KL May See Fewer Massage Centres As Govt Studies The Need To Freeze Licence Approvals

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Federal Territories Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said this in response to the Johor Bahru City Council's (MBJB) decision to freeze all applications for those businesses effective yesterday, 1 February, reported Berita Harian.

She mentioned that a study will be conducted before any decision to freeze applications for such licences is implemented.

"As a responsible minister, we will [study the data first] before making any decision because we don't want the decision to become an issue [in the future], and the best approach is to get all the information first," she told reporters at an event yesterday.

Johor Bahru mayor Datuk Mohd Noorazam Osman said the decision was made to control the proliferation of high-risk and sensitive businesses, reported FMT.

"The move to freeze licence applications for high-risk and sensitive businesses is to allow MBJB to re-plan and rebrand these business activities, to be on par with those in developed countries and in line with MBJB's image.

"Accordingly, MBJB will develop and issue a guideline for these high-risk and sensitive business activities," Bernama quoted him as saying.

He added that such businesses located in shopping centres and hotels can continue operating as they adhere to appropriate business hours.

He stated that the demand for this type of licences is high in the city, especially given its close proximity to Singapore and the significant number of tourists it attracts.

"However, at the same time, we do not want any immoral activities to take place at these premises," he said.

As for Alor Setar, the city stopped issuing licences to these businesses since October last year to align with the aspirations of the Kedah state government.