208 Arrested in Raid on Kuala Lumpur Spa Suspected of Illegal Activities

A massive police operation has arrested 208 people in a massive raid on a health club and spa center in the Chow Kit area of Kuala Lumpur. It is suspected that the establishment had been operating under the cover of ‘unusual and immoral sexual activities’ for months.

The arrest operation was carried out in a joint operation by the KL Strike Force, JAWI and Kuala Lumpur City Hall after two weeks of intelligence surveillance.

The accused include 17 government employees, many professionals, foreigners and students. Numerous items, including condoms, were recovered from the scene.

Details Of The Operation

Police said the operation, which began at 8pm, lasted about four hours. The two-story building with spa and sauna facilities had small rooms, dark corridors and jacuzzi facilities. Those things made it attractive to regular customers. The regular entrance fee was 35 ringgit (S$11), and new customers had to pay a 10 ringgit (S$3.15) registration fee to get a membership card.

Police confirmed that the establishment was being promoted through social media, especially TikTok. All those arrested were taken to the Dang Wangi district headquarters police station for drug testing and questioning.

Background of the Arrested Individuals

Among those arrested was a 59-year-old specialist doctor who claimed he only went there “to relax after work to avoid traffic jams”. Many customers said they found out about the spa through TikTok and acquaintances. At the scene, many were seen trying to escape by covering their faces, but no one was spared.

According to local people and authorities, it is worrying that such a business has been going on for months without being caught. According to the police, the building will remain completely closed until the investigation is completed.

Netizen’s Reaction

There have been various reactions to the incident on social media. Some wondered if men and women used to use the sauna together in such a place.

Many commented that they have no personal objection to what someone does in their private life—as long as it does not harm others.

Some also expressed doubts about whether the operation was carried out to cover up some recent corruption or political issue. Many said that the law should be equal for everyone and that it is worrying that such places are left unattended.

Legal Proceedings And Remand

Kuala Lumpur police deputy chief Datuk Mohd Ajani Omar said the suspects were being investigated under Sections 377 and 372 of the Penal Code. However, the magistrate released 171 locals due to delays in remand applications due to the large number of arrests.

Police say they need a ‘victim’ to charge the suspects with unnatural sex, exploitation or prostitution, but the case did not proceed as no one claimed to be a victim. On the other hand, 31 foreigners were remanded for two days, and the investigation is ongoing, while the real organizers are still at large.

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