Prai residents in Penang welcome Immigration raid at flat

 

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BUTTERWORTH: Residents of Flat Taman Teluk Indah in Prai welcomed an Immigration Department raid following complaints about foreigners allegedly involved in prostitution at the residential area.

They claimed they had frequently seen different men entering and leaving units occupied by foreign women, raising concerns that illicit activities could be taking place.

A resident, who wished to be known as Kumar, said he had frequently noticed the situation since moving into the flats.

"Foreigners usually rent units in groups, but when only two or three people occupy a unit, as a man, I can make assumptions when I see different men coming and going," he said after the operation.

Kumar said he had also noticed some of the women wearing revealing clothes and heavy make-up while receiving visits from different men.

However, he said he was unsure whether the women were being managed by someone or operating independently.

Kumar welcomed the Immigration Department's enforcement action, saying he did not want the residential area to become associated with illicit activities.

"I support Immigration operations like this because our flats are already known as one of the dirtiest residential areas.

"I do not want this place to be labelled a 'brothel flat' as well," he said.

Kumar said his family would move elsewhere as they were no longer comfortable living there, adding that the unit would subsequently be rented out.

Another resident, Nordin, said he was also relieved by the operation after frequently seeing different men entering and leaving units occupied by foreign women.

He said the Immigration Department's action was necessary to ensure foreigners living in the area complied with the law and did not commit any offences.

"I am glad the Immigration Department conducted a raid like this. Let them know there are consequences for breaking the law," he added.

It was reported that the Immigration Department conducted a raid at 20 locations, including a flat in Prai, following complaints from residents about foreigners allegedly involved in prostitution at a flat in Prai.

The integrated enforcement operation saw about 10 units believed to be occupied by foreigners inspected by enforcement officers, with nearly half having their doors forced open after occupants refused to respond.

A total of 71 people were inspected during the operation, with 24 foreigners detained for various immigration offences. - NST