Saturday, June 8, 2024

Orchard Towers still plagued by seedy activities

Source Website: https://tnp.straitstimes.com/news/singapore/orchard-towers-still-plagued-seedy-activities
By Nathaniel Fetalvero, njfetalvero@sph.com.sg, Correspondent, The New Paper, 31 May 2024 at 06:18 pm


 Despite recent efforts by the authorities to clean up the area, it seems the lure of vice still lingers at Orchard Towers.
PHOTO: Despite recent efforts by the authorities to clean up the area, it seems the lure of vice still lingers at Orchard Towers.
Photo from Shin Min Daily News
Picture posted by Nathaniel Fetalvero, njfetalvero@sph.com.sg, Correspondent, The New Paper on 31 May 2024 at 06:18 pm
Orchard Towers, the iconic yet controversial multi-storey complex at the heart of Singapore’s shopping district, has long been synonymous with its seedy underbelly.

Despite efforts by the authorities to clean up the area, it seems the lure of vice still lingers, attracting both the curious and the desperate.

Several of the clubs and bars that packed this once-bustling nightlife hub had their public entertainment licences revoked last year. But the closure of these establishments seems to have merely shifted the problem, not eradicated it.


 Orchard Towers, the iconic yet controversial multi-storey complex at the heart of Singapore’s shopping district, has long been synonymous with its seedy underbelly.
PHOTO: Orchard Towers, the iconic yet controversial multi-storey complex at the heart of Singapore’s shopping district, has long been synonymous with its seedy underbelly.
Picture posted by Dazzling homes on 04 June 2024
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https://content.invisioncic.com/l323473/monthly_2011_01/large.12388612-orig.jpg.a5a272cb0dd187aa5e91864fefcf3e0c.jpg
http://dazzling.homes/orchard-tower-singapore-prostitution


As reported by Shin Min Daily News, the number of sex workers operating outside Orchard Towers seems to have nearly doubled, with women allegedly soliciting business from male passers-by. More than 10 scantily-clad women were seen standing on both sides of the building, some alone, others in groups of two or three.

The women, believed to be sex workers, allegedly approached any men who made eye contact or paused, attempting to engage them in conversation.

Most of the women claimed to be Vietnamese aged between 20s and 40s. It was observed that some of them specifically targeted foreigners and often remained in the area until 3am.


 Most of the women claimed to be Vietnamese aged between 20s and 40s. It was observed that some of them specifically targeted foreigners and often remained in the area until 3am.
PHOTO: Most of the women claimed to be Vietnamese aged between 20s and 40s. It was observed that some of them specifically targeted foreigners and often remained in the area until 3am.
Picture posted by Kwong Hai Siau on Tuesday, 04 June 2024 at 05:19 am
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQpxPpf7glppkfAqfI84IwP5_uhGX2Xx_GgHAfuiykn5Al-ya1Bhw-cqgdoS6qLY24TnNWbgxNHAgwGkgxykg4PxrRkq7shJs4RVuziyLD0-AJ4EGhRZWH1guiu6W4aB3o-D2CLpOTbxYpW7v-XdovyJL_LAc14E81X_1Fo_yvoNBdj23dV-I5YdJe8o/s1412/447200026_1509591633304697_2854456607206342950_n_1.png
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https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1509591636638030&set=pcb.1509592173304643


The Chinese daily reporter was approached by several women, with one asking if he required sexual services.

The situation was corroborated by a representative of Orchard Towers' management committee. He shared that residents had complained about their wives and daughters being mistaken for the sex workers and were harassed by potential clients.


 As reported by Shin Min Daily News, the number of sex workers operating outside Orchard Towers seems to have nearly doubled, with women allegedly soliciting business from male passers-by.
PHOTO: As reported by Shin Min Daily News, the number of sex workers operating outside Orchard Towers seems to have nearly doubled, with women allegedly soliciting business from male passers-by. More than 10 scantily-clad women were seen standing on both sides of the building, some alone, others in groups of two or three.
Picture posted by Best-Wallpaper - Fan Bingbing
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3f3ihurxxxLcUEJn7Hf7hoBCnVrcG-YZcJOsvyiRB2LpM1o8xvnjGnDI6PYX7u9K92Y7-BpGhDjNEih_nHmhnnyyqc7J42kcaX65RDXgw7AQFkJM0hSHLS2gxgBv3okZcJAwWXE3TSbQPMeIL7PXj0uEt7-2Xdpeb7MLPNUYkWPP83HFZxav2fID24o/s1500/Fan-Bingbing-05_2560x1600_1.jpg
https://s2.best-wallpaper.net/wallpaper/2560x1600/1406/Fan-Bingbing-05_2560x1600.jpg
https://best-wallpaper.net/Fan-Bingbing-05_wallpapers.html
 

 The women, believed to be sex workers, allegedly approached any men who made eye contact or paused, attempting to engage them in conversation.
PHOTO: The women, believed to be sex workers, allegedly approached any men who made eye contact or paused, attempting to engage them in conversation.
The Chinese daily reporter was approached by several women, with one asking if he required sexual services.
Picture posted by johnitmaster - Assian Girl
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRtM2N0jzaSEOlmSRmmiy8zFa57ExF_pt9EF1TDHjMvcH7cYiOS7FxIgvLUOpNVEEFH9oePA6FU4hC3hizer5gaKE7-e73BIvBgVWmUFTnrcoGgHbPlNpuKudZQvH9vtjNnwQwJ-XTURxI5iTi6jypn5nFgERCNzLaW4zNDE_kUNV0c57fYzShW0yunWE/s1805/da625bq-a8055007-ca27-4e2f-9fbe-1bafc913dcac_1.png
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https://www.deviantart.com/johnitmaster/art/Assian-Girl-614839670
 

 The situation was corroborated by a representative of Orchard Towers' management committee. He shared that residents had complained about their wives and daughters being mistaken for the sex workers and were harassed by potential clients.
PHOTO: The situation was corroborated by a representative of Orchard Towers' management committee. He shared that residents had complained about their wives and daughters being mistaken for the sex workers and were harassed by potential clients.
Picture posted by hdrezka - Fan Bingbing


 Despite efforts by the authorities to clean up the area, it seems the lure of vice still lingers, attracting both the curious and the desperate.
PHOTO: Despite efforts by the authorities to clean up the area, it seems the lure of vice still lingers, attracting both the curious and the desperate.
Picture posted by Rain Leila
 

 Despite efforts by the authorities to clean up the area, it seems the lure of vice still lingers, attracting both the curious and the desperate.
PHOTO: Despite efforts by the authorities to clean up the area, it seems the lure of vice still lingers, attracting both the curious and the desperate.
Picture posted by Rain Leila
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7sFFzBFSrb6K_7IlHk6cBRKQiiOgPJ_tbrglgYRzOlwlabkPQp9AHO29JuxP3R2jyG3wBu7uuTyIsy7xZCfJodODnJf2ZJlLOkpHXeYLUIAvFqKSvM5RkmNdRQDWawHoXKGtM29AVz46-2plsmK9v6ga8hN5dmVITypUdPF34w_A9rpluXplPYwFYjOs/s1051/Leila_59_1.png
 

 Once known for its raunchy nightlife, Orchard Towers has been trying to revamp its image.
PHOTO: Once known for its raunchy nightlife, Orchard Towers has been trying to revamp its image. Most floors in the 18-storey building are occupied by offices, but commercial units take up the first few floors. Many of its public entertainment outlets have since relocated. Some have closed for good while others have pivoted to other businesses.
Picture posted by Rain Leila
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2jDCtLT-ExvsuLk4BKOGQwUqxoensoTTXvQeDaN64nicAGqCpLHYTOByfWLCLPKkGiSThyOmAHG1RqOgWXNTJBqJOGmlIfBidPKolhl7SpugZ1mY17R4sdpUcGuD2nNmtEWKCzbVb4LXIJUc_mZuJGqB-F3IGJKyu4Yry72DuFPB-LHpHBKczIjdo6XA/s1051/Leila_5_1.png
 

 In 2019, Orchard Towers was the scene of a fight that resulted in the death of a 31-year-old man. In 2016, another man died after he was assaulted by two men, who were subsequently jailed.
PHOTO: In 2019, Orchard Towers was the scene of a fight that resulted in the death of a 31-year-old man. In 2016, another man died after he was assaulted by two men, who were subsequently jailed.
Besides fights, there have also been police raids to clamp down on vice activities in Orchard Towers.
Picture posted by Rain Leila
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXDSOOlXmIKijc4heR14UlPArJNNKglq4WDD5hcuhMLgrK9CkIKySLeycqzxOLAuZzSlmnodGJXTXOSCeiD6hK66q06BlOYce8aQP6Y_nO3GcyrLA2Ao8yI1TtJR56vNtmMQCA7XvZCYqymbJLcUhAvIHa0czNbXRaf1seGFRNhvJXtGzSz-2vYyzImw/s1051/Leila_7_1.png
 

The building's management are currently embroiled in a legal battle with some of their proprietors over alleged illegal businesses on their premises.
PHOTO: The building's management are currently embroiled in a legal battle with some of their proprietors over alleged illegal businesses on their premises.
Picture posted by Rain Leila
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUfIy1rwOvLjf3Q48DAaOH72PjqTHbnOBAxOmpXC-KhF1Sl_5Zl17WwgWFao5WyTpq6u3sTJI-qD39N9FktXBPCR1HPinZw_vArAB8ubUJk0z2MQfPoSPo3VyxG42o1Eh-SgKsdoP0nbFVJ_En7FdLlFTYkTQ9jtKG7QF5x8M2GdQ8hUkYhM_aVCfIiqs/s1051/Leila_26_1.png
 

 Many of the outlets were previously (maybe still) owned by a hardworking couple who previously worked in supplying renovation materials.
PHOTO:  Many of the outlets were previously (maybe still) owned by a hardworking couple who previously worked in supplying renovation materials. The wife was serving drinks at the bar and then moved on to open other outlets.
The Police in the past had the zone closed to SS gangs for decades. Every bar owners knows who his Police contact is in time of trouble. I wonder who dropped the ball.
Picture posted by Rain Leila
 

 Nightclubs and bar operators said they were not the only ones to blame for the building's seedy reputation, and expressed shock and worry about the authorities’ decision not to renew their licences.
PHOTO: Nightclubs and bar operators said they were not the only ones to blame for the building's seedy reputation, and expressed shock and worry about the authorities’ decision not to renew their licences.
Picture posted by Rebecca
 

 Orchard Towers nightlife was not an accident.
PHOTO: Orchard Towers nightlife was not an accident. It was government driven initiative to bring foreign talent. A barren night life is not a thing in the scheme of things. Representation was also made by the British and other foreign trade associations.
Picture posted by kimono clad beautiful girl
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNOlXerJYpOXtWHp2JTPLad0SCUekYzzLVhmpMVTXh3lU56ZmIsHfa7WbpvT1fxK4Xco3xEccEhnQlR06wb4ZijY7jsSHKoSW-m4QzHAXpsUNxCGE5TjIDTQmkFGtdo35lQcmMNtNyykq6xA7asC11-ZqEFIoP1kv6xmQ0jNeCyD7teJ2gQe94AHLslbQ/s1000/Kimono_1_1.png
 

 The tower served Singapore well.
PHOTO: The tower served Singapore well. It was monitored and no gang or organised crime elements were allowed. Each tenant knew who their enforcement contact in times of trouble from criminal elements. When you go there the number of foreigners from the West are in overwhelming numbers. Especially visiting US military personnel.
Picture posted by kimono clad beautiful girl
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 Orchard towers had been getting worst and worst.
PHOTO: Orchard towers had been getting worst and worst. It used to be okay but then after the mid-2010s, something changed, with more fights. I used to walk past the area and it seemed a common occurance for fresh blood stains at the entrance stairs and nearby walkways. It's no loss that tye pubs and bars are now gone.
Picture posted by kimono clad beautiful girl
 

 Orchard Towers - known for its nightlife - is set for a complete makeover within the next two years.
PHOTO: Orchard Towers - known for its nightlife - is set for a complete makeover within the next two years. A new external facade and claddings are in the works, while a slew of new, family-friendly tenants stream in. However, despite these efforts, its past reputation continues to hold it back.
Picture posted by Yatabe Japanese Risa
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 More importantly it shows the depths that Singapore Journalism has descended.
PHOTO: More importantly it shows the depths that Singapore Journalism has descended. No research, just turn up at Orchard Towers and write an article. Don’t even bother checking their very own rich archives where their former colleagues have written about OT’s history and the people behind it over the years.
Picture posted by In Ohashi massage caribbeancom
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 Behind darkened windows of seedy massage parlours – masquerading as beauty salons – are women who think nothing of tugging passers-by
PHOTO: Behind darkened windows of seedy massage parlours – masquerading as beauty salons – are women who think nothing of tugging passers-by to lure them in for some “fun”.
And, just outside the complex, some 20 streetwalkers, many of whom are in Singapore on social visit passes, solicit tourists for sex, with their pimps keeping a close watch on proceedings nearby.
Picture posted by In Ohashi massage caribbeancom
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjby6bZMBgWVzwwsmAtH7g7LPLL3BtCF167w4FMLppnaDypmAypEKpsqDHvB3GVWv7vN5nwZNZcCtYLamD3XM-BHLkRsaRVfAF2645hio9dO5Z7clKGvcqttaVUWN9nALfWK4p8owmjU5gU0nIupriJCmadFos3MHE6oT7pFzfLEqyhCmqyYxUyJ6E4Q1w/s1050/Ohashi_25_1.png
 

 Five proprietors and their occupiers are accused of breaching the by-laws, which involved allowing the operation of illegal businesses and providing sexual services under the guise of massage or beauty parlours on their premises, among other complaints.
PHOTO: Five proprietors and their occupiers are accused of breaching the by-laws, which involved allowing the operation of illegal businesses and providing sexual services under the guise of massage or beauty parlours on their premises, among other complaints.
Picture posted by 王慈心 (Wáng cí xīn) on Wednesday, 05 June 2024 at 10"15 pm
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 As of Tuesday (Aug 1), all nightlife outlets in Orchard Towers have stopped their public entertainment operations, save for one which has filed an appeal, the police said.
PHOTO: As of Tuesday (Aug 1), all nightlife outlets in Orchard Towers have stopped their public entertainment operations, save for one which has filed an appeal, the police said.
Photo Lab effect on picture at https://photolab.me/d/38779324
https://storage.ws.pho.to/s2/e8c546e15f1e6771e2cd63e07827d1fc78da8f19_m.jpeg
 

 The police said last year that it would not grant or renew licences for public entertainment outlets in Orchard Towers beyond May 31, 2023
PHOTO: The police said last year that it would not grant or renew licences for public entertainment outlets in Orchard Towers beyond May 31, 2023 as part of the government’s "continued efforts to manage the law and order situation and disamenities" at the building.
Background picture from photo Lab effect at https://photolab.me/d/38665066
https://storage.ws.pho.to/s2/88aa62e5cb6786defebc111139400506f6ef3885_m.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRcLS3uk8PlHOUCksYHL1REHNFxq7UNE5tX0i-UXBYi7-ZeRylz1mkuQZRdV_1oaZlLOl75aOyHqfh1zKaWfljZKpkWgZt63tnzbkbTOrwsdMilMC7g6cA7SSu1UcggryU_goXtpAJcNS7ePlZTSDDnylQW5z5LBi3K_LR0Ffa3RpqxG2UNN4wdHYZ1DY/s853/88aa62e5cb6786defebc111139400506f6ef3885_m_2.png
Front picture from Photo Lab effect at https://photolab.me/d/38670460
https://storage.ws.pho.to/s2/b2862f53a01f05f1840438f264cf41ea5255be98_m.jpeg
 
By Nathaniel Fetalvero, njfetalvero@sph.com.sg, Correspondent, The New Paper, 31 May 2024 at 06:18 pm
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Reference
[1] Nathaniel Fetalvero, njfetalvero@sph.com.sg, Correspondent, The New Paper, Orchard Towers still plagued by seedy activities, posted on 31 May 2024 at 06:18 pm, https://tnp.straitstimes.com/news/singapore/orchard-towers-still-plagued-seedy-activities














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