JOHOR BARU: The opening of spas, reflexology centres and massage parlours here have been frozen, while existing outlets will come under stricter guidelines by the local authority to keep things “above board”.
Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) Mayor Datuk Mohd Noorazam Osman said the freeze is effective Feb 1, adding that this also covers traditional massage and treatment centres.
“The decision on these businesses applies to shophouses, hotels and shopping complexes.
“There are many new applications because of the surge in tourism, but we do not want things to go unchecked.
“On average, MBJB receives 20 business licence applications monthly for such centres,” he told a press conference after chairing the full council meeting and launching the GeoJB 3.0 portal at Menara MBJB here yesterday.
Mohd Noorazam said applications to refurbish and extend existing outlets, changing ownership and annual licence renewals will not be affected.
“Fresh applications received up to Jan 31 will be given a ‘defer with revision’ status until applications are reopened.
“The justification for the freeze is to review and rebrand such business activities (in tandem) with that of developed countries. It will be outlined in a new guideline or policy compatible with MBJB’s image,” he added.
Mohd Noorazam said the city council wants to ensure that such “high-risk and sensitive” businesses keep strictly to licensing conditions.
He said there are 151 such business outlets within MBJB’s jurisdiction.
On the other hand, he noted that there are 43 such illegal outlets.
He said the fixed licence charge for the businesses is RM800 annually, while the temporary licence fee is RM1,600.
On another matter, the mayor reminded traders to stop selling electronic cigarette devices to the public.
