KUALA LUMPUR: Police raided a food court on Jalan Gelang and Jalan Kalong in Pudu here and arrested 27 individuals, including guest relations officers (GROs) and prostitutes.
The raid, near the food court and buildings on Jalan Gelang and Jalan Kalong ,was conducted by the Vice, Gambling, and Organised Crime Investigation Division (D7) of the Criminal Investigation Department of Bukit Aman, following an exclusive report by Harian Metro.
D7 deputy director Assistant Commissioner Mohamad Farouk Eshak said investigations revealed the premises operated daily from 12pm to 10pm.
He said the premises operated under the concept of a restaurant and flower garland shop, but offered sexual services by GROs and prostitutes from Vietnam and China.
"Customers interested in sexual services are taken to rented rooms adjacent to the premises for RM100," he said.
He said the raid resulted in the arrest of 23 foreign women hired as GROs and prostitutes.
He said local men acting as managers, Indonesian female cashiers and two Myanmar male cleaners were also detained.
"The detainees' ages ranged from 20 to 60. Upon inspection, it was found that none of the foreign GROs and prostitutes had valid work permits or travel documents," he said.
During the raid, police seized 10 yellow and 10 red flower garlands, 25 condoms, tissues, lubricants, audio equipment and RM5,310 in cash.
"All seized items were taken to the Dang Wangi police headquarters," he said.
He said investigations were conducted under Section 372A of the Penal Code, concerning offences related to living on or trading in prostitution proceeds, which carries penalties of up to 15 years' imprisonment, whipping and fines upon conviction.