SINGAPORE: In a bid to curb “vice activities” in massage parlours, Singapore police have begun enforcing new and stricter rules on such establishments, including requiring massage services to be administered in full view of the public.
In raids conducted over the weekend, police arrested 77 Chinese, Malaysian and Thai nationals who were illegally employed as masseurs in 37 massage parlours in housing estates around the island.
“The operators were also issued with summonses for operating a massage establishment without a valid license,” Singapore police said in a statement.
Ninety-two other parlours were advised to remove curtains and partitions that obstructed their shops from public view. Singapore police deputy director of operations Raymond Yeo said, police would continue their enforcement checks on massage establishments.
“These are aimed at ensuring that the establishments are either operating with a valid license or qualify for exemption under the law.” Presently, establishments that conduct their massage services in full view of other patrons or employ only certified massage therapists need not apply for a license from the police.
Under the new law these establishments must meet a new set of requirements before they can qualify for exemption, including to ensure that the massage services are conducted in full view of the public, police said.
From January to May 2006, a total of 149 massage parlours were found to have flouted the exemption conditions. Police had also arrested some 50 women for vice activities in massage establishments this year.
