The spa and wellness industry finally reopened for business on the 1st of July, 2020 with many unreasonable restrictions; all foreign therapists and heat/water-based treatments are prohibited.

Now after almost 4 months of zero income, many spa and wellness centres are still struggling as this is an industry driven by the employment of foreign therapists, given the scarcity of local therapists due to their negative perception of such a career. These foreign therapists are not general labourers, but skilled employees earning above RM 3,000 per month who have had the highest immigration levies imposed  and live in respectable conditions. Many foreign therapists are single mothers and breadwinners for their families back home.

Around the world, from countries such as Scandinavia, Taiwan and New Zealand, it was the continuation of heat treatments like saunas, steam rooms and hot springs that flourished during the pandemic. The Covid-19 virus is unable to withstand heat above 60 degrees Celsius in most cases, and all of these heat treatments utilise temperatures similar or hotter than the baseline, making them ideal. By choosing to specifically prohibit the use of heat treatments when it is considered the safest form of wellness therapy possible in current times, Malaysia has gone against trends from other safe countries. 

There are too many inconsistencies in the restrictions put forth: other beauty sector establishments such as nail parlours and facial saloons can have foreign therapists performing water-based treatments whilst spas cannot. Swimming pools can reopen, but any form of water-based treatment such as body scrubs or even washing feet is prohibited in a spa. The spread and contact probably in a public pool for recreation is great, as opposed to a private spa treatment meant to cleanse. 

We urge the National Security Council to consider the survival of the spa and wellness industry, which is one of the last ones allowed to reopen before making sweeping policies during such trying times. This industry contributes heavily towards tourism (to a tune of RM250 million with a market potential of RM400 million, ie.15% of total tourism receipts in 2019), offers job opportunities, and improves the mental and physical wellbeing of society.

This petition is based solely on the views of Kam Su-En, Head of Special Projects, AMSPA (Association of Malaysian Spas) and does not represent the views of AMSPA. AMSPA remains grateful that the MOTAC Covid-19 task force continues to advocate in the best interest of the spa industry.