Seven Indonesians detained over beauty treatments at rented homes

KUALA LUMPUR: Seven Indonesians believed to be working as beauty therapists were detained for allegedly offering beauty and aesthetic treatments from rented homes in four Klang Valley locations.

The Malaysian Immigration Department said those detained comprised one man and six women, aged between 19 and 44.

The department said the operation began at 12.15pm following complaints and intelligence on the alleged activities.

"Checks were carried out at rented houses in four separate locations, including Jalan Uranus in Shah Alam, Pandan Perdana and two other locations in Kepong," it said in a report published by Berita Harian today.

Immigration said the operation was aimed at preventing foreigners from offering beauty and aesthetic services to local residents and foreigners, particularly Indonesians.

The department said the services were promoted through social media platforms, including TikTok and Instagram, with customers required to provide premises for the treatments.

"According to the information received, the activity has been operating for about a year and could generate up to RM50,000 a month, depending on the number of customers and services offered," it said.

It added that the operators charged RM400 and above for the treatments and services offered.

"Customers are required to make a booking online or set an appointment first before they are seen by these therapists at the rented houses.

"Foreigners detained are believed to have trained and learned the methods of providing aesthetic treatments in their home country before coming to Malaysia to work," it said.

Of the seven detained, two women and a man were detained for allegedly committing offences under Section 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, while three other women were detained under Section 6(1)(c) of the same Act.

Another suspect was investigated under Regulation 39(b) of the Immigration Regulations 1963.

The department said all seven suspects would also be referred to the Health Ministry for further action under Regulations 7(1) and 30(1) of the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services (Private Medical Clinics or Private Dental Clinics) Regulations 2006.

"The suspects were taken to the Putrajaya Immigration Department for further investigation," it said.

The operation also involved enforcement personnel from the Health Ministry, Department of Occupational Safety and Health, and relevant local councils from Putrajaya, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur.