Adjournment motion on managing commercial activities in housing estates

Families and seniors often shared that “visible solicitation activities” outside some massage parlours made walking home very uncomfortable. Not just the wives - the husbands also felt uncomfortable. MP Denise Phua shared these concerns in an adjournment motion in parliament on Wednesday (Feb 4), as she called for clear rules, fair processes, early intervention and proportionate enforcement to ensure that liveability is not eroded by commercial activities. Senior Minister of State for National Development Sun Xueling noted her concerns stemming from open concept massage establishments, which are exempted from licensing. The Singapore Police Force is currently reviewing the massage establishment regulations to ensure that the regulatory regime is updated and fit for purpose, she said. She added that agencies monitor businesses and take calibrated but firm action when issues arise. For example, HDB and the police worked with shop owners to evict close to 40 massage establishment operators in 2025. Ms Sun stressed that the government is committed to maintaining liveable neighbourhoods through proper planning, careful gatekeeping and firm enforcement.