KUALA LUMPUR: A new career or profession seems to be emerging in the country as a handful of Malaysians are venturing into the lewd video industry for quick profits.
This group, starting to dabble in the production of "Made In Malaysia" pornography, appears to be emulating the production and marketing ideas of the Japanese Adult Video (JAV) industry.
However, they are observed to commonly use social media platforms to attract customers and market adult videos instead of the digital disc (DVD) format.
Without the assistance of production crews, studios or specialised equipment, they only require a smartphone to record their explicit acts before distributing them to 'fans' who are willing to pay the price.
Checks by "Harian Metro" on social media platforms such as Telegram and X (formerly Twitter) revealed that many young women are diving into this world of adult films just to make easy money.
Checks revealed that these activities, also monopolised by "freelance" prostitutes, generate videos with a duration of less than 10 minutes for easy consumption.
A customer, who only wanted to be known as Amin, in his 20s, said many women shamelessly offer explicit videos through private accounts on X, charging as low as RM35.
"They advertise short adult videos to attract attention before asking interested individuals to send direct messages for business transactions.
"They operate a two-in-one business. They become freelance prostitutes by setting locations, rates and specific dates to meet customers who are interested in engaging in sexual activities.
"At the same time, they also expand their 'business' by producing self-acted adult videos for sale to the general public," he said.
Amin said the recent exposure of local gigolos selling adult videos on social media platforms is not surprising.
"We, for a long time, have known of the existence of gigolos offering adult videos. Moreover, if monitoring is done on the dark side of the Internet, even more individuals like them can be found.
"However, after a gigolo was arrested by the police, many uploaders of local adult videos quickly deleted their videos from social media.
"Many became nervous and took a 'short break' from these activities. Their social media accounts went 'silent' and were only filled with ordinary pictures," he said.
He believed that individuals selling adult videos can make profits ranging from tens of thousands of ringgit for each video marketed, as it is subscribed to by thousands of people.
Meanwhile, crime analyst Kamal Affandi Hashim said the increasing number of local individuals producing adult videos proved that the sense of shame is diminishing.
"What worries me is if this activity is normalised as in Japan, where up to 6,000 schoolgirls become adult film actresses due to lucrative offers.
"According to a study by 'The Japan Times' columnist Brian Ashcraft, increased careers in the porn industry will only increase crime, vice and social system damage," he said.
He added that although it was considered a source of income, such actions clearly contradict the morals, customs, culture and even the laws of any country.
"In certain situations, those who engage in such activities are not doing it to cover the cost of living but to fulfil a luxurious lifestyle.
"Cases like these are discussed on social media and many express their concerns as the suspects use social media applications for such activities," he said.
On Jan 18, a man was arrested after being found involved in selling his adult videos of engaging in sexual activities with over 20 women of various ethnicities through social media.