Barbers say unwilling to risk opening shop during MCO

CORONAVIRUS | In line with the call to practice social distancing, several barbers have opted to keep their shops closed until the end of the third phase of the movement control order (MCO).

This was despite an initial announcement by International Trade and Industries Minister Azmin Ali on Friday that barbershops will be among businesses that could apply for permission to reopen from April 15.

Several barbershop owners who spoke to Malaysiakini said they were unwilling to risk creating a new cluster of Covid-19 infection, on top of a sign of their full support for ongoing government efforts to curb the outbreak.

Barbershop owner Muhammad Syamil Naim Jamil (above), 32, said he has chosen to heed the Health Ministry's advice and decided to close his business until the MCO is lifted.

"We are worried that the permission could create a new Covid-19 cluster, so my friends and I decided that our shops would remain closed for now.

"In our efforts to break the chain of infections, I think it is best for us not to take the risk to ourselves and our customers," said Syamil, who is the owner of the Neighbourhod Barbershop along Jalan Kuala Kedah in Alor Setar.

Owner of Kedai Gunting Guu Kito, 28-year-old Muhamad Taufiq Zakaria (photo), echoed Syamil's concerns.

"I do not agree with the permission given (to reopen) because we will be at risk of infection.

"I think the risk remains high so long as positive Covid-19 cases continue to increase," said Taufiq about his shop in Kampung Teliar, Pasir Mas, Kelantan.

"So it is better for all of us to assist with efforts to break the chain," he added.

Similarly, Mohd Rosli Awang Noh, 39, also told Malaysiakini that both of his barbershops in Kota Baru will remain closed.

"This matter involves people's lives, so I believe it is best that we remain closed until everything has been settled.

"Let us all pray and cooperate with the government in this effort," he said.

The International Trade and Industries Ministry's list of businesses and sectors allowed to reopen under the third phase of the MCO also include full-service laundromats and electronic shops.

In response, the move drew flak from various parties including PKR Youth chief Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir who said "sacrifices" were needed as part of efforts to contain the Covid-19 outbreak. 

Attempts by former deputy PKR Youth chief Dr Afif Bahardin to defend Miti's move were also shot down by critics who questioned a medical study which he cited as purported evidence that cutting hair could lower high blood pressure. 

Earlier today, Defence Minister Ismail Sabri said Miti will be issuing a statement on the exact standard operating procedure to be followed by businesses, including that it was only for those located in areas listed as Covid-19 green zones.

Among concerns raised by professional hairstylers and barbers included that it would be impossible for them to keep a safe distance of at least one metre from their clients while cutting hair. - Mkini