The Star Online today reported sources as saying that the illegal activities are protected due to the operators having links to certain officers in the government agencies.
“Whenever a raid is to take place, someone inside will tip-off the operators of massage parlours, health and wellness centres,” the report quoted a source as saying.
The report said foreign women who come to work in the flesh trade in Selangor are getting more brazen in conducting the activities although they only have social visit passes to stay in Malaysia.
“Some of them do not even have valid travel documents,” the source said.
The Star had reported yesterday that nightspots which provide “extra services” are flourishing in Selangor because they pay cash “under the table” to the authorities to turn a blind eye.
Quoting sources, it said the operators are believed to be paying bribes and kickbacks to officers to enable the vice activities to be conducted in their premises.
The source pointed to officers involved as hailing from agencies such as the police, Fire and Rescue Department and local councils, the report added.
In its report today, the daily added that Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) deputy chief commissioner (operations) Azam Baki has confirmed that the agency received a tip-off on the matter.
The report quoted him as saying his officers are in the midst of gathering relevant information on such illegal businesses.
“We do not rule out the involvement of enforcement officers,” he was quoted as saying. “Let us carry out a probe first before taking action.”
In an operation around the Klang Valley earlier this year, the authorities caught about 50 foreigners working to provide sex in such premises.
The raiding teams seized items like contraceptives, massage oil, lubricant and cash.