Spas, wellness and reflexology centres allowed to receive customers again


PUTRAJAYA: Those tensed shoulders and aching feet can be given a good rub now that the government has allowed for spas, wellness and reflexology centres as well as several other sub-sectors to resume.

Other tourism sub-sectors that can resume their activities from July 1 are meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) as well as travel trade.

Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said spas and wellness and reflexology centres could open for business with only Malaysian staff allowed to work.

“Their workers must be screened for Covid-19 before they can open their doors,” he told a press conference yesterday.

Ismail Sabri said the standard operating procedure (SOP) must be strictly followed such as the use of face shields and hand sanitiser, with measures to ensure social distancing and recording of temperature.

Such outlets must also ensure their customers download the MySejahtera application for monitoring purposes.

He said the special Cabinet committee had also given the approval for blind masseurs to resume business.

“The government is aware that the income of some 3,000 blind masseurs had been greatly affected by the movement control order (MCO). Now that the infection curve has flattened and the number of cases has gone down to a single digit, we will allow them to operate,” said Ismail Sabri.

These masseurs must also follow the SOP and register with the local authorities before they can accept customers.

As for MICE and travel trade activities, organisers must also adhere to the SOP and cap the number of participants to 250 people or fewer, depending on the size of the venue.

Ismail Sabri also announced that education facilities such as tuition centres, private education institutions, special education schools as well as tahfiz and madrasah would be allowed to resume classes.

“The dates will be announced by the Education Ministry,” he added.

Ismail Sabri said only registered tahfiz schools could begin classes and those with hostels must follow the ministry’s SOP.

“For schools that are not registered, we will allow them to operate if they register with

the state religious authorities,” he said.He also said that Muslim diplomats and foreign staff of embassies would be allowed to join the congregational Friday prayers from July 3.

However, this does not apply to Muslim foreigners who are not attached to any diplomatic missions.

“The government is still considering the matter,” he added.

Embassies with surau facilities in their compounds which had held Friday prayers before the MCO can do so again next week.

Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 11.12/month

Billed as RM 11.12 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 9.87/month

Billed as RM 118.40 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Nation

More than 500 homes affected by floods in Sungai Buloh, says Ramanan
Malaysia secures RM59.5bil in potential investments from overseas visits
Trans-Sabah gas pipeline, multi-product pipeline projects, border security among Dewan Rakyat focus today
Financial scams cost victims RM1.23bil since 2016, Parliament told
800 Malaysians held in Taiwan, mostly for scams
Borneo Safari boosts tourism revenue
Police issue 29 ceramah permits
Private varsity grads seeking fair benefits
New GWM hybrid assembly to boost Melaka automotive industry
New Kuala Kedah Jetty capacity set to triple�

Air Pollutant Index

Note: API is calculated based on 24hr running average of the most dominant parameter.

Highest API Readings

    Select State and Location to view the latest API reading

    Others Also Read