PETALING JAYA: An anti-vice raid in Johor Bahru has led to the rescue of 10 women who were victims of sexual exploitation.
In a statement, Immigration Department director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said that the 10 were among the 43 women detained in the raid on a spa and massage centre in Johor Bahru on Friday (May 2).
Zakaria said the operation had also identified exploited victims via the National Guideline on Human Trafficking Indicators.
"Investigations showed that 10 women who had been exploited to offer sexual services were not paid any salaries. Their movements were also controlled, and their passports were held,” he said.
"These victims have been placed in a safe house while investigations are ongoing," added Zakaria.
On the raid itself, Zakaria said that the 43 women detained – including the 10 – were made up of 37 Vietnamese and 16 Indonesian women aged between 18 and 40.
"Inspection of the premises led to their detention. The women are believed to have been involved in prostitution, with their customers using WeChat and WhatsApp,” said Zakaria.
"These women are believed to have been earning profits of between RM5,000 and RM10,000 a month from their activities," he added.
Along with the women, 11 Indonesian and Bangladeshi men believed to have been working as cleaning staff were also arrested.
A further seven local men were also caught and were working as "caretakers" and owners of the premises.
During the raid, several suspects attempted to hide inside a hidden room but failed.
A total of RM128,464 in cash was also seized.
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