State Criminal Investigation Department chief Othman Nayan said the women, aged between 21 and 36, were forced to work as hostesses.

“We believe they entered the country on social visit passes.

“They were manipulated by the owner of the centre to keep renewing their passes to avoid detection by the authorities,” he said at the Pahang police headquarters here today.

Othman said police also detained 36 employees and customers at the centre.

“A 32-year-old Malaysian, believed to be the manager of the centre, was also arrested under Section 12 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (Atipsom) Act 2007.”

Othman said police were carrying out regular inspections and gathering intelligence to ensure licensed entertainment outlets in the state operated according to regulations.

“We wish to emphasise that these operations are not aimed at disrupting businesses but are part of our efforts to eradicate social problems in our society,” he said.