MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTS

Dr Kanwaljit Soin asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) how many establishments in Singapore have massage as one of their services; (b) whether there has been an increase in the number of these establishments from 1992 to 1994, and if so, what is the reason for the increase; (c) how many of them have been reported for breach of rules and what penalty was meted out; and (d) what percentage of massage establishments had recurrent violations.

Mr Wong Kan Seng: There are currently 113 establishments in Singapore with massage as one of its services. Thirty two new establishments were licensed in the past 3 years.

Massage establishments are governed by the Massage Establishments Act and its Rules. In addition, licensing conditions are imposed by Police to minimise crime and vice activities and to prevent syndicates from operating such establishments. For instance, no one with a record of being involved in vice activities is allowed to operate a massage establishment or be employed as a masseuse.

Police enforce the laws and conditions concerning massage establishments strictly. The numbers of breaches in the past 3 years are as follows: 1992 - 34 1993 - 16 1994 - 25

The penalties meted out depend on the seriousness of the offence. For minor offences, eg failure to wear identification card, a warning is given. For more serious offences, eg employing masseuses without approval from the licensing officer, licensees are prosecuted in court under the Massage Establishments Act. The fines could be up to a maximum of $1000.

Between 1992-1994, 9 massage establishments violated licensing rules more than once. Where these violations are serious, Police will take action to revoke their licences. However, this has not been found to be necessary in the last 3 years.