Malaysia Penal Code, Act 574, Chapter XVI, Article 372 (prostitution)

Section 372 of the Malaysia Penal Code makes it a crime to sell, let for hire, or otherwise dispose of any person for the purpose of prostitution. It also criminalizes bringing a person into or taking a person out of Malaysia with the intention that the person will be used for prostitution. A conviction carries a maximum penalty of fifteen years in prison, whipping, and a fine. Section 372B extends the framework by prohibiting solicitation for prostitution or any “immoral purpose” in any place. This offense is aimed at those who directly seek clients or attempt to induce others into sexual services. The penalty is up to one year imprisonment, a fine, or both. These provisions frame prostitution primarily as an exploitative act involving trafficking, procurement, or solicitation. The law does not distinguish between consensual sex work and coercive exploitation, and enforcement focuses on penalizing both the supply and demand aspects of prostitution rather than creating a regulatory framework.