ALOR STAR: The state government should reconsider the new licensing restrictions for massage parlours in Kedah.
Teh Swee Leong (PH-Kota Darulaman) said this follows the cessation of new license issuance to such premises, which he says has negatively impacted the state government's 'Mai Singgah Alor Setar 2024' program.
"Now, the Alor Setar City Council (MBAS) is actively promoting a 'walking' lifestyle in the city. When our feet are tired or in pain, where can we get a massage? Are we supposed to go to Thailand?
When we talk about massage, our minds are always focused on activities that are immoral or involve 'additional services.' If that's the case, how can we develop the traditional massage industry and tourism in Kedah?," he asked.
Teh said the state government should reconsider these new massage licensing restrictions. Locations such as commercial complexes, shopping malls, and office buildings should be allowed, he said.
He made these remarks during the budget debate for the Kedah 2024 Budget at the State Legislative Assembly session in Wisma Darul Aman today.
In June, before the dissolution of the state assembly, it was reported that the state government had warned it would not renew reflexology premises licenses in the state if they were found to be misused for immoral activities.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, stated that this decision was made due to reports of unauthorised activities taking place in licensed premises, including incidents involving students in establishments operating under the guise of reflexology centres.
Following this, a notice was issued by the local authorities last October, stating that the Alor Setar City Council (MBAS) would no longer issue new licenses for massage parlours.