SINGAPORE plans to relax archaic regulations governing spas in a bid to boost growth in the increasingly tourism-related industry, press reports said Tuesday, Sept 14.

Under rules dating back to 1959, when Singapore was still a British colony, women cannot get a massage from men, but men can be kneaded by either sex.

Current regulations also ban couples from having massages together, although some establishments already allow this.

"Archaic regulations need to be updated periodically so they can remain relevant to the current times," Eric Low, chief executive of a country club and a member of a panel that reviewed the rules, told the Today newspaper.

The committee is also calling for longer operating hours, including the possibility of 24-hour spas, as well as lowering the minimum age for "therapists" from 21 to 18 years to ease a labor shortage in the industry.

The Straits Times noted that the same review panel had recommended the lifting of a ban on bartop dancing, now a popular feature in local clubs.

"If we want our spas to be the best in the region, we have to unshackle them," panel member and lawyer Gerald Singham was quoted by the newspaper as saying. "We can't say no all the time."

As part of efforts to ease dependence on manufacturing, Singapore is overhauling the services sector, with tourism as a key focus.

Travel industry executives say first-class spas have become essential services at luxury hotels and resorts in Asia. Countries like Indonesia and Thailand have positioned themselves as premium spa destinations.

Singapore has nearly 400 spas and massage parlors, but some are regarded as little more than brothels using health as a flimsy cover.

The review panel wants tougher regulations to curb "vice-related activities" in the establishments.

Singham said that "in the stressed environment of Singapore, spas and massage parlors aren't about sleaze, they are about well-being."

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