The place is a little-known red-light zone.

Retired police investigator Lionel De Souza said the area was known for its gangs, 'gals' and gambling in the 1960s.

It now draws prostitutes in their late 30s to early 50s from Malaysia and Singapore who have 'retired' from Geylang and Chinatown.

Read Mavis Toh's full story in tomorrow's edition of The Sunday Times.