KUALA LUMPUR – A total of 171 local men detained during a raid on a “men-only” wellness centre in Chow Kit were released after a magistrate rejected a police remand request, citing the late submission and lack of evidence indicating any victims.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Comm Datuk Fadil Marsus said the delay in filing the remand application was caused by the unusually large number of arrests. A total of 202 individuals were detained during the joint raid involving Kuala Lumpur police, City Hall, and Jawi.
According to Comm Fadil, the arrests took more time to process because each individual had to be documented and categorised separately. “The sheer number of arrests meant the processing took time, and the remand application was filed late,” he explained on Sunday, November 30. “The magistrate then decided to reject it.”
Of the 202 detained, only 31 foreigners were successfully remanded for two days. These individuals reportedly lacked identification documents and are now being investigated under the Immigration Act.
Comm Fadil stressed that while the case involved concerns related to “social crimes,” police were unable to establish any offences under Sections 377 and 372 of the Penal Code, which relate to sexual acts deemed illegal under Malaysian law and activities connected to exploitation or prostitution.
“Police found no evidence to support further action under those provisions,” he said. “There is no evidence to help us proceed.”
He added that Malaysian law requires the presence of a victim in cases involving exploitation. Since none of those detained claimed to have been harmed or exploited, authorities could not advance the case further.
“Although action was taken, the organiser appears to be at large,” Comm Fadil said. “Under current laws, offences involving exploitation, prostitution, or unnatural sex acts require a victim.”
The two-storey premises had been monitored by police for two weeks before the raid took place. Located in a shoplot, the ground floor was registered as a gym, while the upper floors were converted into a sauna and jacuzzi area that catered specifically to male clients.
Authorities said the investigation now focuses on identifying the organiser of the establishment, while those released have been cleared of accusations under the Penal Code due to insufficient evidence.
The case highlights the enforcement challenges surrounding “victimless” offences in Malaysia, where legal definitions and investigative requirements often determine whether authorities can pursue charges. For now, police are continuing efforts to locate and question the operator of the wellness centre.
