MASSAGE shops have sprung up everywhere in recent years. I am not talking about the decent ones, but those where foreign women offer massages and other services only to men.

Despite police crackdowns some time ago, these shops are still in operation, even in the heartland neighbourhoods.

I wonder how and why these massage parlours are even allowed in Singapore. Sure, it is easy to set up shop as the women running it can pay Singaporeans to register the business. It is probably nothing illegal if these women offer genuine massage services, but I wonder why the ads for such services often feature scantily-clad women in sexy poses.

Are these women working legally in the first place? They can't be permanent residents, as we are surely not so desperate that we would grant residency to foreigners without skills.

Or have we been too generous in issuing work permits?

While I understand the need for such services, I think they should be confined to certain areas and not be allowed to open everywhere like convenience stores.

Ms Kuah Kar Yoke