People's Park Complex patron accosted by masseuses 5 times within 50m stretch

The overzealous nature of massage parlor staff at People's Park Complex has left one male mall patron feeling very annoyed.

Shin Min Daily News reported it received a tip-off after a man said he felt pestered by staff from various massage parlours while at the shopping centre.

"Within the span of 50m, I was solicited five times," claimed the man.

The newspaper noted that there were about 50 massage parlours on the second and third floors of People's Park Complex, and the staff were forthcoming with their approaches.

Tested claim

To put the man's claim to the test, Shin Min's reporters went to the mall and tried to dismiss the touts.

In response, the more tenacious ones insisted on negotiating prices.

One said, "Please help, it's just 30 minutes."

Prices were almost consistent across the different massage parlours, with a 30-minute foot massage priced at about S$15.

One staff, surnamed Guo, told the Chinese media that competition at People's Park Complex was stiff.

Guo added that there are fewer customers at this time of the year because it is the school holidays, implying that residents in Singapore have gone overseas during this period.

Another lady boss, who operated five massage parlours on the same floor, gave further insight into the touting practices.

She told Shin Min that the mall does not see a lot of footfall and the cost of rental is high.

"The rent is not cheap. I will do as many massages as I can get," she said.

A 60-year-old owner of a watch shop on the second floor told the Chinese paper that the touting has affected her business.

"I have customers who come less often because of this," she said, adding that the number of massage parlours exploded after the Covid-19 pandemic.

Top images: Shin Min Daily News.