Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture (Madpet) said there have been abuses of power by the police during raids and searches.

“It must be noted that in Malaysia, prostitution is against the law as ‘a female offering her body for promiscuous sexual intercourse for hire’ is a crime.

“So if there is no issue of hiring for ‘sexual intercourse’, it is no crime,” it said in a statement today.

Madpet proposed an amendment to the law that would require court warrants before conducting raids and urine tests.

It also said that individuals should have the right to refuse arbitrary urine tests.

The group said the presumption of innocence until found guilty in court must be recognised and practised.

It suggested that the media provide “just” coverage by offering full disclosure when reporting on raids, including information on whether those who were detained have been charged or proven innocent.

“End defamatory practices, particularly affecting the reputation of women, including issuing or making statements and providing pictures to the media that create the perception that the women arrested may be involved in immoral or illegal work or crime,” it said.