In a statement released today, he said the raid on a three-storey shophouse uncovered a gang believed to have forced the women to provide sexual services.

The women – consisting of five Vietnamese and one Thai national – were rescued by a team from immigration’s anti-trafficking in persons and anti-money laundering division, together with officers from the enforcement division based at its headquarters Putrajaya.

“The raid began at 10pm following information gathered from complaints and intelligence operations.

“Authorities believe the operation involved a criminal gang that lured the women into the country with promises of legitimate jobs, only to exploit them as sex workers,” Ruslin said, adding that a Malaysian man, their suspected handler, was arrested during the raid.

Ruslin went on to say that the gang promoted the women’s services online.

“The gang reportedly charged RM240 an hour for the women’s services, while the victims received only RM100,” he said, adding that the women’s movements were strictly controlled and their passports confiscated.

Ruslin said the suspects could be looking at life imprisonment upon conviction, depending on the nature of charges that might be brought against them.

He asked the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to help the authorities combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling.