SINGAPORE : Some residents of Joo Chiat are seeing red about the
many entertainment outlets that have sprung up in their largely
residential area.
Many complain that these outlets are attracting undesirable
activities, such as prostitution to an area known for its
historical architecture and Peranakan culture.
At last count, there are about 70 karaoke lounges, more than 30
massage parlours, and at least seven budget hotels along Joo Chiat
Road alone.
And residents aren't thrilled.
Residents say that over the past six to twelve months, there has
been a rapid rise in the number of karaoke lounges, pubs, health
centres and massage parlours - establishments that they say, are
attracting social problems and give Joo Chiat a bad name.
Some concerns raised by residents - foreign women who openly
solicit for customers, including drunken patrons.
"The residents here are concerned with the wives and daughters
walking along Joo Chiat Road. They can be mistaken as one of the
prostitutes. I have been driving every night along the road and the
cars turn around to look at the wonderful girls walking down the
streets and that slows down traffic. Of course it's colourful but
it brings out the wrong image to Joo Chiat. It's a colourful night
life I would say but not to the advantage of the residents," said
James Ling, a resident at Joo Chiat.
Another resident Patricia Sharma said: "The area has degenerated
into an area that is just like Geylang. I, as a woman cannot walk
down the street and feel safe anymore because there's more drunk
driving and drunken brawl. Men look at me, if I dress in anything
but fully covered. You'll be stared at by all these men who assume
you are a prostitute."
Residents have aired their concerns and grievances to their MP, who
says the new businesses are due to the lifting of the Rent Control
Act three years ago.
Landlords can now raise rents and because of that, many traditional
businesses have moved out.
Chan Soo Sen, MP for Joo Chiat said: "I can understand why my
residents are upset and I empathise with them. The law enforcement
agencies have been checking on these establishments regularly,
checking the papers of these women regularly. From what they told
me, there are not many vice activities. Quite a lot of activities
relate to buying drinks for the ladies. The law enforcement agency
says this does not constitute an offence but they will continue to
monitor."
Mr Chan has regular meetings with the police and various agencies,
including the Land Transport Authority and the URA, to review the
situation and take action where needed.
But residents want more to be done.
Another Joo Chiat resident said: "Next to my house, there's a new
pub coming up and there's another open already. I get disturbance
every now and then because people are drunk and staff who come out
of the shops make noise. One thing I feel is that, they have to be
careful when they give out licences, and cut down the hours of
operation. Joo Chiat has been a lively area for a long time. It's
fine if you don't want to kill businesses here but you have to bear
in mind that you have residents living here."
However, the MP says the businesses are legitimate, and as long as
they don't contravene the law, there's not much that can be
done.
"I have to say that whatever action taken has got to be within the
framework of the law. There's no reason for police to go beyond
what is legally permissible," the MP added.
So for now at least, it seems Joo Chiat is set to remain a lively
area. - CNA
