The Singapore Police Force (SPF) conducted enforcement operations on 77 massage establishments and 59 public entertainment outlets islandwide.

The enforcement operations to clamp down on illegal activities took place between July 20 and 24, 2021.

Investigations against operators of eight massage establishments are ongoing after the establishments allegedly committed various licensing breaches under the Massage Establishments Act.

Ubi Road

In a press release on July 29, SPF said that enforcement operations were conducted on a unit located along Ubi Road 1 on July 24.

The unit is a commercial premises that was believed to have been operating as a public entertainment outlet.

13 persons found in the premises are also being investigated for breaches of the Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020.

One 25-year-old man is also being investigated for alleged offences under the Public Entertainments Act and Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Act.

He is suspected of being involved in managing the alleged illegal public entertainment outlet.

Under the Massage Establishments Act, those found carrying a business of providing massage services in an establishment for massage without a valid license shall be fined S$10,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both.

Those found to have breached the prescribed rules and conditions may be subjected to a fine not exceeding S$5,000.

For repeat offenders, the offence carries a fine not exceeding S$20,000, imprisonment of up to five years, or both; and a fine not exceeding S$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 license and providing public entertainment without a valid license, carry a fine of up to S$20,000 each.

Top photo via Conscious Design/Unsplash for illustration purposes