Malaysian brothel unearthed in pigsty

By Jonathan Kent
BBC, Kuala Lumpur

The authorities in Malaysia have closed down a brothel that was operating from a disused pigsty.

Police moved in after women in Tanjung Sepat village reported seeing their husbands making regular visits to the sty, for no apparent reason.

Inside, the owners had built 20 cubicles, each with a fan and bed, as well as a bar and a sound system.

Most of the customers were reportedly Malaysian Chinese, who hold no taboos regarding pigs.

At first the Malaysian police were hamstrung by the fact that the vast majority of officers are Muslim Malays - who tend to avoid contact with animals they regard as unclean at all costs.

When the police finally moved in, they arrested three women from mainland China, their pimp and 30 customers.

Several other prostitutes were reported to have fled during the raid.

Police say they're planning similar operations against other brothels in the area.