Ho Chi Minh City orders tighter inspections of karaoke bars, massage parlors to clamp down on hidden prostitution

The municipal People’s Committee said that while agencies have monitored these establishments in recent years, risks of law violations remain, potentially affecting public security and social order.

Businesses such as guesthouses, rental apartments, nightclubs, karaoke venues, massage and spa services, and hair salons are considered vulnerable to being exploited for prostitution.

To strengthen oversight, the chairman of the municipal administration directed departments and local authorities to step up inspections and promptly handle violations.

The Department of Health was tasked with monitoring medical and spa facilities to ensure compliance with regulations, while also surveying areas to detect hotspots or businesses showing signs of prostitution or sexually explicit services.

The health department must also compile and categorize sensitive businesses for inter-agency inspections, checking licensing, staffing, and operating conditions.

The Department of Culture and Sports will lead inspections of entertainment venues to prevent obscene performances and harmful cultural products.

The Department of Tourism will oversee hotels and tourist sites, while the Department of Science and Technology will monitor the use of information technology and online platforms.

The Department of Education and Training was instructed to strengthen student management and detect signs of youth being lured into social evils.

Grassroots-level administrations are required to review and strictly manage service businesses at risk of social problems, while promoting awareness campaigns and urging owners to sign commitments against prostitution and sexually explicit activities.