"Illegal women hostel" probed
SINGAPORE: Authorities are investigating a shophouse along Tanjong Katong Road, where they suspect is being used as an illegal hostel for women.
Neighbours said some tenants have also been harassing passers-by at night.
All was quiet when Channel NewsAsia knocked on the door to one of the units, despite noise heard from inside the apartment.
Within half an hour, three Filipino women emerged.
The women said they lived upstairs.
When asked why they were in Singapore, one said: "I want to experience the ambience of the country and the culture. I want to learn more culture of different countries also."
Channel NewsAsia understands the unit had previously been busted as an illegal hostel.
The Urban Redevelopment Authority is now investigating if the owners have flouted the rules again by secretly converting the unit from its stated use as a private home.
Neighbours said the 40 or so tenants are mostly in their early 20s, and often create a ruckus through the night.
They added they hope the police can step up patrols.
Police said they will act against any illegal activity.
- CNA/wk
By Ng Lian Cheong | Posted: 02 November 2011 2057 hrs
SINGAPORE: Authorities are investigating a shophouse along Tanjong Katong Road, where they suspect is being used as an illegal hostel for women.
Neighbours said some tenants have also been harassing passers-by at night.
All was quiet when Channel NewsAsia knocked on the door to one of the units, despite noise heard from inside the apartment.
Within half an hour, three Filipino women emerged.
The women said they lived upstairs.
When asked why they were in Singapore, one said: "I want to experience the ambience of the country and the culture. I want to learn more culture of different countries also."
Channel NewsAsia understands the unit had previously been busted as an illegal hostel.
The Urban Redevelopment Authority is now investigating if the owners have flouted the rules again by secretly converting the unit from its stated use as a private home.
Neighbours said the 40 or so tenants are mostly in their early 20s, and often create a ruckus through the night.
They added they hope the police can step up patrols.
Police said they will act against any illegal activity.
- CNA/wk
