Penang police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Wira Ayub Yaakub has told Malaysia’s The Star newspaper that the state is becoming a hub for commercial gay sex services and the local councils seem to be encouraging it by not revoking the permits of establishments that had been raided by the police in recent years.
“Although we have forwarded our recommendations to the local councils not to renew the operators’ permits, we find the centres still in operation,” he was quoted as saying in The Star on Monday.
“Because of the local authorities’ inaction, the operators have become big-headed, acting as if they are above the law.
“In fact, all the premises that we have raided are still carrying on with their businesses,” he said, adding that police had identified at least five health clubs catering to gay activities in Fettes Park, Pulau Tikus, Bagan Jermal and Seberang Jaya. He claimed that the health clubs are used as a front for commercial gay sex services.
On Tuesday, the Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) responded saying it issues licences to fitness centres based on health care services policies and would cancel or not renew licences if police reports have been lodged against those centres for conducting “unhealthy activities.”
Meanwhile, openly gay social commentator Hafidz Baharom who blogged on The Star’s website questioned why was the police only focusing on gay venues.
“While it's true that there are centers in all states that are being used for sex, how is it that only those servicing homosexual clients are labeled as allowing 'unhealthy culture'?
“Gay sex, by far, is the least of the police of Penang's major concern when it comes to it's objective of maintaining civil order.”
Last month, Penang police raided two gay joints, a massage parlour and a fitness centre, and arrested 19 men including a 65-year-old grandfather.