17 nabbed for suspicion of offering sex services on social media

JOHOR BAHRU - Johor police arrested 17 individuals suspected of prostitution in two separate raids around the city last Thursday.

Johor police chief Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat said that the suspects comprised three local men, one foreign man and 13 foreign women aged between 21 and 49-years-old who were also allegedly members of a syndicate that offers prostitutes via social media.

"Around 10.40pm last Thursday, a police team from the Criminal Investigation Department of Johor Police Contingent Headquarters conducted two separate raids around Johor Bahru city.

"In the raids, the police arrested 17 individuals suspected of being involved in prostitution activities.

"As a result of the raids, the police had also seized 22 mobile phones, 27 condoms, five tissue rolls, four towels, three access cards, two bottles of lubricant and cash amounting to RM3,400 and SGD50," he said in a statement yesterday.

The case was investigated under legal provisions such as Section 372A of the Penal Code and if found guilty, could be punished with up to 15 years in prison and caning.

The case was also investigated under Section 372B of the Penal Code and if found guilty, could be punished with imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year or a fine or both.

It would also be investigated under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 and if found guilty, could be fined not more than RM10,000 or imprisoned for not more than five years or both.

Apart from that, the investigation would also be carried out under Section 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/1963. If convicted, could be fined not more than RM10,000 or imprisoned not more than five years or both.

The case would also be investigated under Section 55B of the Immigration Act 1959/73 and if found guilty, could be jailed for not less than six months, but not more than five years.

Meanwhile, Kamarul said that his party would carry out continuous operations to control and prevent prostitution activities in the state.

"Strict action will be taken against any individual or syndicate involved in prostitution activities according to existing laws.

"The public who have any information related to prostitution activities can continue to channel information to the nearest police station or Johor police operation room at 07-221 2999 or 07-225 4677," he said.