JOHOR BARU: Police arrested 12 Thai women, dressed skimpily and working as waitresses without valid work permits, at a nightclub in Taman Mount Austin late last night.
A 19-year-old individual, believed to be the unlicensed club's caretaker, was also detained.
Johor Baru (South) police chief, Assistant Commissioner Raub Selamat, said the 2am operation, codenamed Op Noda, aimed to weed out unlicensed entertainment outlets in the district.
The Thai women, aged between 22 and 38, were arrested after failing to produce their working permits.
Police also seized entertainment equipment, receipts, and LED wristbands.
The case is being investigated under multiple laws, including the Immigration Act for employing foreign workers without permits.
Meanwhile, in a separate raid last night, police detained 32 party-goers in another unlicensed nightclub.
The 4am operation against the unlicensed entertainment outlet, codenamed 'Ops Hibur', found four people positive for drug use, including three women.
Raub said the club's caretaker, a 48-year-old man, was also detained for operating without a licence.
Police confiscated RM1,855 and seized entertainment equipment in the same area.