Malaysia introduces spa ratings to build visitor confidence

The Malaysian tourism ministry has implemented a star-rating system for spas in the country to improve the quality of the wellness industry.

As part of this initiative, authorities have inspected 402 spa establishments nationwide since March. Among the 147 qualified premises, 69 per cent were ranked with three to five stars, said tourism minister Ng Yen Yen. “Spas which did not qualify for rating will be provided with advice on how to raise their standards, while those which are illegal will be weeded out with the support of local authorities,” she added.

A Tourism Malaysia spokesperson said the rating system will be publicised on the website, with further promotion from the Association of Malaysian Spas. The rating will also enable spas to employ foreign therapists once they receive endorsement from the ministry, said Ng. The Malaysian spa industry currently faces an acute shortage of skilled therapists – foreigners comprise 60 per cent of the country’s 1,300 professional therapists.

To develop the local talent pool, the tourism ministry has jointly established the Centre of Excellence with the Ministry of Human Resources to offer six-month spa therapy training programmes. Graduates will be guaranteed employment in the spa industry upon completion, Ng said. “Malaysia certainly can develop a unique spa brand based on the country’s Malay, Chinese, Indian and other therapy traditions, provided we do it well. Ultimately it is up to the qualified (spa) players to develop the brand,” she added.

-TTG Asia.