KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) will step up monitoring and enforcement of licensed premises after a raid on a "men-only" wellness centre in Chow Kit, says Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) said authorities must draw up careful plans to address social issues, especially when operators misuse approved licences.
“Usually, when a licence application is submitted, DBKL approves it based on what is declared,” she said.
“For example, if the purpose is to operate a spa, then we allow that,” Dr Zaliha added on Monday (Dec 1).
She said that activities carried out before or after approval can fall outside DBKL control, and that is when the authorities discover activities completely different from what was applied for.
Dr Zaliha said DBKL conducts scheduled monitoring of licensed premises and enforces action on complaints.
She added that Kuala Lumpur has a task force, the KL Strike Force, which responds to complaints and runs routine operations.
“When there is a complaint, the KL Strike Force is activated to take action,” she said.
“The task force works with DBKL and other agencies, including Jawi, JKM and the police,” added Dr Zaliha.
She said follow-up action depends on the relevant agency.
She was replying to Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa (BN–Tampin), who raised concerns after the joint raid.
He highlighted public unease over alleged sexual deviance at licensed spa premises and asked about DBKL’s monitoring.
The issue gained attention after police detained 202 people at a Chow Kit wellness centre last week.
The centre was suspected of doubling as a sex venue for men.
Of those arrested, 17 were civil servants including a PTD officer, a teacher and several enforcement personnel.
Outwardly, the premises looked like an ordinary shophouse but had saunas and jacuzzis.
Police also found a gym, spa facilities, a swimming pool and rest areas designed for men.
Investigations showed the centre operated from 5pm until late and allegedly hosted immoral activities involving male patrons.
On Sunday (November 30), 171 local men detained during the raid were released after a late remand bid was rejected.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Comm Datuk Fadil Marsus said the delay was due to processing each arrest.
“Only 31 foreigners were remanded for two days,” he said.
“Those without documents are being investigated under the Immigration Act,” he added.
“These arrests involve social crime concerns, which we take seriously,” he said.
