A specialist doctor claimed he had only wanted to “heal and avoid the after-work traffic jam” when he was detained in a major raid at a sauna and gym in Chow Kit that was allegedly operating as a venue for illegal same-sex activities.
The man, who is 59 and nearing his retirement years, admitted that he frequented the premises before returning home to his wife and children.
“I always come here to avoid the traffic after work. I can unwind a little in the sauna and jacuzzi. As for what I do here, I don’t want to comment, but yes, such activities do happen here,” he told reporters at the scene.
Over 200 people arrested
Harian Metro previously reported that 201 patrons and seven workers were arrested during the operation, which involved multiple enforcement agencies. The sauna had allegedly been transformed into a meeting point for gay men to engage in unlawful acts.
Teen visitor says he found the place through friends & online reviews
Among those detained was a 19-year-old youth who admitted he discovered the venue through a friend and later from online reviews that described the premises positively.
He was found together with a 46-year-old man at the time of the raid and said it was his second visit.
“This place is very popular. I first came two weeks ago and spent about three hours here. At first, I just wanted to try it out, but I got hooked after that,” he said.
Foreign tourist claims he did not know it was illegal
A foreign tourist in his 40s was also arrested. He claimed he visited the sauna after coming across favourable reviews and comments on social media but insisted he did not realise that the activities there were against the law.
Authorities said investigations are ongoing, and more action may follow depending on the findings.
