Kuching Police Arrest 5 Foreigners in Vice Raid
KUCHING, Feb 27 — Police here have arrested five foreign nationals believed to be involved in prostitution activities following a raid at an apartment building along Jalan Tun Datuk Patinggi Haji Ahmad Zaidi Adruce on Wednesday.
The operation was carried out on Feb 26 by a team from the Kuching District Police Headquarters. The premises were suspected to be used for immoral activities following public information and police intelligence.
Kuching District Police Chief Alexson Naga Chabu said the raid led to the arrest of five individuals aged between 20 and 30 years old. All of them are foreign citizens.
He said the suspects have been detained to assist in investigations. Police are now gathering further information to determine the extent of the activities and whether there are other individuals involved.
The case is being investigated under Section 372A of the Penal Code, which provides for a prison sentence of up to 15 years, whipping and a fine for those found guilty of exploiting any person for prostitution. Investigations are also being carried out under Section 372B of the Penal Code, which carries a prison term of up to one year, a fine, or both for soliciting for the purpose of prostitution.
In addition, the case is being investigated under Regulation 39(b) of the Immigration Regulations 1963 for violating the conditions of a pass, permit or border pass. The offence carries a fine of up to RM1,000 or imprisonment of up to six months, or both. The suspects are also being investigated under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 for not possessing valid travel documents, which provides for a jail term of up to five years, a fine of up to RM10,000, or both, and whipping of up to six strokes upon conviction.
Police stressed that they will not compromise with any party involved in vice activities, especially those involving foreign nationals who misuse their stay in the country.
Alexson urged members of the public with information on prostitution activities in the district to contact the Kuching IPD control centre at 082-244444. He said cooperation from the community is important in helping the police maintain public order and safety.
The police will continue to monitor and conduct enforcement operations to curb immoral activities in Kuching. Authorities reminded the public that strict action will be taken against anyone found breaking the law.
