Police conducted enforcement operations in Geylang and Joo Chiat on 20 Jun and 27 Jun 2025, targeting hair salons and public entertainment outlets.
The operations were led by Bedok Police Division with support from the Central Narcotics Bureau, Immigration and Checkpoints Authority and Singapore Civil Defence Force.
Hair Salons Offering Unlicensed Massage Services Raided
Three hair salons in Geylang were raided on 27 Jun 2025. One salon along Geylang Road was found providing massage services without a valid licence. Two other hair salons were providing massage services beyond stipulated operating hours.
During the raid at one outlet, plainclothes officers caught women offering unlicensed massage services. Four men were receiving such services at the time of the raid.
The men sat on massage beds at the back of the shop while police questioned the women. Although the men were allowed to leave, they stayed behind, hoping to get a refund.
Several of the women appeared to be Singapore permanent residents based on identity checks.
These shops typically have a salon set-up at the front, while the back contains massage stations with beds separated by thin dividers.
The raided shop had four massage beds, six hair washing beds and two foot massage recliners. At least seven women were working there during the raid.
The Straits Times visited this same shop in 2024 as part of a report on how vice operators exploit gaps in existing regulations. Following the December 2024 report, the hair salon operator posted on TikTok, offering a S$20,000 reward to anyone who could uncover illegal activity inside the shop.
Under the massage establishment licensing system, at least 80 per cent of employees at massage parlours and spas must be certified in beauty therapy services. Some vice operators sidestep these rules by branding their outlets as beauty and hair salons.
All three salons are being investigated for offences under the Massage Establishments Act 2017.
Multiple Arrests Linked to Entertainment Outlets and Traffic Violations
Police raided public entertainment outlets in Geylang and Joo Chiat on 20 Jun and 27 Jun 2025 to clamp down on activities like touting, vice and drug-related activities.
Twelve women aged between 32 and 50 were arrested for working without valid work passes at the public entertainment outlets.
On 27 Jun 2025, the media was taken to a KTV lounge in Geylang where 10 women were arrested. All were Chinese nationals.
Customers continued partying even as the police raid unfolded.
Two public entertainment outlets in Joo Chiat were found to have their performing artistes mingling with patrons. These outlets are being investigated under the Public Entertainment Act 1985.
One outlet in Geylang had fire safety violations including obstructions to emergency escape routes and poorly maintained fire safety provisions such as extinguishers and hose reels.
Traffic Police conducted anti-drink driving checks in the area as part of the wider enforcement operations. Seven motorists aged between 24 and 55 were arrested for drink driving.
Among those arrested was a 26-year-old man who did not have a valid driving licence and was driving a car without insurance coverage.
More people were arrested for drink driving in 2024, with 1,778 such arrests representing a 6.9 per cent increase from 2023.
Drink driving-related accidents dropped from 180 to 166 cases in the same period. However, fatal accidents linked to drink driving increased from 11 cases in 2023 to 12 in 2024.
A 48-year-old male motorcyclist was arrested for suspected drug-related offences during the enforcement operation. He had duty-unpaid cigarettes and e-vaporisers in his possession.
The suspected drug-related offences have been referred to the Central Narcotics Bureau. The duty-unpaid cigarettes and e-vaporisers findings have been referred to Singapore Customs and Health Sciences Authority respectively.
The police K-9 Unit was observed at the scene.
Commander of Bedok Police Division Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Justin Wong said the operations show the police’s commitment to stamp out illegal activities. He added that together with law enforcement partners, they will work to keep the Geylang and Joo Chiat areas safe and secure.
In total, eight men and 12 women aged between 24 and 55 were arrested for various offences. Another four men and two women aged between 33 and 69 are assisting with investigations.
Those convicted of running a business providing unlicensed massages can be jailed for up to two years and fined up to S$10,000. Repeat offenders can be jailed for up to five years and fined up to S$20,000.
Those convicted of working without a valid work pass can be jailed for up to two years and fined up to S$20,000.
When a fire hazard is detected, the Singapore Civil Defence Force issues a Fire Hazard Abatement Notice to the responsible entity. If the fire hazard is not addressed, a Notice of Offence will be issued.
Composition fines of up to S$5,000 may be imposed upon rectification. The offence carries a fine of up to S$10,000 or a jail term of up to six months, or both.
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