C
Cao Pi
Guest
Jun 30, 2010
36 massage operators fined
<!-- by line --> By Elena Chong
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<!-- end left side bar --> <!-- story content : start --> THIRTY-SIX people were fined between $1,000 and $4,500 on Wednesday for offences under the Massage Establishment Act and its Rules. They were among 55 operators of both licensed and unlicensed massage establishments summoned to court arising from a series of police raids in areas such as Chinatown, Boat Quay, Middle Road, Serangoon and Kampong Glam.
During the raids between last October and May this year, 19 operators were found to have operated a massage parlour without a valid licence while another 36 licensees were found to have breached the conditions of the Massage Establishment rules. A total of 34 foreign women were also found working illegally as masseuses in some of these places.
Commander of Central Police Division, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Tan Hung Hooi said: 'These unlicensed massage establishments are a breeding ground for illicit activities and Police will not hesitate to take tough enforcement actions against unlicensed operators.''
He said licensed operators who blatantly flout the conditions of their licence were no less culpable and would be taken to task as well. Landlords should exercise due diligence and ensure that their tenants do not use the premises for illicit activities. Errant landlords who knowingly allow their premises to be used in such a manner will be sternly dealt with.
