ISKANDAR PUTERI: The Johor state government has proposed to place businesses such as spas, reflexology centres, massage parlours, and entertainment venues, in special zones for easier monitoring and control purposes.
Johor Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor said the special zones for such establishments including karaoke centres were also proposed to distant them from housing estates, following concerns raised by residents.
Jafni said while a huge number of these establishment were conducting legitimate businesses, yet there were concerns that some used their façade to mask illegal activities.
"The proposed zoning of businesses will ensure the establishments are distanced from residential areas while it alleviates community concerns, and streamlines better monitoring and stricter regulations, controls and enforcements," he said.
The proposal is yet to be approved and will be discussed before any implementation are confirmed.
Meanwhile, the Johor Baru City council mayor Datuk Mohd Noorazam Osman said the council has frozen all new license applications for businesses such as spas, reflexology centres, and massage parlours since Feb 1, this year.
He said the freeze on license applications were in commercial areas within its jurisdiction, adding it was part of broader efforts to address high-risk and sensitive business activities.
This move was taken following surge in applications from such establishments, with the council receiving an average of 20 new applications every month.
