No more massage parlour licences will be issued here.
Alor Setar City Council (MBAS) and Alor Setar Land and District Office announced yesterday that they would immediately stop granting licences for such businesses, to “stop any immoral activities from continuing to happen”.
In a Facebook post, the authorities declared that this decision was made following a state executive council meeting on June 21.
As for the existing massage parlours, Kedah local government committee chairman Mansor Zakaria said those who previously had cases or reports lodged against them would not have their licences renewed when they expire.
“Existing massage parlours with clean records can still operate and have their licences renewed, but new licences, no more,” he added.
A search on the Internet shows that Kedah has 20 massage parlours listed throughout the state, including reflexology or foot massage centres, and spas.
MBAS mayor Datuk Mohd Yusri Md Daud said massage parlours found to be violating the licensing conditions, including promoting immoral activities, would be shut down.
In June, Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said the state government would take stern action against reflexology centres and massage parlours, including shutting down their operations if they violate the licensing conditions.
He said all activities with entertainment elements in Kedah, including at institutions of higher learning, come under the state’s Entertainment Control Enactment and needed a licence from local authorities.