SINGAPORE : Tougher enforcement against soliciting women and drunk pub customers in Joo Chiat has meant the neighbourhood has taken on a slightly cleaner image.
But residents and MP Chan Soo Sen, who formed the Community Watch Group there, wants to implement a more long-term solution.
Women soliciting along the streets in Joo Chiat Road, drunkards relieving themselves behind resident's homes - these are the common scenes.
These establishments share a common wall with some of the homes along Onan and Tembeling Roads.
Such activities come as no surprise since this stretch is home to some 40 establishments like pubs, karaoke lounges and massage parlours.
Places like these have sprouted out in the area in the past year.
Media reports highlighted the problem and police enforcement increased.
From December 21 last year, the Police even agreed to a moratorium on issuing licences to new pubs and similar establishments in Joo Chiat.
That has helped some, but the watch group wants to make sure the problem does not come back.
Roger Soh, Leader of Joo Chiat Community Watch Group, said: "We need to let the residents know us.....we need to work out a platform, something like a letter or pamphlet for the residents to fill up, in a format like airmail already paid that they can fill up and send it to us."
The business operators at the root of the controversy will, however, continue to operate within the new rules.
But it will be a challenge to play by the books since business has plummeted some 80 percent since the clampdown.
Chris Yap, Member of Joo Chiat Community Watch Group and Business Community Representative, said: "The women, I'm not saying that there won't be any more foreign women coming back.
"In fact, we are hoping that they would come back but behave in a proper manner, for example, stop soliciting on the roads and I'm sure it would be bearable by the authorities as well as the residents."
Not everyone though thinks such businesses should continue.
"Save Joo Chiat Group" which is part of the Watch Group would prefer a clean image for the neighbourhood.
They want the place to attract tourists and families in the long run by selling its rich Peranakan heritage. - CNA
When is the police going to clear there ar?