JOHOR BAHRU: A total of 174 individuals, including 162 foreigners, were arrested in a series of 16 raids under Op Noda in several areas in Johor from November 16 to 25.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Johor police chief Datuk M Kumar stated that nine local men and three local women were arrested in the operation conducted around Johor Bahru, Iskandar Puteri, and Batu Pahat. The operation targeted prostitution activities in entertainment outlets, massage parlours, and hotels.

In addition to the local suspects, the police apprehended 29 foreign men and 133 foreign women, all aged between 18 to 54. The authorities seized items believed to be used in prostitution, such as condoms, lubricants, tissue rolls, towels, and RM14,174 in cash. They also found 101 bottles of alcohol with unpaid tax.

The case is being investigated under multiple legal provisions, including Section 372B and Section 373 of the Penal Code, Section 135(d) of the Customs Act 1967, and Sections 6(2) and 11(2) of the Johor State Entertainmen
t and Places of Entertainment Enactment 4/98. Additionally, the investigation includes Regulation 39(b) of the Immigration Regulations 1963, Section 55B, Section 15(1)(c), and Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.