PUTRAJAYA, Jan 9 — Malaysia will never allow the opening of prostitution dens or brothels, as the country’s laws clearly prohibit such establishments, said Unity Government spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil.
Fahmi, also the Communications Minister, said anything which requires implementation in the nation must be done according to existing laws.
“We have to follow the law. Opening of brothels will never be allowed in Malaysia. No way,” he told the press after participating in the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission’s cellular service quality test (voice calls) today.
Fahmi was responding to the proposal made by actor Datuk Rosyam Nor in the “Hitam Putih Kehidupan” podcast, where he suggested prostitution dens should be made available for the “convenience” of male foreign workers, particularly those who have left their wives behind in their home countries.
The minister also agreed with the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, that the proposal contradicts both civil and syariah laws.
“I think the religious minister’s statement calls for sincere self-reflection by all of us. I agree with him, you cannot treat this kind of thing,” he said.
Earlier, Na’im said the actor’s proposal to open brothels for foreigners as a measure to reduce rape cases in the country is definitely unacceptable.
When asked whether the government would start regulating podcast content following such a proposal, Fahmi said: “We do not have a plan yet, but you just gave me an idea.”
On the allegation that certain political leaders were involved in attempts to bribe influential figures and MPs to topple the Unity Government, he said the allegation is being investigated by the authorities and the government views the matter seriously.
— Bernama
