KUALA LUMPUR: A run-down building in Pudu, notorious for alleged prostitution activities, was raided by police late last night.
It is understood that the raids were conducted after sex workers in the area had changed their tactics following various raids by the authorities.
It is learnt that the sex workers have abandoned their previous modus operandi of patronising food stalls on the building's ground floor to solicit customers.
They now wait for customers in front of the doors of the residential units, which they rent for their activities. It is also learnt that these women would sometimes perform raunchy moves to entice potential clients.
It is understood that the building would become a hive of activity until the wee hours. The clientele would usually consist of foreign workers.
City police chief Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa said a team from the Dang Wangi and City police Anti-Vice, Gaming and Secret Societies Division (D7) raided the hotel at Jalan Pasar Baharu, Pudu, around 11.45pm last night.
"Based on intelligence and information on prostitution activities, a series of raids were conducted involving residential units on various floors of the building.
"This led to the arrest of 10 foreign women who were allegedly involved in prostitution activities," he said when contacted today.
He said police also seized lubricant gels, condoms, massage oils and tissues during the raid.
"Our investigations showed that these women would wait in front of their residential units to attract customers.
"They allegedly offered sex for RM100 per session," he said, adding that the women were believed to have entered Malaysia as tourists and worked "freelance."
He said further checks revealed that the vice activities usually occurred between 10pm and 4am daily.
"We believe their main clientele are foreign men and regular customers," he said.
Several banners have recently sprung up in the city, calling for the authorities to shut down vice activities at the hotel there and at Petaling Street.
These posters were addressed to the Home Minister, Federal Territories Minister and City police chief.
Images of the posters were posted on a whistleblower Telegram group.