The Singapore Police Force released their annual physical crime statistics on 16 February for the year 2022, which showed that the number of molestation cases in Singapore nightspots increased by 514.2% last year.
Molestation cases in places such as bars, pubs and clubs increased to 129 cases in 2022, up from 21 cases in 2021, and 104 cases in 2019.
The police attributed the increase of molestation cases to the reopening of public entertainment venues after the easement of pandemic restrictions, which were allowed to resume nightlife operations in April last year.
The total number of outrage of modesty cases reported last year was 1,610, which is an increase from the 1,474 cases recorded in the previous year of 2021.
Of the 1,610 cases, about 938 of the cases involved perpetrators who were known to the victim, including colleagues, family members and friends.
Outrage of modesty cases made up about 8% of the total physical crimes that took place in 2022.
In comparison, there were 1,605 cases of molest in 2019.
The number of molestation on public transport also went up to 178 cases last year, compared to 163 cases in the year before.
The police attributed the increase in molestation cases on public transport to more commuters being on public transport.