46 women arrested after island-wide checks on 101 massage establishments

Island-wide enforcement checks on 101 massage establishments between September 13 and October 23 led to the arrest of 46 women. A total of 87 individuals are also under police investigation.

Police said on Saturday (Nov 6) that 31 massage establishments were found to have committed breaches under the Massage Establishments Act.

These include allegedly carrying on a business of providing massage services in an establishment without a valid licence and failing to ensure employees do not provide sexual services in contravention of the Massage Establishment Rules 2018.

Ten massage establishments were also found to have committed breaches under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020.

"These breaches relate to the alleged failure to minimise interactions among staff and customers and failure to ensure that all persons wear a mask within the licensed premises," police added.

Establishments may be ordered to shut for 10 days and fined $1,000 for such breaches, whilst customers who were caught not wearing a mask may be issued with a fine of $300.

A total of 46 women were also arrested for offences under the Women’s Charter and/or the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act.

The police said they will continue with regular enforcement checks on massage establishments.

"Members of the public and businesses are advised to take the prevailing safe management measures seriously," they added.

"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."