Join Member
It’s time to be part of the greater wellness movement
Being part of AMSPA means you’re one of many like-minded enthusiasts who desire to elevate and empower the spa and wellness industry. Discover the benefits of being a part of the Voice of Wellness.
AMSPA Support
- Advise on spa and PKU license applications
- Assistance on spa rating application
- Certification for spa therapists when the TCM Act comes into effect
Members-Only Privileges
- Automatic member listing in the AMSPA website
- Connect with international spa players through Asia Pacific Spa Wellness Council (APSWC) which represents 18 countries
- Special prices to industry events as well as AMSPA-led trainings and workshops
Access to Resources
- Receive timely and authoritative updates on new directives, regulatory changes, and government policies impacting the spa and wellness industry.
- Special member price for SOP (Standard Operating Procedures) framework.
- Access to networks within AMSPA and the wellness community
Who Should Join?
We welcome both organizations and individuals in the spa and wellness industry to join us as our valued members, including:
- Spa and wellness owners, operators, and managers
- Massage and beauty therapists
- Spa and beauty schools or academies
- Spa and wellness suppliers, including products, equipment, and professional services
- Health and natural therapy professionals
- Spa consultants and designers
- Hoteliers offering spa and wellness services
- Travel industry professionals promoting spa and wellness travel
- Media as well as exhibition and conference organizers promoting spa and wellness
Membership Types & Criteria
AMSPA offers three types of memberships. All members hold voting rights at AMSPA’s annual general meetings.
View the requirements to help you decide which membership is the right one for you.
Ordinary Members
Open to: Companies registered in Malaysia that are operating as spa businesses in the country. They conform to the Accreditation Criteria – the set standards and practices required of Members in the Association.
All Ordinary Members must fall into one or more of the four categories of spa business below:
Day Spa (non-hotel/resort)
- A legitimate spa business that provides professional administered spa treatments and services.
- Guests visit on a daily basis only.
- No overnight accommodation on site.
Hotel/Resort/Cruise Ship Spa
- A legitimate spa business located within a hotel, resort, or cruise ship that provides professional administered spa treatments and services.
- Offers on-site overnight accommodation and facilities.
- Guests may visit for one day or stay overnight.
Destination Spa
- A legitimate spa business offering a comprehensive spa program that provides professional administered spa treatments and services.
- Offers on-site overnight accommodation and facilities.
- Guests are offered a multi-day comprehensive experience dedicated 100% to spa/wellness programs including fitness, diet, and well-being regiments under the guidance of qualified staff.
Medi Spa
- A legitimate spa business that provides professional administered spa treatments and services as well as integration treatments, which are carried out my medically-trained professionals who are fully trained within the guidelines of the Ministry of Health.
- May or may not offer overnight accommodation.
Membership Fees
NEW MEMBERS
Joining Fee: RM1,000 (one time only)
SUBSEQUENT YEARS
1st Outlet: RM350
2nd and Subsequent Outlets: RM250
Associate Members
Open to:
- Companies not registered in Malaysia that are spa operators operating spa businesses outside of Malaysia. They conform to the Accreditation Criteria – the set standards and practices required of Members in the Association.
- Companies (in Malaysia or overseas) that provide products and/or services to spa operators. They, in the opinion of the Board, conform to standards and practices required of Members of the Association.
- Beauty salons, slimming centers, hairdressing salons, manicure and pedicure centers, foot reflexology centers, fitness centers, other holistic or health practitioners, and any establishment promoting beauty, health, and wellness. They, in the opinion of the Board, conform to standards and practices required of Members of the Association.
Membership Fees
NEW MEMBERS (OPERATIONAL: Pusat Kesejahteraan Urutan, PKU)
Joining Fee: RM950 (one time only)
The Joining Fee includes:
1. Registration Fee: RM650
2. Subscription fee: RM300
SUBSEQUENT YEARS
1st Outlet: RM300
2nd and Subsequent Outlets: RM200
NEW MEMBERS (NON-OPERATIONAL: Academies, Product Suppliers, etc.)
Joining Fee: RM600 (one time only)
SUBSEQUENT YEARS
1st Outlet: RM250
2nd and Subsequent Outlets: RM200
Affiliate Members
Open to: Individuals with qualifications in beauty and/or health that are recognized by the Board. They provide services at spa establishments recognized and acceptable to the Board.
Membership Fees
NEW MEMBERS
Joining Fee: RM100 (one time only)
SUBSEQUENT YEARS
Individual: RM50
For the memberships that are open to spa businesses, the definition of ‘spa business’ refers to:
A legitimate spa operation devoted to:
- Enhancing the five senses
- Encouraging overall well-being through treatments that include the use of water
- Renewing mind, body, and spirit
The spa treatment menu shall incorporate the use of water as an element of therapy treatments. The operation must be true to the origin of spa – ‘sales per aqua’ or healing by water.
For the memberships that are open to spa operators, the definition of ‘spa operators’ refers to:
A company or individual operating and/or owning one or more spa facilities as defined under ‘spa business.’
Membership Fees
Ordinary
NEW MEMBERS
Joining Fee: RM1,000
(one time only)
SUBSEQUENT YEARS
1st Outlet: RM350
2nd and Subsequent Outlets: RM250
Associate
NEW MEMBERS
PKU
Joining Fee: RM950 (RM650 Registration Fee, RM300 Subscription Fee)
(one time only)
SUBSEQUENT YEARS
1st Outlet: RM300
2nd and Subsequent Outlets: RM200
———————————–
NON-PKU (Academies, Product Suppliers, etc)
Joining Fee: RM600
(one time only)
SUBSEQUENT YEARS
1st Outlet: RM250
2nd and Subsequent Outlets: RM200
Affliate
NEW MEMBERS
Joining Fee: RM100
(one time only)
SUBSEQUENT YEARS
Individual: RM50
Spa & PKU Rating Information
Introduction
The Association of Malaysian Spas (AMSPA) is an industry association recognised by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC). As part of our role in supporting professionalism and compliance within the spa and wellness industry, AMSPA assists members in understanding the requirements, processes, and standards related to Spa and PKU Rating in Malaysia.
Spa and PKU Rating is a regulatory requirement under MOTAC and serves as an official classification system to ensure that spa and wellness establishments operate in accordance with approved standards for safety, hygiene, service quality, and professionalism.
This page provides an overview of Spa and PKU Rating, including definitions, application process, and access to the official rating criteria documents.
What is Spa & PKU Rating?
In Malaysia, Spa and PKU Rating refers to the official classification and grading of wellness establishments regulated by MOTAC. Premises offering spa or massage-related services are encouraged to obtain a valid Certificate of Rating after commencing operations and maintain compliance throughout their business lifecycle. It is also compulsory to have the Certificate of Rating should the company wish to employ foreign workers.
The rating system evaluates whether a premise meets the minimum and advanced standards set by the Ministry, based on the type of services offered.
Definition of Spa and PKU
Spa
A Spa is a premise that provides health, beauty, and wellness treatments, which may include body massage, facials, body treatments, hydrotherapy, and other water-based or wellness services.
Spas are assessed and classified using a star rating system, typically ranging from one (1) star to five (5) stars, depending on compliance with criteria such as:
- Facilities and layout
- Types of treatments offered
- Hygiene and safety standards
- Staff qualifications and competency
- Operational procedures and service quality
PKU (Premis Kesejahteraan dan Urutan)
PKU stands for Premis Kesejahteraan dan Urutan.
A PKU refers to a premise that provides massage and wellness services focused on relaxation and general well-being, using manual (hands-on) techniques. Services are non-medical and do not include diagnosis or therapeutic treatment.
PKUs are subject to specific limitations on the scope of services offered and are assessed separately from spas under MOTAC’s classification framework. The assessment focuses on:
- Permitted massage and wellness services
- Hygiene and safety standards
- Operational compliance
- Practitioner conduct and professionalism
PKUs are classified based on compliance with the approved criteria and must operate strictly within the permitted scope defined by MOTAC.
Why Spa & PKU Rating is Important
Spa and PKU Rating:
- Ensures legal compliance with MOTAC regulations
- Protects consumer safety and confidence
- Establishes industry standards and credibility
- Encourages continuous improvement among operators
Certificates of Rating are typically valid for a fixed period and must be renewed before expiry to continue operations legally.
How to Obtain a Spa or PKU Rating
- Review the Relevant Rating Criteria
Operators should first study the official Spa or PKU Rating Criteria to understand the applicable standards. - Prepare Required Documentation
This may include business registration, local authority approvals, floor plans, SOPs, staff certifications, treatment menus, and hygiene protocols. - Submit Application to MOTAC
Applications are submitted through MOTAC or the relevant State MOTAC Office. - Inspection and Assessment
An assessment may include document review and on-site inspection conducted by appointed officers. - Issuance of Certificate of Rating
Upon successful assessment, MOTAC will issue a Certificate of Rating.
AMSPA may guide members in understanding the process and preparing for compliance but does not issue ratings.
Download: Spa Rating Criteria
This document outlines the official Spa Classification and Rating Criteria issued by MOTAC, covering areas such as:
- Premise and facility requirements
- Services and treatment offerings
- Hygiene, safety, and operational standards
- Staff competency and management practices
Download: PKU Rating Criteria
This document details the official PUK Classification and Rating Criteria, including:
- Scope of permitted services
- Operational and hygiene standards
- Practitioner conduct and professionalism
AMSPA’s Role
AMSPA supports its members by:
- Providing clarity on Spa and PUK classification requirements
- Offering industry guidance and education
- Promoting best practices aligned with regulatory standards
You may also visit the official MOTAC website at https://www.motac.gov.my or access the Spa & PKU Grading directory at https://www.motac.gov.my/en/kategori-semakan/spa-grading/ to check the list of rated Spas and PKUs with MOTAC.
For further assistance, members are encouraged to contact the AMSPA Secretariat.