PAP Members of Parliament are working with government agencies to deter illicit massage parlour activities in the heartland. Stricter regulations for beauty and massage parlours and installing CCTV surveillance in certain areas, are some measures being considered.
The issue was raised at the inaugural listening session of the PAP Women’s Wing on April 18 at Tanjong Pagar Plaza. More than 100 residents and participants attended to discuss how to create family-friendly “wholesome heartlands” in the central region.
PAP Women’s Wing chairwoman Sim Ann led the dialogue alongside central district adviser Elysa Chen and Bernadette Giam, Head of the safety and respect arm of the WW.
Tanjong Pagar GRC MP Foo Cexiang and Jalan Besar GRC MP Shawn Loh also served as panellists.
In January, at least 10 massage and spa businesses at Tanjong Pagar Plaza shut down during a police crackdown on vice activities.
This followed Mr Foo’s push to refresh the ageing shopping centre in September 2025 amid concerns about illicit activities at some massage and beauty parlours.
Mr Foo said most vacated units have found new tenants, and the Merchant’s Association will help landlords bring in new tenants to maintain store diversity.
“It takes a village to raise a child, and the village is right here in our heartlands,” Mr Foo explained.
“Wholesome heartlands create an environment where families feel comfortable in letting their children participate in the community. Neighbours care for one another’s children and seniors, while shops and services are wholesome and improve our wellbeing.”
Ms Chen, an MP for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC, said PAP MPs from various constituencies in the central district met with agencies in February to discuss solutions. They included the Housing & Development Board, Ministry of Home Affairs, and Ministry of Health.
“We met with authorities to coordinate efforts and ensure that vice has no place in our neighbourhoods,” she said. “We will also push for certain policy advancements to give residents confidence that we are addressing their concerns and raising them in Parliament.”
During the session, Mr Loh proposed installing more CCTV cameras in areas where residents feel unsafe.
While illicit activities can never be fully eradicated in global cities like Singapore, Mr Loh said it was important to make sure that Singaporeans and their living environments were protected from these activities.
“This is not about ‘not in my backyard’ syndrome. It is ‘not in my front yard’ syndrome. We want to eliminate vice from our heartlands, our void decks, and the faces of our young sons and daughters.”
Sim Ann: MPs will push for policy reviews to be done expeditiously
Ms Sim, who is also Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs and Foreign Affairs, said that if the feedback shows that there should be “some policy tweaks” agencies will look into them.
She added that the MPs will push for policy reviews to be done expeditiously, beginning with industry consultations, which will “start very soon”.
Ms Sim said the listening sessions aim to collect ground feedback on issues concerning Singapore women. These issues include life transitions, health and wellbeing, careers and leadership, and safety and respect.
The PAP Women’s Wing plans to hold four to six dialogues annually. The next listening session will be held at the start of May in the Southwest District.
