THREE individuals, including a 47-year-old, were arrested in Sabah on suspicion of human trafficking and prostitution.

According to Kota Kinabalu police chief Chandra Muthu, the suspects, a Chinese man and two Filipina women aged 25 and 47, were arrested around noon today, following tip-off and police surveillance of the suspects’ rented house in Petagas.  

“Six women aged between 20 and 24 were rescued. They were found in two bedrooms in the suspects’ home, a numbered house in Kg Peringatan,” he said.

The women were brought into Sabah in stages from Zamboanga, the Philippines, entering Sabah via Sandakan, Semporna and Tawau, before being brought to Kota Kinabalu.

Chandra said agents in Malaysia and the Philippines handled the travel arrangements while the victims paid with credit.

“They were initially promised jobs as waitresses in local nightclubs and restaurants… but instead were exploited.

“They were sent to entertainment centres, karaoke spots and hotels, whenever customers ordered for sexual service,” he said.

Police also confiscated 10 handphones, US, Brunei and Singaporean dollars and a car from the suspects.

Chandra said the women were also under constant control and supervision of the suspects, who also acted as pimps.

“The victims also claimed they have not been paid any salary or given commission or reward throughout the time.”

The suspects are being remanded until August 28, while the victims have been sent to a shelter centre. – August 23, 2017.