KUALA LUMPUR: The Immigration Department has arrested 19 foreign women after a two-week intelligence-led operation targeting beauty centres and spas suspected of being used as covers for illegal activities.
The operation, carried out by the Intelligence and Special Operations Division, took place at 2.44pm on Jan 27 at three locations in Kuala Lumpur and one in Puchong.
Those detained comprised 12 Filipinos, six Vietnamese and one Mongolian, aged between 22 and 48.
Preliminary investigations found that three of the Vietnamese women were holding social visit passes, the Mongolian woman possessed a student pass, and all 12 Filipinos were registered under domestic helper permits. The remaining individuals were found to have no valid travel documents.
During the raids, officers confiscated nine Filipino passports, three Vietnamese passports and one Mongolian passport, along with five mobile phones, a QR payment scanner, business records, Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) documents and RM1,500 in cash believed to be linked to unlawful operations.
Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said the premises were disguised as legitimate beauty establishments to evade detection. While signboards and beauty services were openly offered, illicit services were discreetly marketed to selected clients through Telegram and WhatsApp.
He explained that customers were first offered standard massage treatments before being provided with a secret code granting access to additional services. The premises had also been altered internally and equipped with security systems.
Authorities believe the syndicate had been operating since March last year, charging fees ranging from RM180 to RM250 per session.
All 19 foreign nationals are currently being investigated under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and have been brought to the Immigration Department office in Putrajaya for further proceedings. In addition, seven local men have been issued notices to assist with the investigation.
Zakaria reaffirmed that the department will continue to take firm action against activities that breach national laws to ensure public order and stability.
Source: nst
2026-01-28T16:00:00Z