New by-laws on spa industry drafted, says minister

NEW by-laws have been drafted for the local spa industry, which is expected to generate returns of up to RM830mil by 2020, said Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan.

The ministry, he said, had received numerous complaints from industry players that the various laws and guidelines had made it difficult for businesses to apply for licences from local councils.

“The ministry – together with Tourism Malaysia and relevant ministries and representatives from the spa industry such as the Association of Malaysia Spa, Malaysian Associa­tion of Wellness and Spa and selected local councils – has drafted several new by-laws for the industry.

“This will then be streamlined in all local councils,” said Abdul Rahman in a written reply to Datuk Mohd Zaim Abu Hasan (BN – Parit).

These by-laws, he said, had been tabled and passed in February and would be discussed in a coming meeting with the local councils and added that these were also for the purpose of monitoring the safety, security and comfort level of spas.

“The spa industry is a tourism product and has potential to attract visitors and contribute to the economy, which is why it is placed under the Tourism Entry Point Project in the Economic Transformation Pro­gramme. However, there are irresponsible groups that profit from immoral activities, which is why the industry is often looked down by the public,” he said.

In the House, Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Abdul Aziz Kaprawi told Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing (BN – Bintulu) that the shopping mall at KLIA2 had added value to the low-cost carrier terminal.

He said the aviation industry was becoming more advanced and had to meet the growing demands of passengers.

“With the mall, the passengers are happy because KLIA2 gives them a chance to shop,” he said.