PUTRAJAYA: Immigration authorities have detained 19 foreign women following a raid on a premises believed to be operating illegal activities under the guise of a licensed beauty centre. The operation uncovered a carefully planned modus operandi aimed at misleading enforcement agencies while offering illicit services to selected customers.
According to initial checks, the women detained comprised three Vietnamese nationals holding Social Visit Passes, one Mongolian woman with a Student Pass, and 12 Filipino women who possessed Domestic Helper Passes. The remaining foreign nationals were found without any valid passes or travel documents to legally remain in the country.
During the operation, the enforcement team seized various items believed to be linked to immoral activities conducted at the premises. These included copies of passports from the Philippines, Vietnam and Mongolia, several mobile phones, QR payment scanners, employee record books, transaction logs, business licences, documents from the Companies Commission of Malaysia, as well as RM1,500 in cash suspected to be proceeds from illegal services.
Investigations revealed that the premises was officially registered as a beauty centre and openly displayed signs advertising beauty and treatment services. This setup was intended to confuse and divert attention from authorities. However, the illegal activities were not promoted publicly. Instead, services were offered discreetly through messaging platforms such as Telegram and WhatsApp to selected customers only.
Customers who visited the centre were initially offered standard massage services. A secret code was then used to signal the availability of additional services. Authorities also found that the interior of the premises had been renovated and fitted with a tight security system, indicating deliberate efforts to avoid detection. Fees for the services reportedly ranged between RM180 and RM250, and the operation is believed to have been running since March last year.
All foreign nationals detained are suspected of committing offences under the Immigration Act 1959/63. They were taken to the Putrajaya Immigration Office for further investigation and action. In addition, seven local men were issued notices to appear at the immigration office to assist with the ongoing investigation.
The Immigration Department stressed that it will continue to take firm and consistent action against any activities that violate Malaysian laws. Such enforcement efforts are aimed at safeguarding public order, stability and national prosperity, in line with the principles and aspirations of the MADANI government. Authorities also reminded business operators to comply fully with the law and warned that premises misused for illegal activities will face strict consequences.
