Three high-ranking British men were among 200 arrested at a suspected gay sex den in ultra-conservative Malaysia.

The revellers visited the health club in Kuala Lumpur allegedly to take part in men-only orgies, which are punishable under the country's criminal code.

Police, local government authorities, and Malaysia's Islamic religious department raided the venue in Chow Kit on November 28, following reports that the premises were being used for 'immoral' sexual activities.

Footage shows officers storming into the facility, where they found hundreds of partially naked men in towels lounging in saunas and dark rooms.

Some customers were visibly shocked, covering their privates in panic as they tried to flee before being rounded up by the cops. The group reportedly included lawyers, civil servants and accountants among other high-ranking professions.

Kuala Lumpur police deputy chief Datuk Mohd Azani Omar said: 'We detained 201 patrons and seven employees aged between 19 and 60, including 24 foreigners.

'We also seized condoms and several other items believed to have been used for immoral purposes.'

Officers said the venue had been operating for around eight to 10 months. Staff promoted its facilities - including a gym, a sauna, a swimming pool, and jacuzzis - through social media and word of mouth, but it reportedly became an underground hub for covert gay meet-ups.

The police chief added: 'Visitors were charged RM35 per entry, while new customers had to pay RM10 as a registration fee before receiving a membership card.'

The men - including several tourists from the UK, China, Brazil, Germany, South Korea, and Spain - were detained at the Dang Wangi District Police Headquarters for further screening.

Authorities said they were being investigated under Section 377B of Malaysia's Penal Code which punishes 'carnal intercourse against the order of nature' and Section 372 for alleged exploitation.

Local media reported that 171 Malaysian men were later released when a magistrate rejected the police's late remand bid. Only 31 foreigners were remanded for two days, police said.

Some 103 Muslim men were also being investigated under Sharia law.

Religious Affairs Minister Datuk Mohd Na'im said: 'This act is unacceptable, not only legally, but even more so from a religious standpoint.'

Under Malaysian law, anal and oral sex are considered crimes punishable by up to 20 years in jail and whipping.