KUALA LUMPUR – An Administrative and Diplomatic Officer (PTD) from the Higher Education Deputy Minister’s office, who was arrested during a raid on a sauna suspected of being a site for illicit activities, has been instructed to resign immediately, according to Deputy Minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud.
This directive followed the swift action taken by the Ministry’s Integrity Unit, which launched an internal investigation that led to disciplinary proceedings in accordance with service regulations.
Mustapha said that the Ministry had implemented firm actions to ensure the integrity of the civil service remains intact.
“I acknowledge the report concerning the arrest of one of the PTD officers working in my office by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) recently,” he said.
“As Deputy Minister, I respect the ongoing investigation and urge everyone not to speculate in ways that could undermine the integrity of the inquiry.”
He continued, “At the Ministry of Higher Education (KPT), no one is exempt from the rule of law and governance, and any further action will be determined based on the findings of the Integrity Unit and cooperation with the authorities,” he said in a Facebook post last night.
The arrest occurred last Saturday when 201 individuals, including visitors to the health centre on Jalan Raja Laut, were detained on suspicion of involvement in illicit activities.
The operation, which took place on November 28, saw the suspects—aged between 19 and 60—arrested at around 8 pm.
It involved Kuala Lumpur Police, the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), and the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Department (JAWI).
Reports indicated that of the 201 detained, 17 were public servants, including a surgeon, a deputy public prosecutor, a senior civil servant, a teacher, and enforcement officers. – December 2, 2025