Prostitutes waiting for customers
© AFP/FileKUALA LUMPUR (AFP) - "We want to give them a new life but they seem uninterested," said Rosol Wahid, an Islamic development official from conservative Terengganu state.
"All we want them to do is give up their profession and lead a decent life," he told The Star newspaper.
Terengganu authorities offered 15 prostitutes, most of whom had been in the sex industry for some two decades, rent-free apartments in a housing complex in a gesture to mark the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
But none have taken up the offer, preferring instead to remain in the town centre, continuing to practice their trade and living in dilapidated wooden houses.
"I am getting old and my loyal clients have promised to take care of my welfare when I retire," said 50-year-old sex worker Makcik Ayu, adding that the residents of the apartment block would harass the women if they moved in.
©AFP