Police conducted enforcement operations against 181 Traditional Chinese Medicine outlets between 7 Feb and 14 Apr 2025.
The operations followed public feedback about illegal massage establishments masquerading as TCM clinics and operating without a license.
Major Police Enforcement Against Unlicensed TCM Massage Services
While most outlets checked were found to be in compliance with the law, eleven TCM clinics were found to have non-certified TCM practitioners administering massages to customers.
One outlet was found to be offering vice services. A female employee was arrested for managing a place of assignation under the Women’s Charter 1961.
Police investigations are ongoing against the operators of the 11 outlets for breaching the Exemption Order 2018 under the Massage Establishments Act. The police announced these findings in a media statement on 28 Jun 2025.
Severe Penalties for Unlicensed Massage Operations
Under Section 5(1) of the Massage Establishments Act 2017, persons convicted of providing massage services in an establishment without a valid licence face significant penalties.
First-time offenders face a fine of up to S$10,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both. Repeat offenders face harsher consequences with fines of up to S$20,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both.
The Massage Establishments (Exemption) Order 2018 provides specific guidelines for TCM practitioners.
Premises used for massage by a TCM practitioner registered under Section 14 and holding a valid practising certificate under Section 17 of the TCM Practitioners Act 2000 are exempt from the Massage Establishments Act 2017.
If a non-TCM certified person administers the massage, a massage establishment licence must be obtained from the police.
Ongoing Enforcement and Industry Collaboration
Police have engaged the TCM Practitioners Board to remind registered TCM practitioners of their obligations under the Massage Establishments (Exemption) Order 2018. This collaboration supports enforcement efforts and promotes compliance within the industry.
The police will continue conducting regular enforcement checks to detect and deter illicit activities at TCM outlets. Those found engaging in such activities will be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law.
Would you be jailed for being half-naked in public? Well, the answer will shock you. Seriously. Watch this to the end and you'll understand:
