Selangor exco member Teng Chang Khim appears to disagree with the proposal to close down massage parlours in the state as a move to curb immoral activities.

Dismissing the proposal made by Umno's Permatang assemblyperson Sulaiman Razak, Teng said, "Let the BN-ruled states close theirs first."

Teng has no objection to the BN states making such a move, "given that this is done fairly", he told reporters when asked about Sulaiman's proposal after the swearing-in ceremony for Selangor assemblypersons today.

NONE Sinar Harian on July 18 quoted Sulaiman ( right ) as saying Teng's idea for gender segregation in massage parlours would not effectively curb immoral activities, and suggested the closure of massage parlours, especially those operating illegally.

The state government ceased issuing new licences for massage parlours since 2000 and this, Sulaiman said, prompted the idea of gender segregation for new massage parlours, should there be such a demand.

However, Teng said, the existing licensed operators would not be affected by any move to shut down massage parlours, if such a move is ever to be implemented.

"It's an idea brain-stormed from casual talk... it's not yet tabled for discussion at the exco meeting," he said.

Teng hoped this issue would not be politicised, especially since it is not at all political in nature.

Teng, in a recent exclusive interview with Malaysiakini , had said he has in mind to solve immoral activities through the gender segregation method applied to massage parlours.

 “I have this idea... to only have (single-sex) massage parlours. (If) you apply for massage centres for males, the whole place will be zoned as a male zone. No females are allowed, not even as a cleaner,” he said.