Cheats flock to Ashley clone

SINGAPORE - Ashley Madison banned? No problem.

More than 400 people from Singapore have signed up for another adultery website that launched here on Wednesday.

Datingforcheaters.com has a Singapore option in its dropdown bar, and options even for different estates like Toa Payoh and Bishan.

"The number keeps growing. We are expecting 2,000 a day soon," said a customer service officer from the site named Tom Smith.

Profiles of those who claimed they were from Singapore on the United States-based site were mostly without photographs.

Some people were straightforward in their intent to "look for fun", and described themselves as being married.

Others chose to be more coy. One man, aged 32, wrote: "Cool orthopaedic surgeon looking for hot times."

Mr Smith also claimed in an e-mail message: "By Ashley Madison being banned, this will make us the leading married dating site in Singapore."

Minister for Communications and Information Yaacob Ibrahim had said in Parliament it is not possible for the Media Development Authority to block every website that promotes extramarital affairs.

Member of Parliament Baey Yam Keng, who is also vice-chairman of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Communications and Information, told MyPaper: "Banning Ashley Madison was to send a signal. For sites that are not blocked, it does not mean they are encouraged or endorsed. People should also take responsibility for their actions."

jalmsab@sph.com.sg

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