JOHOR BAHRU — A major enforcement sweep by the Johor Immigration Department has exposed a hidden sex operation charging RM260 per client, leading to the arrest of 29 undocumented foreigners across several hotspots in the city.
The integrated operation, carried out on 24 November, involved multiple units under Ops Gegar, Ops Selera, Ops Mahir and Ops Sapu. Acting on public complaints and intelligence, officers moved into commercial areas, construction sites, food outlets and several hotel premises believed to be used for illegal activities.
Early checks revealed that some hotel rooms had been converted into makeshift brothels, offering sexual services at RM260 per customer. Investigators believe the operation had been running quietly for some time, taking advantage of high foot traffic in the area.
Johor Immigration director Datuk Mohd Rusdi Mohd Darus said the arrests involved two Myanmar men, 13 Indonesian men, eight Indonesian women, four Laotian women and two Myanmar women. All suspects, aged between 22 and 52, were detained for various immigration offences.
“They are believed to have violated the Immigration Act 1959/63 and the Immigration Regulations 1963. All of them have been brought to the Setia Tropika Immigration Depot for further investigation,” he said in a statement.
Officers also issued two Form 29 notices to local individuals who are required to assist in the investigation as witnesses.
Rusdi stressed that enforcement will continue without compromise, especially against employers, premise operators and individuals who hire or shelter undocumented migrants.
“We will keep strengthening our enforcement. Those who break the law must be held responsible. We will not tolerate any party involved in harbouring or employing illegal immigrants,” he said.
He also thanked the public for continuing to channel information and supporting the department’s efforts to tackle immigration-related offences, in line with the MADANI government’s commitment to uphold safety, law and order.
The Johor Immigration Department said follow-up operations will continue as they aim to dismantle networks involved in illegal employment, human trafficking and immoral activities.
