Illegal massage parlours allegedly resurface at People’s Park Centre after pandemic
Massage parlours offering sexual services have reportedly made a resurgence at People’s Park Centre in Chinatown, with insiders claiming their numbers have surpassed pre-pandemic levels. Despite a lower public profile compared to previous years, the alleged proliferation of such establishments has raised concerns among legitimate business owners operating within the ageing shopping complex, according to local reports.
- Massage parlours allegedly offering sexual services have reportedly increased at People’s Park Centre since 2022, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
- Lower footfall and cheaper rents — such as S$1,000 (approximately US$776) units — are said to have attracted such operators, who allegedly operate discreetly indoors.
- Legitimate massage businesses report harassment from customers and claim enforcement efforts have struggled to prevent repeated reopenings.
SINGAPORE: Massage parlours suspected of offering sexual services have apparently made a comeback at People’s Park Centre, with an insider telling local reports that female sex workers began returning to the building around 2022, as Covid-19 restrictions eased.
In the past, the shopping complex had repeatedly drawn attention due to women dressed in revealing clothing openly soliciting customers along its corridors. While such scenes are reportedly less common today, the insider claimed that the businesses have instead adopted a more discreet approach.
Despite the lower visibility, the number of massage parlours allegedly offering sexual services has grown significantly.
The insider estimated that there are now more than 30 such establishments operating within the building, exceeding the number seen before the pandemic.
Lower Footfall and Cheaper Rents
The insider attributed the increase partly to a sharp decline in footfall at People’s Park Centre in recent years.
Visitors were said to frequent mainly the first and second floors, with significantly fewer patrons visiting the other levels.
According to the building’s website, retail operations span four floors. However, the reduced demand on the ground and third floors has reportedly led to lower rental rates. In some cases, rent on these levels was said to be about half the price of units on the first or second floors.
For example, renting half a unit on the third floor reportedly costs around S$1,000 (approximately US$776), compared with more than S$2,000 (approximately US$1,550) for a similar space on the more popular floors.
This pricing difference has allegedly made it easier for female masseuses to rent space without difficulty.
As a result, massage parlours suspected of engaging in illicit activities are said to be concentrated mainly on the ground and third floors of the building.
Discreet Operations and Falling Prices
The insider further claimed that masseuses today no longer dress in revealing outfits while soliciting customers.
Instead, they tend to dress modestly, with partitioned rooms inside the parlours where sexual services are allegedly offered once customers enter.
Increasing competition among these establishments has also reportedly driven prices down. The insider claimed that some masseuses now charge as little as S$30 (approximately US$23) for sexual services in order to attract customers.
When a reporter from local media visited People’s Park Centre in November 2025, massage parlours were observed on almost every floor of the retail section. Women were seen standing outside the units, beckoning men who walked past.
If a passer-by stopped, they would be ushered inside to discuss services.
The reporter was allegedly quoted prices ranging from S$50 to S$150 (approximately US$38 to US$116).
In one instance, when the reporter gestured with three fingers while walking past, a woman was said to have whispered, “S$30 (approximately US$23)”.
Legitimate Businesses Caught in the Middle
Local reports also highlighted the impact on legitimate massage parlour operators in the area.
One lawful business owner shared that his female employees had repeatedly been asked by passers-by whether they offered “special services”.
When they replied that they did not, some customers allegedly mocked them, suggesting they did not know how to make money. Others reportedly told them that those unwilling to engage in illicit activities should not be in the massage industry.
The owner also recounted an incident involving a repeat customer who persistently asked his staff whether they provided sexual services.
On one occasion, the man allegedly claimed he had “hit the jackpot” and could afford to pay a high price, leaving the business unsure how to handle the situation.
Alleged Evasion of Enforcement
According to the owner, enforcement actions have had limited long-term effect.
He claimed that massage parlours involved in illicit activities often resume operations shortly after raids are conducted.
He further alleged that sex workers maintain group chats to alert one another when enforcement occurs, allowing them to shut down temporarily and leave immediately.
With a large number of similar establishments in the area, he said it remains difficult to bring all of them to task.
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