The New Sabah Times, Friday, February 22, 2002
Press Release 3
Call for stern action against alleged syndicates
KOTA KINABALU: An ethnic based organization has called for stern action against alleged syndicates roping in Kadazandusun women into vice in the Peninsula.
Calling themselves the Rungus Dusun Leadership Club or RDLC, the body views seriously the media report on the six women supposedly of Kadazandusun race who were arrested for prostitution in Perak last week.
Its president, Johori Botohong said an intergrated effort amongst community leaders, non-government organization and parents was necessary to overcome the "new" social ill.
"If this is not stopped now, it will soon spread across the community and more younger and impressionable women will be lured into prostitution with offers of lucrative pay by the syndicates" he said in a statement here yesterday.
He urged those with information on such immoral activities to let the police know so that investigations can be made immediately.
Local authorities too have been urged to make more stringent checks in commercial premises such as hair dressing salons, entertainment centers, hotels and even employment agencies.
Another issue that raised concern for the club was a recent report on local women being involved in pornography.
Johori said the culprits must be punished for running lewd operations.
Meanwhile, the club secretary, Jackson Akat acknowledged that many youth from Kudat had left for peninsula after being recruited by employment agencies.
"When they get there, they choose their own directions without thinking further of the possible risks incurred." he said.
According to him, one of the reasons why rural youths succumb to social ills upon reaching the Peninsula for the first time was because of cultural shock.
He said many get swept away by the urban culture ignorant of the negative impacts it could cause.