Reflexology centres: Sanusi vows to shut down errant establishments

ALOR SETAR - The state government has announced that reflexology premise licences will not be renewed if they are found to be involved in immoral activities.

Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said the decision comes after reports of certain activities violating the approved licences under the guise of reflexology centers.

"I have received a briefing from Datuk Najmi Ahmad (Religion, Education and Human Resources Exco), who held a meeting with various authorities, including the police, Immigration Department, and local authorities, regarding the misuse of reflexology premises and massage centers.

"We will ensure that reflexology centers adhere to the specified conditions.

"If they are licenced for foot massages, they should only provide foot massages and nothing else. Raids have been conducted on centers where reports of other activities taking place surfaced," Sanusi told a press conference following the final Exco meeting before the dissolution of the Kedah State Assembly.

Najmi, who conducted raids on several reflexology premises, revealed that they had identified several suspected premises engaged in immoral activities.

"During one of the raids, a foreign worker without proper travel documentation was apprehended and handed over to the Immigration Department for further action.

"The visitors to these centres were predominantly youth and school students, raising concerns about immoral acts taking place on the premises," he said.

Najmi expressed the intention to assess the feasibility of allowing such premises to continue operating, considering whether they brought more harm than benefit.

If deemed necessary, drastic measures such as license termination would be taken.

Sanusi also shared that the state government would not approve excessive or inappropriate entertainment programmes, including those organised within higher education institutions areas.

"We have discussed the matter, and entertainment programmes are subject to the Entertainment Control Enactment throughout the state, including universities.

"If an event, particularly one involving sensitive matters, is to be held, they must obtain a licence from the district officer.

"Inappropriate programmes will not be approved, even in universities," Sanusi stressed.