Updated
Not legal advice. Conditions vary across more than 150 local authorities and can change. Check with the council, the relevant ministry or a lawyer.
Local council licensing
Massage, spa and reflexology premises are licensed by local councils (PBT) under by-laws made under the Local Government Act 1976. At MBPJ, for example, reflexology, traditional treatment and aromatherapy fall under the "health care centre" category. Typical conditions include a displayed licence, an unlocked glass door, no fully enclosed rooms, a staff register, regular health checks and a minimum age of 21 for masseurs. There's a fuller list in our guide to choosing a massage centre.
An MBPJ document records that since 2008 the Selangor state government has frozen new licences for "massage houses and traditional massage" and only allows reflexology premises licences. We haven't confirmed whether this policy still applies at every Selangor council in 2026.
On 21 September 2026, the Federal Territories Ministry and MOTAC announced a review to simplify spa and massage licensing in Kuala Lumpur while keeping integrity safeguards (The Vibes). KL rules may change.
Traditional and Complementary Medicine Act 2016
Act 775 recognises seven practice areas, including Traditional Malay Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Practitioners in these areas must register with the T&CM Council. According to Malay Mail (28 February 2025), full enforcement began on 1 March 2025, and practising unregistered can bring a fine of up to RM30,000, up to two years in jail, or both, for a first offence.
Reflexology isn't a recognised area under the Act. Whether every relaxation massage at a spa falls under it isn't clear from the sources we found. Contact the Ministry of Health's Traditional and Complementary Medicine Division to be sure.
Criminal law
Commercial sexual services at massage premises involve Penal Code offences, including sections 372 to 373 on exploitation for prostitution and managing a brothel. For example, NST reported on 20 May 2026 a charge under section 373(1)(a) in Batu Pahat carrying up to 15 years in jail.
The Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (Act 670) defines exploitation as including sexual exploitation and forced labour. A victim's consent is no defence (section 16). (Act 670 text, 2016 reprint)
Enforcement patterns
News reports from 2024 to 2026 show a consistent pattern in raids on massage premises in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Perak: premises without a valid licence, rooms built without approval, foreign workers without work permits and, in some cases, sexual services booked through social media. Action includes arrests, compounds and closures by councils.
State differences
- Selangor: the freeze on new massage-house licences since 2008, as above.
- Kedah: the state government said reflexology licences won't be renewed if premises offer anything beyond foot massage (Sinar Harian, 21 June 2023).
- Kelantan and Terengganu: both enforce gender segregation for some service businesses, such as hair salons. We haven't found a primary source setting out massage-specific rules. Check with the local council.