Music Malaysia chairman Freddie Fernandez said abusing social visit passes is unfair to other artistes, organisers and club owners who are required to apply for the necessary permits.

Fernandez said foreign performers need to obtain their permits through the central committee for applications for filming and performances by foreign artistes (Puspal) as well as pay taxes and levies.

“(Social visit pass abusers) ignore the country’s laws and try to circumvent them wherever possible for their own benefit.

“Based on information received, violations such as these are becoming more and more rampant in the music industry. We appreciate the efforts of the immigration department in cracking down on them,” he said in a statement.

Harian Metro reported Kuala Lumpur immigration department director Wan Saupee Wan Yusoff as saying that police raided the club at 12.20am on Wednesday after receiving complaints from the public.

He said police checked 256 people in the club, including 103 women and 10 foreigners.

“Six foreigners were detained, including an Indian male who was performing, and five Bangladeshi men,” he said.