Groups of women have been spotted openly soliciting customers along Orchard Road outside Forum The Shopping Mall. The incidents have raised concerns about Singapore’s reputation as a premier shopping district.
Shin Min Daily News received reports about these activities a few months ago. The newspaper had been tipped off about skimpily-dressed women gathering along the street in front of the shopping mall.
Foreign Sex Workers Target Men Along Orchard Road Pavement
A Shin Min Daily News reporter visited the area at night and observed around 10 women stationed along the pavement after dark. The women sat on stone benches and stairs along the street, dressed in revealing clothes.
The women appeared to be between 20 and 40 years old. They waited at different locations along the street – some sitting alone while others were seated in groups of two or three.
When the women noticed men glancing at them repeatedly, they would get up and approach them. The women would flirt with the men playfully, using phrases like “Be my boyfriend tonight”.
They would put their arms around the men’s shoulders and behave in an intimate manner. The reporter observed that the women had attracted the attention of some men, who stopped to negotiate prices with them.
Both parties typically reached an agreement within five minutes. After negotiations, they walked to a nearby bus stop or taxi stand to leave together by taxi or private-hire car.
Vietnamese Women Charge S$200 to S$350 for Services
An anonymous office worker in the area told Shin Min Daily News that he first noticed the gathering of these purported sex workers three months ago. He said most of them are Vietnamese.
The worker expressed concerns that most tourists travelling to Singapore are families. He feared that this activity would damage Singapore’s reputation.
The women usually gather around 11pm, with some staying until 1am or even 3am or 4am. The highest number of women he had seen gather along the street was around 20 to 30.
The reporter noted that while many people were drinking and chatting in the area, the women specifically targeted foreigners walking by. Three women were observed approaching a foreigner at the same time after seeing him, though the man left after saying a few words to them.
Several migrant workers were also seen approaching the women, but they left after being unable to agree on a price.
When the Shin Min Daily News reporter attempted to approach one of the women, she asked for the lowest price he could offer for her services. She explained that the “market rate” was S$200, with some charging S$350.
The woman asked the reporter where he lived and offered to accompany him home. When the reporter declined, saying it was inconvenient, she suggested going to a nearby hotel instead.
She also suggested taking a bus to a hotel that offered cheaper room rates.
Under Singapore law, solicitation in public places is an offence. Members of the public who witness suspected vice activity can report it to the police.
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