Ashley Madison, a dating website targeting married spouses, is not welcome in Singapore, said Minister for Social and Family Development Chan Chun Sing.

Mr Chan was responding to media reports that the dating website, which facilitates extramarital affairs between married individuals, is planning for a launch here next year.

"I do not welcome such a website into Singapore. I'm against any company or website that harms marriage. Promoting infidelity undermines trust and commitment between a husband and wife, which are core to marriage," Mr Chan said in a Facebook post on Friday.

The Canada-based website, which goes by the slogan "Life is short. Have an affair", has over 21 million users worldwide. It has already expanded to other Asian countries and territories such as Japan, and, more recently, Hong Kong in August.

A Facebook page called "Block Ashley Madison - Singapore" has been set up by a Singaporean, after news broke that the website is planning to launch here.

"I'm heartened by the responses of many Singaporeans who also spoke up against such website. This reflects the significance we all place in commitment and fidelity in marriage," said Mr Chan.