Holistic Wisdom Corporation

Sex Toys Interests Singapore

While inflatable sex dolls are still illegal in conservative Singapore, sex toys are beginning to make their way into acceptance so that stores may sell them.

Right now there are seven or eight such stores in the tiny island-nation of four million people. Some shops make up to 1,000 Singapore dollars (606 US dollars) a day. Surveys have shown that Singaporeans have sex less frequently than other Asians.

The city-state also suffers from a serious shortage of babies because couples are postponing parenthood, or are simply unable to procreate because they are too busy or stressed out. So it seems that people are starting to use these items to spice up their sex lives, which may have become monotonous.

According to shop owners, popular items include vibrators, massage oils and artificial vaginas made of silicon. Yet according to shop owner Chan, the items in his shop are tame compared to those sold in similar shops in Japan and Western countries. "We have customers turning up, usually the younger ones, asking for more realistic and vivid sex toys they've seen overseas. Unfortunately, we have to turn them down, or offer them alternatives," said Chan.

Local laws state that it is an offence to sell, distribute, exhibit import or export an "obscene object". Those found guilty can be jailed for up to three months, or fined, or both. But the jury is out as to what local authorities deem obscene, with the police advising interested parties to consult their lawyers first before setting up shop.

Adult-shop owners are having a field day teasing their customers into shedding their inhibitions, even if it can be an arduous process. "Asians in general don't have open minds. Some of my customers who are first-time buyers dare not ask how the various items work, or even worse, be seen by their friends entering my shop," said saleslady Lee.

She has strong opinions about some local men who visit her shop. "A few can sound like experts when explaining to their friends the benefits of buying things like vibrators for their partners. But they themselves will never buy the products, preferring to pop by later alone," she scoffed. Shop owners are more impressed with female customers, who tend to be frank with their sexual needs and are not afraid to ask direct questions. "For example, when buying a vibrator, they want to know the intensity of the vibration, so that they can get the exact piece they need," said Chan.

But not everyone in society can readily accept the presence of adult novelty shops. Shop owners say they have encountered foul-mouthed parents who accuse them of leading their children astray, as well as critics who claim that such shops promote sexual promiscuity. Lee, who is married to a car audio shop owner in his 30s, said some customers claim to have wives stricken with terminal disease who are unable to have sex with them. "They tell me they don't wish to cheat on their wives, and are only looking to relieve themselves through these toys. How can that be possibly wrong?"