Najib: Holistic solution needed for masseuse problem
January 25, 2006
The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: The problem of thousands of Malay girls working in massage parlours in the Klang Valley cannot be solved just by setting up a Cabinet committee, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. 

The Deputy Prime Minister said this was a complex problem which required a holistic approach that should encompass enforcement, religious education and strengthening of family institutions. 

“Family influence plays a major role,” he told reporters yesterday when asked to comment on a proposal by Senator Datuk Rizuan Abd Hamid. Najib had earlier opened the 8th Malaysia Strategic Outlook Conference 2006. 

On Tuesday, Rizuan called for a Cabinet committee to be formed to monitor the problem of at least 5,000 Malay girls working as masseuses in the Klang Valley, a job forbidden to Muslims according to the National Fatwa Council. 

Rizuan said that there would be no end to the problem due to the Government not being serious in its enforcement and lack of cooperation between the local authorities and the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Council. 

On the 1,000 national service trainers who have yet to receive their long overdue payment from the Defence Ministry, Najib said: “Let me check on that.” 

It was reported early this month that the trainers were promised payment by the end of last year.  

Source: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2006/1/25/nation/13205261&sec=nation