LICENSING requirements for beauty, wellness, spa and massage premises in Kuala Lumpur are set to be reviewed and streamlined to make it easier for legitimate operators to comply, while maintaining regulatory standards and integrity.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh said the proposed improvements were discussed with Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing as both ministries looked for a more coordinated approach to the industry.
“We want requirements that are easier for operators to understand, but standards and integrity must be maintained. The process must be clean and there must be no room for corruption or illicit payments,” she said in a Facebook post.
Hannah said she had proposed that the next coordination meeting be jointly chaired by Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri TPr Fadlun Mak Ujud and Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (MOTAC) secretary-general Datuk Shaharuddin Abu Sohot.
The proposed coordination group would include Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) director-general Mohammad Faisal Abu Suaib Khan, Immigration Department director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban and other relevant agencies.
Hannah said the multi-agency approach was necessary to examine licensing, enforcement, manpower and industry requirements comprehensively.
She said ITC’s expertise was also important given Kuala Lumpur’s position as an international tourist destination, particularly for Muslim visitors.
“That is why ITC’s expertise is important so that this industry also takes into account the needs of the Muslim-friendly tourism market. Our goal is to facilitate legitimate businesses, ensure government agencies work together and safeguard the image of Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia,” she said.
The proposed coordination is aimed at providing clearer licensing requirements and closer alignment among government agencies while retaining enforcement and compliance standards. - September 21, 2026
