Over 50 Massage Parlours In Malé Close Within A Week, Gov’t Reports
Authorities have shut down 52 massage parlours in Malé City in the last week | Photo: Immigration
The government has announced that 52 massage parlours in Male’ City have been closed within the past week, with more than half of the establishments shutting down voluntarily.
The closures followed the launch of a special operation on 9 December, initiated after repeated public concerns were raised over the operation of massage parlours. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu stated that the issue had been frequently highlighted by residents, prompting authorities to take targeted action.
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According to the President, 28 of the 52 establishments ceased operations on their own following the start of the operation. He described the outcome as significant given the short timeframe and said relevant state agencies would continue their efforts around the clock in the coming days.
The President also noted that public feedback played an important role in shaping government action, adding that community views were being taken positively and considered essential to decision-making.
Massage parlours have operated in the Maldives for many years, with periodic enforcement actions resulting in closures and arrests. Authorities have previously stated that many such establishments are linked to illegal foreign operations, an issue the government has said it aims to resolve within the next three years.
