Six masseurs seek RM10,000 to put Malay massage on world map in Italy

Johor Baru - A group of six Malaysian massage therapists, who previously earned international recognition at a Paris competition, will travel to Italy to participate in the Two Unions Massage Championship. The masseurs, consisting of three men and three women in their late 20s to early 40s, aim to promote traditional Malay massage on a global scale.

The team, which won one gold and three bronze medals at the Paris event last May, will face 170 competitors from 39 nations in various massage categories. Malaysian Massage Association chairman Rosmawati Ishak stated that the team requires RM10,000 in sponsorship to cover expenses, including competition fees, travel, and accommodation.

The therapists have previously funded their own participation in international competitions and are now seeking support to represent Malaysia at the Italian championship. Rosmawati, who will act as a judge, emphasized that the competition will not only showcase the talents of the six competitors but also provide an opportunity to showcase traditional Malay massage to an international audience.

She believes that massage skills can serve as a sustainable source of additional income, with trainees hailing from diverse backgrounds, including homemakers, physiotherapists, nurses, and teachers. Rosmawati hopes that the team's participation will inspire more individuals to learn these skills and recognize their potential as a viable income source.