KUALA LUMPUR: Prostitution activities in the country must be halted immediately, experts cautioned.

Crime analyst and criminologist Datuk Shahul Hamid Abd Rahim said a coordinated effort from all parties is essential for success.

"We need to put an end to this 'dark and vile' economy," he told Skuad Khas Harian Metro.

Shahul Hamid said officially, prostitution has long been prohibited in the country.

"However, it is no longer a secret that these immoral activities are occurring. Some areas, like Pudu and certain streets such as Lorong Haji Taib, are even recognised as prostitution hotspots.

"Taking action (to tackle this issue) requires the involvement of all parties, including the Prime Minister and the Home Affairs, Federal Territories and Religious Affairs ministers.

"They should be working closely with agencies like the police, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and local authorities," he said.

He added is was disheartening that some individuals are willing to accept bribes from prostitution syndicates, effectively turning a blind eye to these activities.

"We must not let prostitution run rampant. The workers are often replaced, with those 'retired' being substituted by younger individuals," he said.

Harian Metro previously exposed that some prostitutes were soliciting clients at food courts on Jalan Gelang and Jalan Kalong.

Following this, the Anti-Vice, Gambling and Secret Societies Division (D7) of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at Bukit Aman raided the locations and arrested 27 individuals, including guest relations officers (GROs) and prostitutes.

Subsequently, police have identified four locations around the capital that are being used as prostitution dens.

City police chief Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa said among the identified locations were Jalan Petaling, Jalan Gelang, and Jalan Pudu.

A security analyst from the National Defence University (UPNM), Prof Dr Mohd Mizan Mohd Aslam said Malaysia is capable of shutting down prostitution hotspots.

"Indonesia managed to close down the Dolly area in Surabaya, which was long established as Southeast Asia's largest prostitution centre.

"Therefore, it is not impossible for Malaysia to do the same," he said.

The issue of prostitution in Kuala Lumpur, highlighted by Harian Metro, also caught the attention of the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories), Dr Zaliha Mustafa.

She reportedly said further discussions would be held to expand the terms of reference for the 'KL Strike Force' in efforts to ensure the harmony and well-being of the city's residents.

Zaliha said a new strategy needs to be studied and reviewed in any area reported and identified as a site of prostitution activities.

"Transforming the appearance and image of these areas can be carried out through urban renewal programmes by enhancing safety features, livability, and economic viability."

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 17 — The KL Strike Force, established by the Federal Territories Department, has identified eateries and food courts around Jalan Pudu and Jalan Loke Yew here as the latest hotspots for prostitution activities, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the modus operandi of prostitution syndicates has become increasingly creative, using these premises as fronts to advertise immoral services.

“In the post-pandemic era, the challenge for KL Strike Force is to combat prostitution activities that have shifted from conventional venues to digital platforms. Homestays, hotels and private residences were also used as hubs for such activities.

“In this regard, the government urges the local community to act as ‘watchdogs’ and report these activities to Adu@KL 2.0 or any complaint channels of agencies under the KL Strike Force, simply by using #KLStrikeForce in social media posts,” she said during the question-and-answer session.

She was responding to a question from Zahir Hassan (PH-Wangsa Maju) on reasons for the increase in prostitution activities and fights involving illegal immigrants and the influx of foreign street vendors in Kuala Lumpur despite the establishment of the KL Strike Force.

Dr Zaliha, who is also KL Strike Force advisor, said that since its inception on May 27, the special unit has raided 209 premises in the federal capital linked to prostitution activities.

Through the raids conducted in collaboration with the police and other enforcement agencies, 781 individuals have been arrested, comprising 149 locals and 632 foreigners aged between 18 and 61.

“It’s inaccurate to say there has been no reduction in prostitution cases in Kuala Lumpur as data showed that only 159 raids and 540 arrests were made in 2023, compared to the figures reported as the third quarter of the year,” she said.

She further said that Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) led integrated operations targeting foreign business premises, with four operations carried out until September.

“During these operations, 11 business premises were monitored, and four of them were immediately shut down under Section 101(1)(v) of the Local Government Act 1976, as they were fully operated by foreigners,” she said.

Dr Zaliha added that eight series of Special Actions Against Foreign-Owned Business Premises were conducted, with 59 premises monitored until September.

“Of these, 15 premises were immediately closed, 53 offence notices were issued, 22 confiscations were carried out, and 22 investigation papers were opened.

“As for the Special Actions Against Foreign Vendors, 21 operations were conducted until September, resulting in 2,261 confiscation cases around Kuala Lumpur,” she said. — Bernama