Malaysian authorities have arrested 203 men, including 24 foreigners, in a raid on a Kuala Lumpur gym suspected of operating as a gay sex-on-premises venue.
The operation took place on Friday night at a men-only gym located on Jalan Raja Laut. Reports state that those detained include doctors, teachers, students, law enforcement officers, and 17 civil servants. Seven of the individuals arrested were employees of the gym.
Multi-Agency Operation
The raid began at 8 pm, coordinated by Division D7 of the Kuala Lumpur Police, Kuala Lumpur City Hall, and the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Department (JAWI). It followed two weeks of intelligence gathering on the premises, which was officially licensed as a gym and sauna.
Authorities claim the venue included a spa with a jacuzzi, and what has been described as a “dark room” containing a mattress. Patrons were allegedly required to disrobe and wear white towels upon entry.
During the operation, officers seized items including condoms and lubricant. Officials now intend to revoke the gym’s operating licence.
Religious Affairs Minister Supports Crackdown
Malaysia’s Religious Affairs Minister, Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, praised the raid, calling it a defence of religious values and national law.
“I fully support the actions taken by [police] to combat immoral activities and sexual misconduct,” he said, as quoted by World Of Buzz.
“We aspire for a Malaysia that is progressive yet rooted in strong moral values and blessed by God.”
Legal Outcomes and Shariah Implications
Of the 203 men arrested, 171 were released after appearing before the Magistrate’s Court, as none admitted to being a victim of homosexual activity—a legal requirement for prosecuting others under relevant laws.
Some individuals may still face charges under Islamic Shariah laws, which apply exclusively to Muslim Malays.
A local TV outlet, Buletin TV3, shared video footage of the raid, showing groups of men being detained and escorted from the premises.
Ongoing Anti-LGBTQ+ Campaign
This raid is part of a broader campaign by Malaysian authorities targeting same-sex activity.
- In June, 20 men were arrested in Kelantan after a gathering was mistakenly identified as a gay party. It was later revealed to be an HIV education event sanctioned by the Ministry of Health.
- In November, a children’s cartoon featuring two gay fathers was pulled from broadcast after bypassing state censors.
Malaysia continues to face international scrutiny for its treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals. Same-sex activity remains criminalised under both secular and Islamic laws, despite calls for reform.
