The Police are investigating 88 persons following island-wide enforcement checks on 92 massage establishments and 23 public entertainment outlets between 2 and 8 August 2021.
As part of the operations, the Police had raided four unlicensed KTV-concept outlets, located along Ubi Avenue 3, Kaki Bukit Road 1, Lorong 8 Toa Payoh and Desker Road. The Police are investigating 42 persons found in these premises for alleged breaches of the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020. Four men and a woman, aged between 18 to 31, are also being investigated for alleged offences under the Public Entertainments Act and Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Act, for their suspected involvement in managing these unlicensed public entertainment outlets.
In addition, a total of 24 massage establishments were believed to have committed various breaches under the Massage Establishments Act and COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020. Police officers had found masseuses and customers allegedly not wearing a mask during the provision of massage services at four of these premises. A 10-day closure order and a fine of $1,000 have been issued against these massage establishments, whilst the customers will be fined $300 each for breaching Safe Management Measures. Investigations against 46 persons, comprising of operators, masseuses and customers are ongoing.
Under Section 5(1) of the Massage Establishments Act, those found carrying on a business of providing massage services in an establishment for massage without a valid licence shall be fined $10,000, face imprisonment of up two years, or both. For repeat offenders, the offence carries a fine not exceeding $20,000, imprisonment of up five years, or both. Under Section 35 of the Massage Establishments Act, those found to have breached the prescribed rules and conditions may be subjected to a fine not exceeding $5,000. For repeat offenders, the offence carries a fine not exceeding $10,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or both.
For non-compliance with safe distancing measures under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020, offenders may be jailed for up to six months, fined up to S$10,000, or both. The offences of supplying liquor without a valid licence and providing public entertainment without a valid licence, carry a fine of up to $20,000 each.
The Police have been consistently taking enforcement action at massage establishments and public entertainment outlets to suppress vice and other illicit activities. Members of the public and businesses are advised to take the prevailing safe management measures seriously. The Police have zero tolerance for irresponsible behavior relating to the flouting of these measures and offenders will be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
10 August 2021 @ 6:35 PM