10-12-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) In a recent crackdown named OPS Cegah Pondan conducted by the Perak religious department, multiple illegal massage parlors in Ipoh were targeted. The operation culminated in the successful arrest of five transgender individuals from Thailand who were found offering services beyond massage in the raided establishments.
According to a statement from the religious department, two Malaysian men were also apprehended during the operation for documentation purposes. However, one of the men was subsequently released on bail by the department.
A video shared by the religious department on Facebook captured the transgenders attempting to evade authorities during the operation. The exact relationship between the detained trans women and the Malaysian men was not specified. While the men were released, the trans women were taken into custody at the nearest police station after being made to wear prison uniforms.
Citing Section 55 of the Perak Syariah Law Enactment, the statement highlighted that a man cross-dressing and behaving like a woman in any public place for immoral purposes is a punishable offense. Offenders can face a fine of up to RM1,000 or a prison sentence of not more than six months, or both.
Simultaneously, another operation by the same team targeted a massage parlor in Gunung Rapat, resulting in the apprehension of two men during their massage session.
It’s crucial to note that authorities are actively conducting raids on illegal massage centers, and not all operations are publicized on social media.
