SINGAPORE : Tougher enforcement against soliciting women and
drunk pub customers in Joo Chiat has meant the neighbourhood has
taken on a slightly cleaner image.
But residents and MP Chan Soo Sen, who formed the Community Watch
Group there, wants to implement a more long-term solution.
Women soliciting along the streets in Joo Chiat Road, drunkards
relieving themselves behind resident's homes - these are the common
scenes.
These establishments share a common wall with some of the homes
along Onan and Tembeling Roads.
Such activities come as no surprise since this stretch is home to
some 40 establishments like pubs, karaoke lounges and massage
parlours.
Places like these have sprouted out in the area in the past
year.
Media reports highlighted the problem and police enforcement
increased.
From December 21 last year, the Police even agreed to a moratorium
on issuing licences to new pubs and similar establishments in Joo
Chiat.
That has helped some, but the watch group wants to make sure the
problem does not come back.
Roger Soh, Leader of Joo Chiat Community Watch Group, said: "We
need to let the residents know us.....we need to work out a
platform, something like a letter or pamphlet for the residents to
fill up, in a format like airmail already paid that they can fill
up and send it to us."
The business operators at the root of the controversy will,
however, continue to operate within the new rules.
But it will be a challenge to play by the books since business has
plummeted some 80 percent since the clampdown.
Chris Yap, Member of Joo Chiat Community Watch Group and Business
Community Representative, said: "The women, I'm not saying that
there won't be any more foreign women coming back.
"In fact, we are hoping that they would come back but behave in a
proper manner, for example, stop soliciting on the roads and I'm
sure it would be bearable by the authorities as well as the
residents."
Not everyone though thinks such businesses should continue.
"Save Joo Chiat Group" which is part of the Watch Group would
prefer a clean image for the neighbourhood.
They want the place to attract tourists and families in the long
run by selling its rich Peranakan heritage. - CNA