JOHOR BARU: The Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) has frozen new applications for business licences involving reflexology centres and spas, as well as traditional massage and treatment centres.
Mayor Datuk Mohd Noorazam Osman said the decision was effective Thursday (Feb 1).
"(The decision covering) these high-risk and sensitive businesses... (applies to) shophouses, hotel buildings and business or shopping complexes," he told a press conference after chairing the MBJB full council meeting here.
He said, however, the freeze did not extend to applications for adding lots, changing company owner or company names, and annual licence renewals.
"Applications received up to Wednesday (Jan 31) would be given 'defer with revision' status until (we announce that) applications are open again.
"The justification for the freeze is to (review) and rebrand such business activities to be comparable to developed countries... (it) will be outlined in a new guideline or policy that is compatible with MBJB's image," he added.
