Is A Sugar Baby Really A Prostitute? We Find Out
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In Malaysia, the conversation of “sugaring” intensified after several billboards of a local sugar dating app, Sugarbook, were spotted around a couple of affluent neighbourhoods in KL.
The uproar was focused on public display of something immoral, with many decrying sugaring as prostitution.
This got us wondering, is sugaring really prostitution?
First things first, we look at what a sugar baby and sugar daddy/mommy relationship is like.
(Screenshot from Cambridge Dictionary)
According to the founder & CEO of Sugarbook, Darren Chin, “sugaring” is basically a mutually beneficial relationship between two parties.
The two discuss and agree on their list of needs and wants. This list includes monthly allowance expectations, rent payment, companion for dinner or concerts and any form of emotional or financial support.
Darren clarifies that on their platform, members come from all walks of life.
The sugar daddies are generally middle-high income individuals who are business owners, lawyers, doctors and politicians.
Darren Chin, founder & CEO of Sugarbook to TRP
Meanwhile, the sugar babies could be isolated working adults, struggling single mothers, divorcees, unaccompanied widows and housewives in search for a second chance in life
(Screenshot from Facebook)
So in the sugaring relationship, it seems that the relationship is one of mutual benefit where the “baby” gets financial support while the “daddy/mommy” receives attention and companionship which may, but not always, include sex.
What about prostitution?
The general consensus of prostitution is someone having sex for money. Legally, the Malaysian Penal Code defines it as:
“Prostitution” means the act of a person offering that person’s body for sexual gratification for hire whether in money or in kind; and “prostitute” shall be construed accordingly.
Section 372 (3), Act 574, Malaysia Penal Code.
Interestingly, being a prostitute and prostitution isn’t illegal in Malaysia, but it is restricted.
What’s illegal is offering prostitution services aka advertising themselves and living on the earnings of prostitution. It’s also illegal to be a pimp and to seek out prostitutes.
According to AskLegal, it appears that Malaysian laws on prostitution are aimed at preventing the trafficking and exploitation of individuals into the life of prostitution.
So is sugaring really prostitution?
Based on TRP’s Facebook poll, many people believe so.
However, the argument for sugaring is that the sex -if it happens- is consensual and agreed upon by both parties and there is a relationship between the sugar baby and the sugar parent.
Darren points out that sugar babies are not sex workers who are forced into labour and they do not trade their bodies for monetary value.
However, it is important to note that a Norwegian businessman was handed 6 months suspended sentence in Belgium for promoting prostitution in May 2019. BBC reports that the sentence was meted out in relation to his dating website that advertised sugar daddies to Belgian university students.
Verdict: We’ll wait for the courts to decide.
Do think sugaring is the same as prostitution? Share your thoughts on TRP’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
