51 arrested in Malaysia as man linked to ‘gay party’ found dead
A man in handcuffs (stock image via Getty Images)
Malaysian police have arrested at least 51 men following a series of raids on Sunday (24 May) connected to what authorities described as a drug-fuelled “gay party” at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur.
Narcotics department director Hussein Omar Khan stated on Monday (25 May) that the men arrested were aged between 21 and 52, and 28 foreign nationals were part of the group. Khan also said drugs, including MDMA, ketamine, and ecstasy, were allegedly seized during the operation.
The raids came after one man believed to have attended the gathering was reportedly found unconscious in the hotel lobby and was later pronounced dead upon arrival at Kuala Lumpur Hospital, as reported by the Independent.
Police have not released details surrounding the cause of death, but said 36 of the detained men tested positive for drugs and remain under investigation under Malaysia’s Dangerous Drugs Act.
Homosexuality remains criminalised in Malaysia, where same-sex acts and cross-dressing are banned under both civil and Islamic laws as a part of its dual-track legal system.
Rights groups have repeatedly warned of increasing pressure and intolerance of LGBTQ+ people in the country, particularly following a high-profile 2025 raid which saw 171 people detained on suspicion of same-sex activities. Those detained were eventually released without charge, as authorities stated that there was insufficient evidence to prosecute them.
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