115 vice activities detected in licensed massage establishments from 2023 to 2025, says K Shanmugam

Singapore authorities detected a total of 115 vice activities in licensed massage establishments over the past three years, as police move to tighten regulations governing the sector.

The figures were disclosed by Mr K Shanmugam, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs, in response to a Parliamentary question from West Coast–Jurong West GRC MP Cassandra Lee.

According to Mr Shanmugam’s written reply, there were 45 cases detected in 2023, 40 in 2024, and 30 in 2025. 

Police issued 907 licences in 2023, 877 in 2024, and 868 in 2025, Mr Shanmugam said.

Ms Lee had asked how many massage establishment licences were granted in those three years, and how many vice activities were detected in licensed premises during the same timeframe.

Mr Shanmugam clarified that the figures provided do not include open-concept massage establishments. These outlets are currently exempt from applying for a licence, provided they comply with rules designed to prevent their premises from being used for vice activities.

He added that the police are reviewing massage establishment regulations to ensure the regulatory regime remains updated and fit for purpose. Industry consultation will be conducted in due course, he said.

Singapore police, HDB confirmed broader review of the Massage Establishments Act underway

Separately, in a joint response to state media The Straits Times, the Singapore Police Force and the Housing Board confirmed that a broader review of the Massage Establishments Act is underway.

The authorities said changes to tighten regulations are expected to be announced in the coming months, signalling a tougher clampdown on massage parlours and salons involved in vice activities.

Under the current Act, operators of massage establishments must obtain a licence from the police. However, certain businesses are exempted from licensing requirements.

These include open-concept massage establishments, as well as beauty salons and hair salons that do not provide massage services. Such outlets were previously assessed to be lower risk, as they do not typically offer full-body massages.

The authorities acknowledged that they do not track how many exempted establishments exist, as these businesses are not required to apply for licences.

To avoid regulatory scrutiny, vice operators have historically registered their businesses as beauty salons.

In more recent years, hair salons have also been used for this purpose, according to enforcement agencies.

In 2024, local media reports highlighted hair salons along Geylang Road that were allegedly offering services beyond haircuts. Six months later, in 2025, police raided three salons in the area.

Between 20 May and 7 July 2025, Singapore police and multiple agencies conducted island-wide anti-vice and crime raids, resulting in the arrest of 932 people and investigations of 2,445 individuals for various offences, including those at massage establishments and other commercial venues.

Later, between 22 November and 6 December 2025, police conducted multiple enforcement operations targeting illegal massage establishments and vice activities across areas including Jurong East, Chinatown, Little India, Orchard Road and Balestier, uncovering unlicensed massage services, detecting vice activities, and placing numerous men and women under investigation

In their 3 Feb 2026 joint reply, the police and the Housing Board said they are aware of the disamenities caused by errant massage establishment operators, particularly in residential areas.

They added that firm action has been taken through regular enforcement operations, alongside regulatory controls aimed at preventing the proliferation of vice-related activities.

In heartland areas, the Housing Board plays a role by controlling the trade mix of Housing Board rental shops. Quotas are set for certain trades, including massage establishments.

Since September 2024, the quota for massage establishments has been tightened. Tenants are required to seek the Housing Board’s approval if they wish to change their trade.

Such applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account factors such as location and potential impact on residents.

The same considerations apply to Housing Board–sold shops. Shop owners must seek approval if they intend to change the use of their premises to operate massage establishments.

The authorities noted that in previous enforcement campaigns, vice operators often responded by re-registering their businesses as beauty salons to evade licensing rules.

Police said upcoming regulatory changes aim to close these loopholes and strengthen oversight of the sector.

They added that they will work closely with relevant agencies and engage the massage establishment industry before implementing the new measures.