A fish therapy spa called Sampuoton has opened in the Malaysian area of Tropicana, Petaling Jaya.

The spa uses the omnivorous Garra Rufa fish, which feed from human skin but will only eat dead cells.

There are two fish ponds at the spa as well as four treatment rooms.

The pond system has been devised and constructed by the curator of the Aquaria KLCC Team, a public underwater aquarium in Kuala Lumpur Center.

As well as fish therapy, a wide range of massages are offered, including Thai, shiatsu, hot stone and deep tissue.

The 5,000sq ft (465sq m) spa also focuses on tea therapy in partnership with the Malay Tea House, a project that aims to revive the ancient art of Malay tea drinking, supported by the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia. The spa offers 18 varieties of organic teas.

Talks are being held about the possibility of the spa concept being franchised across Asia and other regions.