Eleven Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) clinics across Singapore have been found flouting regulations by providing unlicensed massage services, with one outlet implicated in vice-related activities. This was revealed after the Singapore Police Force carried out a series of enforcement operations at 181 TCM outlets between 7 February and 14 April 2025, following public feedback about illegal massage parlours posing as legitimate TCM clinics.
According to the police statement issued on 28 June, the operations uncovered non-certified individuals administering massages in the guise of TCM treatments, effectively turning these clinics into unlicensed massage establishments. Alarmingly, one of these clinics had a female employee who was arrested for allegedly managing a place of assignation — a vice offence under the Women’s Charter 1961.
These findings have raised concerns about public health and safety, as well as the exploitation risks associated with unregulated massage services. The authorities warned that investigations into these illegal operations are ongoing, and those found guilty could face serious consequences under Singapore’s strict massage establishment laws.
Serious Penalties for Unlicensed Massage Services
Under the Massage Establishments Act, anyone convicted of providing massage services without a valid licence can face a fine of up to S$10,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both. Repeat offenders face harsher penalties, including fines of up to S$20,000 or imprisonment of up to five years, or both. These stringent measures reflect Singapore’s zero-tolerance stance on unlicensed massage businesses and their potential links to vice activities.
The Massage Establishments (Exemption) Order 2018 specifies that only certified TCM practitioners registered under the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Act 2000, and holding valid practising certificates, are allowed to provide massage services without a massage establishment licence. If a person without TCM certification performs a massage in these clinics, the establishment is required by law to obtain a massage licence from the police.
This regulatory framework aims to protect consumers seeking genuine therapeutic services and to deter illegal operations that may endanger the well-being of customers or become fronts for illicit activities. The recent enforcement action demonstrates the authorities’ commitment to upholding these standards.
Continued Enforcement and Public Awareness Efforts
To bolster enforcement, the police have engaged the TCM Practitioners Board to remind all registered practitioners of the legal requirements under the Exemption Order. TCM clinics must ensure that only qualified and certified individuals administer massages, or risk violating the law.
In their statement, the police emphasised that regular checks will continue as part of efforts to detect and deter illegal massage and vice activities at TCM outlets. “Those found engaging in such activities will be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law,” the press release stated, sending a clear message that Singapore takes such offences seriously.
Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious massage establishments that may be operating under the guise of TCM clinics. By doing so, they can help protect the integrity of Singapore’s healthcare system and contribute to efforts in keeping communities safe from illegal and potentially exploitative practices.
Image Source: Singapore Police Force