Licence freeze adds to woes for spa industry hiring, says association

 

Association of Malaysian Spas president Hana Halim questions the likelihood of irresponsible parties applying for a licence for immoral activities. (Freepik pic)

PETALING JAYA: A national spa association has questioned reports that the government is considering a freeze on business licences for spas, massage parlours, and reflexology centres, saying such a move would worsen the difficulties already faced in recruiting qualified candidates for the industry.

Hana Halim, president of the Association of Malaysian Spas, said such proposals appeared at odds with the provision of courses and certifications in spa, massage, and beauty therapy offered at public education institutions.

“Even national training agencies are in support of our industry’s growth, yet the local councils are acting the opposite.

“Our concern is that the freeze punishes legitimate business owners more than curbing illegitimate enterprises.

“Do you think irresponsible parties really need a licence for immoral activities?” she told FMT.

Hana was responding to reports quoting federal territories minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa, who said on Feb 1 that the government would consider the need to freeze business licence applications for spas, massage parlours and reflexology centres, especially in Kuala Lumpur.

Zaliha herself was responding to the decision by the Johor Bahru City Council to freeze all such applications, effective that day.

In October last year, the Alor Setar City Council stopped issuing licences for massage parlours to curb “immoral activities”.

SME Association of Malaysia secretary-general Chin Chee Seong said spas were a common feature in most countries, unless the discussion pertained to illicit or unlawful establishments.

“It’s not even happening in Malaysia anymore. It is unfair to the people who have invested in this and are trying to establish a decent business.

“It is wrong to do that because it will deter potential investors. Tourists will also notice restrictions on spas, leading them to choose destinations like Thailand or Indonesia instead,” he told FMT.

Hana said no genuine business would want to associate itself with vice, adding that the government should work with stakeholders to differentiate illegitimate players from genuine businesses.

Chin meanwhile said the government’s control and enforcement measures were sufficient, but that attitudes needed to change.

“Why assume that people visiting spas are always engaging in unhealthy activities? Such assumptions harm both businesses and the nation’s reputation.

“Are you suggesting that spa owners obtain licences to engage in inappropriate activities?” he said.

Chin also said that numerous investments had been made in the industry, with owners enhancing their businesses following the movement control order.

He said it was unfair that the decision to freeze licences had come just as the industry was beginning to stabilise. - FMT