 foreigners between the ages of 18 and 60.
The locals include six men and two men, while the foreigners comprise 25 women and 14 men.
Police also seized condoms, massage oils, towels, receipts, work schedules, garlands, CCTVs, microphones, modems, mobile phones and RM4,730 in cash.
Noor Dellhan said the case is being investigated under Section 372B of the Penal Code for prostitution, as well as Section 55B and Section 6 (1) (c) of the Immigration Act.
Those sections pertain to the employment of foreigners without valid passes and living in Malaysia without a valid pass.
"We urge the public to continue assisting us and providing us with information on any illegal activities," he said.
"Those with information can contact the Dang Wangi District Police Headquarters at 03-26002222 or their nearest police station."