The Police are investigating 45 persons following island-wide enforcement operations on 42 massage establishments and nine public entertainment outlets between 9 to 15 August 2021.
During the operations, the Police raided an unlicensed KTV-concept outlet along Chang Charn Road and arrested four women, aged between 30 and 33, for allegedly working without a valid work permit. The Police are also investigating 11 persons who were found in the premises for alleged breaches of the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020. A 40-year-old man was also arrested for offences under the Public Entertainments Act and Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Act, for his suspected involvement in managing the unlicensed public entertainment outlet.
In addition, a total of 17 massage establishments were believed to have committed various breaches under the Massage Establishments Act and COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020. These included three outlets that were found to be operating without a valid licence, and a 10-day closure order will be issued to one massage establishment for allegedly failing to ensure that all of its customers had worn masks during the provision of massage services. In all, investigations against 29 individuals, comprising operators, masseuses and a customer, are ongoing.
Under Section 5(4) 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, or face imprisonment of up two years, or both. For repeat offenders, the offence carries a fine not exceeding $20,000, or imprisonment of up five years, or both. Under Section 35(3) of the same Act, those found to have breached the prescribed rules and conditions may be subjected to a fine not exceeding $5,000, and in the case of a subsequent conviction, a fine not exceeding $10,000, or imprisonment of up to 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 illegal KTVs to suppress vice and other illegal activities. Members of the public and businesses are advised to take safe management measures seriously. The Police have zero tolerance for irresponsible behaviour relating to the flouting of these measures and offenders will be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
20 August 2021 @ 10:00 AM