Macau, China, Dec. 12, 2025 (Lusa) - The Macau government will seek the opinion of local residents on a possible reduction in restrictions on saunas and massage parlours, the only places in the region where prostitution is tolerated.
At a press conference on Thursday, government spokesman Wong Sio Chak announced that the public consultation will be launched in the first half of 2026.
The government intends to review the administrative licensing regime for specific economic activities, which was approved in 1998, during the Portuguese administration of Macau.
Wong Sio Chak, also Secretary for Administration and Justice, gave the examples of auctions, barbershops and beauty salons and said that "some of the sectors will no longer require a licence and registration".
The change could have "great significance for the optimisation of the business environment and for Macau's economic development", namely by "providing more convenience to businesses", the official argued.
However, Wong acknowledged that, since the revision "represents a major policy change," the head of the government, Sam Hou Fai, "decided to listen to more public opinion" so as "not to harm the lives of citizens."
Asked by Lusa whether the waiver of licence and registration requirements could cover saunas and massage parlours, the only places in Macau where prostitution is permitted, the spokesman acknowledged that this was a concern.
"These are our considerations, and we have to think very carefully. If there are no restrictions, it could cause problems for public order and the safety of society," said the former Secretary for Security.
"The sectors agree with this review. Of course, they don't want any restrictions. But some establishments are open near residents. We have to build social consensus," Wong said.
The official recalled that the government held a public consultation on the revision of this regime in 2017, but it did not proceed in the end.
Concerning massage parlours, the 2027 proposal provided that a licence would no longer be required for localised massage services, such as foot, shoulder, head and arm massages. However, a licence would still be required for establishments offering full-body massages.
At the time, DSAJ deputy director Carmen Maria Chung acknowledged that "there are certain establishments that take advantage of this to provide other types of services prohibited by law," clarifying that these were illegal services of a sexual nature.
"It has been eight years since the last consultation. Perhaps the public's point of view has changed," said Wong Sio Chak.
According to current legislation, the exploitation of prostitution, pimping and solicitation "in a public place or place accessible to the public" for prostitution are illegal in Macau.
However, prostitution by adults is tolerated in saunas and massage parlours.
In July, Macau police announced the arrest of two massage parlour owners suspected of exploiting prostitution for ordering employees to provide sexual services to customers.
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