--- title: "River Valley massage parlours allegedly push sexual services, workers cite low pay: ‘We might as well starve’" url: "/trending-now/river-valley-massage-parlours-allegedly-push-sexual-services-workers-cite-low-pay-we-might-well" published: "2026-10-28T09:17:10.000Z" updated: "2026-10-28T09:17:10.000Z" section: "Trending Now" authors: ["Ethel Tseng"] tags: ["massage","massage parlour","River Valley","sexual-services","emotional","tip off","TNP News"] --- # River Valley massage parlours allegedly push sexual services, workers cite low pay: ‘We might as well starve’ *Massage parlours along River Valley Road are allegedly offering sexual services, with masseuses making emotional appeals to persuade customers to pay for extra services.* Massage parlours along River Valley Road are allegedly offering sexual services, with masseuses making emotional appeals to persuade customers to pay for extra services. “Relying on ordinary massages alone, we might as well starve,” one masseuse reportedly said, explaining that the workers had to meet sales targets. According to an anonymous tip-off sent to Shin Min Daily News, several massage parlours have reportedly opened around River Valley Road and Mohamed Sultan Road. Following the tip-off, Shin Min found six massage parlours within a 50m stretch, four of which appeared to be offering sexual services. During visits to the establishments, masseuses at two parlours were cautious, insisting that the reporter undergo a massage before discussing further. Staff members at one parlour said it was inconvenient to talk about other services at the counter, while another parlour denied offering such services. Before the massage, one masseuse asked the reporter to fill in his personal details, including a name and identity card (IC) number, claiming that this was required under police regulations. However, once inside the parlour, the masseuse openly offered sexual services. The reporter was subsequently led into a cubicle, where the masseuse first asked whether he wanted to shower. Midway through the massage, she asked directly whether he wanted a “prostate massage”, quoting a price of $50 to $100. After the reporter declined, the masseuse began describing her financial difficulties, claiming that she earned less than $10 in commission for an ordinary massage. She added that workers who failed to meet their monthly sales targets could have their salaries deducted. “Relying on ordinary massages alone, we might as well starve,” she said. The masseuse also revealed that several other workers were employed at the parlour. Unless customers made special appointments, walk-in customers were assigned to the masseuses on a rotational basis. “Sometimes, we only get one customer a day. We have no choice but to take risks,” she said. ## Two massage parlours have same owner The Shin Min reader alleged that two of the massage parlours belonged to the same owner, appearing to operate as a chain. During a visit to one of the establishments, the reporter saw several women dressed in revealing clothing. An employee initially denied that the parlour offered sexual services. However, when the reporter appeared ready to leave, the employee quoted a price of $150, with massage fees charged separately. When the reporter commented on the steep price and said he would check with another parlour, the employee replied: “Both places charge the same price. There’s no need to ask.” Nearby business owners also said that two of the parlours shared the same owner. One of them was reportedly raided in May and July, but resumed operations after changing its licensee. “These two massage parlours each have at least 10 masseuses, most of whom are Vietnamese. They resumed operations not long after being raided,” one source said. The reader added that the parlours often operated round the clock, but the masseuses rarely stood outside to solicit customers. Instead, they advertised their services online or through messaging apps and arranged appointments with customers. Checks by Shin Min found that at least two of the parlours had posted advertisements in Telegram groups, accompanied by photographs of women in revealing clothing. ![massage parlour workers using low pay to get clients, we might as well starve](https://cassette.sphdigital.com.sg/image/stomp/6e6bec59796c992e64442da7bf1bb4074c68239a0afc9ce5436ac8e05c090cc6) ## Legitimate operators says clientele is different The owner of a nearby legitimate massage parlour, who declined to be named, told Shin Min that she had operated her shop in the area for more than 10 years. She said parlours allegedly offering sexual services only began appearing after the Covid-19 pandemic, and the numbers have continued to grow. But these establishments had not affected her business as they served different customers, she explained. “Most of my customers are residents living nearby, and many are regulars who know that we operate legitimately. “I have also put up a notice stating that sexual services are prohibited at my parlour. When customers come in to ask about such services, I point them to the notice, and they leave on their own,” she said.