PUTRAJAYA’S freeze on the hiring of foreign workers has left almost 90% of spas, wellness and reflexology centres in a bind despite being allowed to reopen for business from July 1.

The operators told The Malaysian Insight this sector employed almost 10,000 foreign therapists, who are now not allowed to work following the freeze.

They said fewer than 100 out of about 1,000 outlets are open as a result of this policy, which has hit them hard after they suffered heavy losses during the movement-control order (MCO), which shuttered most businesses.

Malaysian Association Of Wellness & Spa (MAWSPA) president Dorothea Justin told The Malaysian Insight about 10,000 foreign therapists were working in the country when the MCO was enforced on March 18.

“Foreign therapists make up about 80% of the total workforce for the 1,000 outlets.

“If the government continues to ban them from working, then we can expect more outlets to shut down,” she said.

The foreign therapists are mainly from Nepal, Indonesia, Thailand and China.

Last week, senior minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said only locals will be allowed to work in spas, wellness and foot reflexology centres when these outlets reopen for business on July 1.

These establishments must comply with the standard operating procedures (SOP) set by the National Security Council and Health Ministry.

Dorothea said at least 13 outlets have closed down since the MCO, and feared more will shutter if the government does not lift the ban.

She said MAWSPA has 259 members nationwide, while the Association of Malaysian Spas (AMSPA) has 301 members.

Dorothea added that during the MCO, smaller outlets had incurred losses of between RM100,000 and RM200,000 while larger chains had incurred losses of up to RM2 million.

Hoping for a change in government policy, both associations have sent a letter to Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin on June 28, requesting they be allowed to rehire foreign therapists.

Illegal operators

Dorothea also said all their foreign therapists were certified and licensed with a certificate of practice.

“They also have to meet the requirements of the Health Ministry before they are allowed to work.

“Many of our members have foreign therapists who have been legally working here with valid permits.

“The issue we face now is that many of our local therapists had gone home since the recovery MCO allowed interstate travel.

“So we are now only left with a small workforce.”

She also lashed out at illegal operators who have tarnished the image of the industry.  

“Every time there is a raid, the media will highlight illegal foreigners doing vice activities and this has caused a negative perception of the industry.

“This kind of publicity is so damaging and counterproductive as we are trying to change the negative perception of our industry.”

Dorothea condemned such activities and said authorities must wipe out such operators.

“It has damaged and given our industry a negative image and it is not fair to genuine spa operators.

“It has always been our policy to terminate membership of any of our members who are found to offer any illicit and immoral services.

“They will also be blacklisted.” – July 4, 2020.