Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Enforcement Operations Conducted Against Illegal Vice Activities Since 7 April 2020, by Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law

Question:

Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs since 7 April 2020 (a) whether the police has permitted any vice activities to continue operating; (b) how many enforcement operations have been conducted against illegal vice activities; (c) how many individuals and businesses have had action taken against them for engaging in vice-related activities; and (d) how does the police ensure that such activities are not a source of spread of COVID-19.

Answer:

1.   Vice activities are inconsistent with several of the Safe Management Measures implemented since 7 April 2020. Enforcement action can and has been taken to deal with such breaches.

2.   From 7 April 2020 to June 2021, Police have conducted more than 1,200 enforcement operations against vice activities. These operations targeted online vice activities, and vice services offered at other places, such as massage establishments. More than 500 individuals were arrested for alleged offences under the Women’s Charter, the Immigration Act and the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act.