The survey interviewed 300 sex workers; about half were from four of the eight sex farms in Batam and the rest worked in entertainment joints, such as bars or clubs. There are about 5,500 sex workers in Batam.

Conducted in April this year, the survey included questions such as when they began working in the sex industry, if they were forced into the trade, and if they practised safe sex.

Of the 300, 29 per cent said they were forced or tricked into the sex trade, and 3 per cent said they came into the industry underage, or below 18.

The study also outlines several recommendations, and Home has since submitted the study to the authorities.

The recommendations include running a nationwide No Condom, No Sex campaign to promote safe sex among Singaporeans who have multiple sex partners.

The latest available figures from 2007 show that about 9 per cent of Batam's sex workers are HIV-positive.

Another recommendation set out in the report is to create greater awareness among Singaporeans through the media that they are running afoul of the law if they have underage sex, even if it takes place abroad.

Under Section 376C, those who seek and pay for sex with a minor who is under 18 outside Singapore can be jailed for up to seven years, fined or both.

The police said no Singaporean has been charged with having paid sex with a minor overseas for the past three years.

jantai@sph.com.sg

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