Deputy Home Minister Chor Chee Heung today admitted that some police personnel are protecting those involved in vice activities, especially foreign prostitution rings.

Replying a supplementary question by Fong Po Kuan (DAP-Batu Gajah) in the Dewan Rakyat, Chor said such involvement could not be denied, but the percentage of cases was "very small".

He said this did not mean that the police force has neglected its duties in eradicating criminal activities.

Sex rings busted

Ho Cheong Sing (BN-Ipoh Barat) had raised the issue when he asked for the number of foreigners involved in prostitution activities in Malaysia from 2000 to 2002. Ho also wanted to know what measures the government has taken to curb such activities.

Fong, who picked up the matter, claimed that corrupt police personnel are believed to be tipping off syndicates or entertainment outlet operators whenever the authorities plan raids.

Earlier, Chor ( photo ) told Abdul Hamid Abdul Rahman (BN-Sungai Benut) that the police have been serious in dealing with foreign sex workers.

"The government is aware that there are syndicates involved in prostitution rings. If fact, many of these have been (smashed) by the police," he said.

Chor explained that Malaysia's dilemma was that foreign sex workers are attracted to working in a country that is peaceful and prosperous.

Sex workers arrested came from 20 different countries, with Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, China and Uzbekistan topping the list. The number of arrests increased from 3,597 in 2000 to 4,133 in 2001. Last year, there were 5,131 such arrests.

Preventive measures

Chor outlined steps taken to stop vice activities involving foreigners, including more stringent checks at entry points. Suspects have had their intended duration of stay reduced or were denied entry altogether.

He said foreign students found to be involved in prostitution are sent back to their country of origin.

Dr Syed Azman Syed Ahmad (PAS-Kuala Terengganu) asked if there was truth to MCA Youth chief O­ng Tee Keat's (photo ) allegation that loansharks were being protected by VIPs.

Chor replied that investigations showed no proof of this.

Syed Azman, who appeared dissatisfied with the answer, pressed for details, pointing out that o­ng had submitted the names (of the VIPs involved) to the authorities.

He further asked how MCA Wanita chief Dr Ng Yen Yen could have been appointed a senator while she held permanent resident's status in Australia.

"This shows that some Barisan Nasional leaders are irresponsible and that their loyalty to the country is questionable," Syed Azman added.