The authorities have launched a crackdown on prostitution and gambling after an intensive nationwide drive against pirated and pornographic VCDs was hailed as a success, police officials said today.

Police squads have started raiding illegal entertainment venues, gaming and slot machine outlets, drug distribution and prostitution rings, a police source said.

In late May, authorities came down hard on the makers and distributors of pirated and pornographic VCDs, with police chief Norian Mai ordering police to wipe out the industry in two weeks.

This followed increasing media coverage of syndicated crime in the country, police said.

"The situation had mushroomed out of control. It looked as if we had reached a state of lawlessness. We could not ignore it," police spokesman Samsudin Ali told AFP .

"Police are now going after all syndicated crime, including illegal gambling dens and prostitution. We will not give up until we wipe them out."

Prostitution, however, was not as widespread as other "unhealthy activities" he said, noting that most of those involved in the industry were foreign women.

Many of these women, usually from China, are tricked into joining the trade by unscrupulous agents luring them with promises of lucrative jobs here.

Raid on private homes

Police statistics reveal that at least 2.5 million pirated VCDs and 160,000 pornographic VCDs were seized in raids during the two-week blitz around the country. More than 450 people have been arrested.

"Continuous firm and integrated action by police has been successful and effective in wiping out these unhealthy activities," police spokesman Jamshah Mustapa said.

An announcement that police would raid private homes in their drive against pornographic VCDs has created controversy and its implementation is still the subject of debate.

A pornographic home video featuring a Malaysia Airlines flight steward and his female colleagues sparked a recent public outcry, which also spurred the government crack-down.

A pornographic home video said to feature a local actress and her husband before they married also made its way onto the market. It is said to fetch up to RM100 a copy.

Apart from pornography, pirated VCD of mainstream movies are widely available in Malaysia, where blockbuster hits are readily sold even before their Hollywood premiere, sometimes for as little as RM4. - AFP