Op Noda: Raids expose deceptive 'Mummy' strategy in KL's entertainment scene

KUALA LUMPUR - Authorities detected the use of 'mummy' or foreign madams to attract customers seeking the services of guest relations officers (GROs) during raids on two illegal entertainment centres in the Cheras area here on Thursday.

This tactic is believed to facilitate transactions for customers, many of whom are foreigners.

Federal Police Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in a statement said that Operation Noda, conducted by the Bukit Aman CID's Vice, Gambling, and Gangsterism D7 Division, successfully apprehended 24 individuals, including both locals and foreigners at the entertainment centres.

It was found that these entertainment centres were also operating without a valid licence.

"The investigation revealed that both premises that were raided were using 'mummy' services provided by foreign women to assist customers in obtaining GRO services.

"They were also conducting entertainment activities with a concept of selling flower garlands ranging from RM100 to RM1,000 to customers as tips for the GROs, with payments made directly to the chosen GROs by the customers," the statement said earlier today.

According to the police, initial checks found that the premises were hidden within shop-house buildings and equipped with closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras.

"These CCTV cameras were installed to monitor movements, especially those involving the presence of authorities.

"Checks also found that the operators of these premises employed foreigners to run their businesses," it said.

All those apprehended have been taken to the Cheras district police headquarters for further action.

The cases are being investigated under the Immigration Act 1959/63 (Act 155).