The Police are investigating 87 persons following island-wide enforcement checks on 101 massage establishments between 13 September and 23 October 2021.
A total of 31 massage establishments were found to have committed breaches under the Massage Establishments Act. These include allegedly carrying on a business of providing massage services in an establishment without a valid licence and failing to ensure employees do not provide sexual services in contravention of the Massage Establishment Rules 2018. A total of 10 massage establishments were also found to have committed breaches under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020. These breaches relate to the alleged failure to minimise interactions among staff and customers and failure to ensure that all persons wear a mask within the licensed premises. Establishments may be ordered to shut for 10 days and fined $1,000 for such breaches, whilst customers who were caught not wearing a mask may be issued with a fine of $300.
A total of 46 women were arrested for offences under the Women’s Charter and/or the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act.
Individuals found guilty of carrying on a business of providing massage services in an establishment for massage without a valid licence under Section 5(1) of the Massage Establishments Act, are liable to a fine of $10,000, imprisonment of up two years, or both. Those found to have breached the prescribed rules and conditions under the Massage Establishment Rules 2018 are liable to a fine not exceeding $5,000.
Individuals who are repeat offenders of the Massage Establishments Act are liable to a fine not exceeding $20,000, imprisonment of up to five years, or both, while repeat offenders who breach the Massage Establishment Rules 2018 will be liable to a fine not exceeding $10,000, 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, individuals found guilty may be jailed for up to six months, fined up to S$10,000, or both.
The Police will continue with our regular enforcement checks on massage establishments. 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.
Massage establishment detected with vice activities at Orchard Towers
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
06 November 2021 @ 9:00 AM