KUALA LUMPUR: A special task force to combat vice activities, including prostitution, has been created, say city police.
KL police chief Comm Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa, when contacted yesterday, said the task force’s main objective is to crack down on all forms of the flesh trade, be it street prostitution or that which operates at hotels, massage parlours and food courts.
“In the last two to three weeks, we have carried out numerous operations against sex services,” he said.
He added that such efforts were ongoing and police have brought cases to the public eye via the media.
“We have raised the issue via media statements, including providing statistics and with our follow-up actions.
“Action is continuously being taken (by the police) and there are also joint operations with the Immigration Department and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL),” he said.
He added that existing laws were being applied to their “fullest extent” to ensure that cases result in criminal charges.
“In our investigation process to get statements, there are several other considerations that we have to be mindful of before we suggest charges in court,” he said.
Comm Rusdi said the police would seek to collaborate with DBKL to find the best approach against premises involved in such illegal activities.
At a press conference on June 27, he revealed that 1,691 people have been detained in connection with prostitution activities following 409 raids in the first half of the year.
“We have detected prostitution activities in every district in Kuala Lumpur except for Putrajaya. We will use the full legal means to combat prostitution.
“Such cases are often investigated under Section 372 of the Penal Code, which encompasses action against pimps and prostitutes,” he added.
