TWO activists working with at-risk groups in Chow Kit have criticised a minister’s views on sex work in the Kuala Lumpur suburb, saying they were “outdated” and counter-productive in helping sex workers.
Yesterday (July 24), HarakahDaily said the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (JAWI) was working with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to resolve issues linked to sex work in areas like Chow Kit, an infamous red-light district.
It quoted Islamic Affairs Minister Datuk Idris Ahmad as claiming these NGOs would “rehabilitate” sex workers and assist their out-of-wedlock children obtain identification papers.
SEED Foundation co-founder Mitch Yusmar Yusof and Yayasan Chow Kit (YCK) founder Dr Hartini Zainuddin both agreed Idris’ remarks were akin to “stereotyping” sex workers, a community whose existence is criminalised in both civil and syariah law.
“This kind of statement should come with valid information and statistics,” said Mitch, whose NGO supports the city’s homeless, the transgender community and people living with HIV.
“If not, I would say, because of the common misunderstanding of Chow Kit, this is just the normal perception.”
Similarly, Hartini asked if the information Idris received was based on observation and evidence, and also requested the names of NGOs JAWI is said to be working with.
“With due respect, the information is outdated. There aren’t that many sex workers and their children (in Chow Kit) anymore,” added Hartini, who works with at-risk children and teenagers at YCK.
Hartini told FocusM the local sex worker community has petered out, with many already “balik kampung” as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which studies show disproportionately impacted at-risk groups like theirs.
“Difficult to make ends meet now”
“It’s hard to make a living (as a sex worker). The old ones aren’t working. The new ones aren’t walking the streets. It’s much less obvious as well.
“So where is Idris’ ministry getting its information from?” Hartini, better known as Dr Tini, asked.
Reading between the lines of Idris’ statement, Hartini also questioned the apparent implication of a need to categorise the different groups of homeless people in the city.
“Wouldn’t it be more effective to work with the NGOs on a more holistic, evidence-based approach instead of assuming the worst of things we haven’t seen in Chow Kit for years?” she added.
Echoing this, Mitch said the Government should find solutions to end homelessness and poverty in the country, instead of singling out “prostitution” and those engaged in sex work.
“The Government will then see an improvement in people’s lives, including those in Chow Kit,” he told FocusM.
Mitch also pointed out that people do not get into sex work for “fun” or out of boredom, but as a means of survival.
“So, if the Government has a plan that includes (developing) sustainable income (for sex workers) in the long run, tell us – for the benefit of all underprivileged communities and those trying to survive during these difficult times.
“And don’t use religion as the focus of rehabilitation as that is not the point,” he added. “That doesn’t create sustainability or income either.”
Mitch and Hartini questioned Idris’ “rehabilitation” remarks too, with Mitch asking if it includes opportunities for sex workers to increase their income-generating capacity.
Hartini, meanwhile, added that sex workers and children born out of wedlock need community support and protection more than rehabilitation. – July 25, 2022
