The Police are investigating 84 persons following island-wide enforcement operations on 76 massage establishments and 78 public entertainment outlets between 26 July and 1 August 2021.
During the operations, the Police raided unlicensed KTV-concept outlets at five locations along North Bridge Road, Outram Road, Kallang Avenue, Ubi Road 1 and Geylang Lorong 13. The Police are investigating 50 persons found in the premises for alleged breaches of the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020. Four men, aged between 24 to 46, 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 the unlicensed public entertainment outlets.
In addition, a total of 15 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 two premises. A 10-day closure order and a fine of $1000 will be issued against these two massage establishments whilst the customers will be fined $300 for breaching Safe Management Measures (SMM). Investigations against 34 persons, comprising of operators, masseuses and customers are also 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. Those found to have breached the prescribed rules and conditions may be subjected to a fine not exceeding $5000. For repeat offenders, the offence carries a fine not exceeding $20,000, imprisonment of up five years, or both; and 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 illegal KTVs to suppress vice and other illegal 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.
Scene photos from the unlicensed public entertainment outlet along Kallang Avenue
Scene photos from the unlicensed public entertainment outlet along Ubi Road 1
Scene photos from the unlicensed public entertainment outlet along Geylang Lorong 13
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
03 August 2021 @ 9:00 PM