Police Investigate 11 Illegal Massage Spas Posing as TCM Clinics

Police enforcement operations focused on 181 TCM outlets in response to public feedback about unlicensed massage services and suspected vice activities. PHOTO: SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE

The police are investigating 11 illegal massage establishments that were found operating under the guise of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) clinics, following enforcement operations between Feb 7 and April 14.

In a statement issued on June 28, the police said the enforcement operations focused on 181 TCM outlets in response to public feedback about unlicensed massage services and suspected vice activities.

While most outlets checked were found to be in compliance with the law, 11 outlets were discovered to have non-certified TCM practitioners administering massages to customers.

One outlet was also found to be offering vice services. A female employee was arrested for managing a place of assignation under the Women’s Charter 1961.

Investigations against the 11 non-compliant outlets are ongoing.

Under Section 5(1) of the Massage Establishments Act 2017, providing massage services without a valid licence carries severe penalties.

If found guilty, offenders may be fined up to $10,000, jailed for up to two years, or both.

Repeat offenders can be fined up to $20,000, imprisoned for up to five years, or both.

To support enforcement efforts, the police have engaged the TCM Practitioners Board to remind registered practitioners of their obligations under the Massage Establishments (Exemption) Order 2018.

The police added that regular enforcement checks will continue to deter and detect illicit activities at TCM outlets.

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According to the source: The Straits Times.