Selangor: Pimps are now tapping the potential of the internet.From the traditional method of luring customers at street corners and seedy reflexology centres, prostitution syndicates are boldly using this technology to escape the long arms of the law.Clients seeking illegal massages and prostitution services can now log onto one of numerous websites or blogs available, which display a selection of hotel spas and women from which customers can choose to satisfy their demands.
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With Google search, the "online brothels" provide images of prostitutes, masseurs and hotel spas listed, including details like vital statistics, types of services available, their current locations and pricing.The nationalities of women in these blogs include Chinese, Thais, Vietnamese, Russians and Koreans.
Checks by theSun showed these women were priced from RM180 to above RM1,000.New customers need to register for membership on these blogs after which they can select the hotels or spas to visit for the required services.
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Authorities theSun spoke to shared their views on the existence of these websites and the damage they can cause.Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) president Samuel Cheah Swee Hee said it is shocking that even reputable hotels are being mentioned in these blogs.
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"As far as we know, we have always handled issues pertaining to hotels in a legitimate manner. Maybe, these illegal activities (online brothels) are carried out by syndicates," Cheah said.He also pointed out that MAH has always been professional in promoting spa services in hotels."Spa healthcare services in hotels are being promoted for good healthcare services, but these unhealthy activities will definitely kill the profession," Cheah added.He hoped the actions of these syndicates will not give a wrong image of the hotel industry.Meanwhile, a spokesman for a premier hotel mentioned in the blogs said the spa in that particular hotel is operated by a third-party operator and the hotel management is not aware of the claim."We, as the hotel administrator, are not affiliated whatsoever with the spa."It operates on a separate floor within the hotel premises," said the spokesman when contacted by theSun.Meanwhile, Bukit Aman's Secret Societies, Gambling and Vice Division principal assistant director, SAC Datuk Roslee Chik, said police are aware of this issue and will take action soon."Police will also take measures jointly with other authorities such as the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC)," he added.KL Criminal Investigation Department (CID) chief SAC Zainuddin Ahmad told theSun that so far, police have not received any reports in connection with this kind of "sex activities"."But we will act to combat this problem," he added.According to Tenaganita director Aegile Fernandez, human trafficking in the country also involves college and university students.
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"We have many pubs, massage parlours, spas and restaurants in the country and many of those working there may be human trafficking victims."We're getting more and more cases of students being trafficked," she added.
