Woman says husband caught STD from Toa Payoh massage shop, MPs say enforcement in place & vigilance needed

A woman in Singapore claimed that her husband visited a shop that supposedly provided traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) services and contracted a sexually transmitted disease (STD).

The incident was raised at the People’s Action Party (PAP) Women’s Wing’s first Listening Session at Tanjong Pagar Plaza on Apr. 18, on how to create conducive environments for raising families, Shin Min Daily News reported.

Members of Parliament (MPs) raised concerns over illicit massage services at the session, which also touched on the topics of career and health.

Resident wrote to MP about husband

Feedback regarding illicit massage parlours was provided to Elysa Chen, an MP for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC.

Chen, who is also the Women’s Wing central district adviser, told Shin Min she was informed by a resident via email in January 2026 saying that her husband contracted an STD after visiting a TCM business in Toa Payoh.

The shop had allegedly been advertising illicit services on Facebook, TikTok and WeChat.

The wife who contacted the MP highlighted that such shops could spread sexually transmitted infections in the estate as they lacked proper hygiene and did not adhere to licensing requirements.

Chen said she alerted the police, and the shop was no longer in operation when Shin Min reporters visited.

Under the Massage Establishments Act, massage shop operators need to obtain a licence.

Chen added that the massage shops that illegally provide sexual services, other than breaking the law, can also affect families.

Other cases

Other MPs on the panel also raised their concerns.

Jalan Besar GRC MP Shawn Loh shared about an underage boy, who was apparently “seduced” by a masseuse at a massage parlour located under his block in Boon Keng last year

His parents found out after their son had asked them for money, which he wanted to use at the shop.

Tanjong Pagar GRC MP Foo Cexiang also said 10 massage and beauty parlours at Tanjong Pagar Plaza have recently closed.

Eight of the vacant units have since been rented.

Three of the shops are used for services such as a music school or gym, while the remaining five still operate as massage businesses or TCM clinics.

However, Foo said these new shops should not be scrutinised but treated as legitimate businesses.

He said he would continue to conduct walkabouts in the area and urged residents to spot any illegal activities and file a police report as soon as possible.

Holland-Bukit Timah GRC MP Sim Ann noted that open-concept massage shops do not require licences.

But illegal activities may still occur as services are secretly offered.

The chair of PAP Women’s Wing said the police and Housing and Development Board (HDB) could potentially adjust licensing procedures for massage businesses after gathering feedback from stakeholders.

Top photos via Shin Min Daily News