12 women arrested in Joo Chiat and Geylang, 3 hair salons found providing illegal massage services
Eight men and 12 women were arrested following enforcement operations in Joo Chiat and Geylang on June 20 and 27.
The women, aged between 32 and 50, were arrested at public entertainment outlets and hair salons for working without a valid work pass.
Another four men and two women, aged between 33 and 69, are assisting with investigations.
One hair salon at Geylang Road was found providing massage services without a valid licence. Two other hair salons were found providing massage services beyond the stipulated operating hours.
All three outlets are being investigated under the Massage Establishments Act.
Two public entertainment outlets in Joo Chiat were found to have their performing artistes mingling with patrons and are being investigated under the Public Entertainment Act.
Fire safety non-compliances were also observed at one of the outlets in Geylang. These included non-maintenance of fire safety provisions such as fire extinguishers and hose reel, and obstructions to emergency escape routes.
The operations were led by Bedok Police Division, supported by officers from the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB), Immigration & Checkpoints Authority and Singapore Civil Defence Force.
During the operation, Traffic Police officers also conducted anti-drink driving enforcement checks along roads in the area.
Seven motorists, aged between 24 and 55, were arrested for drink-driving. One of them was a 26-year-old man who was found to be driving a car without a valid driving licence and using a motor vehicle without insurance coverage.
The eighth man arrested was a 48-year-old motorcyclist found to have duty-unpaid cigarettes, and e-vaporisers and related components. He was also arrested for suspected drug-related offences.
The suspected drug-related offences have been referred to CNB, while the duty-unpaid cigarettes and e-vaporisers related findings have been referred to Singapore Customs and Health Sciences Authority (HSA) respectively.
Individuals found guilty of carrying on a business of providing massage services in an establishment for massage without a valid licence are liable to a fine of up to $10,000, an imprisonment term of up to two years or both. Repeat offenders are liable to a fine of up to $20,000, or an imprisonment term of up to five years, or both.
Individuals found guilty of working without a valid work pass are liable to a fine of up to $20,000, an imprisonment term of up to two years or both.
