JOHOR BARU: A total of 21 foreigners and two locals have been arrested in a raid at an entertainment centre here.
Johor Baru North acting OCPD Supt Azrol Anuar Nor said the suspects, aged between 19 and 42 years old, were arrested during a raid at about 11pm on Wednesday (Feb 12).
"During the raid, we arrested 21 foreign women who were believed to be working as waitresses at the center without valid work permits.
"We are still identifying their nationalities," he said in a statement on Thursday (Feb 14).
He added that a 29-year-old local man who was manning the counter had also been arrested to assist in the investigation.
"We also arrested a 30-year-old local man for possession of cannabis," he said, adding that one of the suspects has a criminal record and one tested positive for drugs.
Supt Azrol Anuar said police also seized a DJ controller, a laptop, a microphone, a speaker, necklaces, receipts, RM750 in cash, and two transparent plastic packets believed to contain 8.17g of cannabis.
"Early investigations found that the center was operating without a license and was hiring foreign workers without valid permits," he said.
He added that one of the local suspects is being remanded for one day starting Thursday (Feb 13), while the other local suspect is being remanded until Sunday (Feb 16).
"Meanwhile, the foreign suspects are being remanded between Thursday (Feb 13) and Wednesday (Feb 26)," he said.
The case is being investigated under Section 55B and Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, Section 39(B) of the Immigration Regulations 1963, Section 6 and Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, and Section 6(2) of the Johor State Enactment.
