Cops raid two budget hotels, detain nine women for alleged immoral activities

SEREMBAN: Police detained nine women after raiding two budget hotels here for allegedly being involved in immoral activities.

Seremban district police chief Asst Comm Nanda Maarof said his men also detained three individuals believed to be caretakers of the two premises and five customers during the operation.

"The women are from neighbouring countries and between 25 and 35 years of age.

"We have yet to establish if they have valid travel documents or how long they have been here," he said, adding that police also seized some cash and condoms from both premises.

ACP Nanda said based on preliminary investigations, the women allegedly charged between RM45 and RM50 per hour for their services.

The women would be investigated under Section 372B of the Penal Code which carries a jail term not exceeding one year, a fine or both.

They would also be investigated under Section 61 of the Immigration Act if they did not have valid travelling documents

The caretakers, he said, would be charged under Section 372A of the same legislation for acting as an intermediary in prostitution.

Offenders can be punished with imprisonment of up to 15 years and whipping, as well as a fine.

ACP Nanda said the five customers would be made prosecution witnesses in the event the suspects were charged in court.

"I would also like to appeal to the public to let us know if they come across such illegal activities.

"Their cooperation is important if we wish to put an end to this," he added.