KUALA LUMPUR: The Immigration Department has identified a tactic foreign women use to obtain long-term Social Visit Passes (SVP): they marry Malaysian men.
Sinar Harian reported that the department's investigation revealed syndicates bring in foreign women on SVP visas under the guise of tourism, but instead involve them in prostitution or as Guest Relations Officers (GROs).
The syndicates target unmarried men with financial issues, paying them to act as husbands to foreign women.
Kuala Lumpur Immigration Department director Wan Mohammed Saupee Wan Yusoff said the syndicates or agents handled the marriage and immigration documents.
He said Malaysian men were used as mules to escort foreign women, introducing them as their wives.
"Our investigation found that these men are paid either a monthly amount of RM500 or a one-time payment of up to RM5,000.
"However, they are not real families; it is just a way to obtain a visit pass.
"In reality, these women engage in illegal activities, such as working as GROs, prostitutes and other immoral work."
He added that investigations showed the couples did not live together.
During raids and inspections, the authorities found marriage documents, but the foreign women were unable to answer questions about the whereabouts of their "husbands".
"Some of these women are detained at entertainment venues wearing provocative outfits, which their supposed husbands would likely disapprove of."
The department found that these marriages were legally registered with documentation.
"When foreign women are detained and suspicions arise, we conduct an identity parade to verify their partners."
Wan Saupee said the syndicates recruit Malaysian men via social media, private messages or acquaintances.
An SVP is granted for 30 days, depending on the visitor's nationality.
He said the misuse of passes was a significant concern, with the number of arrests in Kuala Lumpur this year showing it to be one of the most common violations.
"These 'tourists' are found working in restaurants, sales, construction, entertainment venues and businesses."