Deputy minister wants Sugarbook app banned

 

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Ahmad Marzuk Shaary wants the Sugarbook app banned.

Sugarbook offers dating services between younger women and older men, but there have been concerns that relationships matched on the platform were transactional.

South China Morning Post had reported that the soliciting of sex is rife on the app, but Sugarbook had said it makes combating vice and exploitation a priority.

The controversial dating service gained renewed attention this week when it released a survey of the "Top 10 Sugarbaby Universities", listing higher learning institutions with the most "sugar baby" users.

"This is very regretful and I have said that the government will take tougher action against those involved, including the app which should be blocked from use in the country.

"We cannot let people commit actions that are wrong or against the law through the app," Marzuk told journalists in Kota Bharu, Kelantan today.

He said the service was now under investigation.

In Sugarbook's survey, it claimed the service was helping students with their debt and tuition fees.

“Times are hard. Our platform provides the opportunity to find economic relief during these volatile times.

"Dating someone who is more successful or experienced comes with its perks, and financial incentives are just one of them.

"They get to connect with high-net-worth individuals as well as pursue career advancements,” Sugarbook chief executive office Darren Chan had said. - Mkini