KL Mayor: Revamping Back Alleys to Tackle Prostitution

By Subaashinee Kupusamy,

19 SEPTEMBER: Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) is initiating efforts to clean and revitalize the city’s back alleys, often associated with prostitution. Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif shared plans to transform these areas through beautification projects, including opening cafes, food stalls, and galleries run by young entrepreneurs.

“We are offering incentives to encourage these changes. By adding murals and brightening up the spaces, we hope to curb prostitution activities,” Maimunah said during an episode of ‘Podcast BH, Borak Harini: Kuala Lumpur di Tangan Maimunah.’

DBKL will work closely with the police and Immigration Department to crack down on illegal brothels, as the city hall’s jurisdiction only extends to licensing and premises. Maimunah emphasized the need for increased joint operations, which she believes could help reduce prostitution in the city, even if eliminating it entirely is a challenge.

Four hotspots in Kuala Lumpur—Jalan Petaling, Jalan Gelang, Jalan Pudu, and Hotel Richmoore—have been identified for prostitution activities.

On tourism, the mayor underscored the importance of promoting legal, “clean” massage parlours and spas, regulated to ensure they operate without negative elements, aligning with the city’s vision of healthy, wholesome attractions as stated in NST.