CORONAVIRUS | Penang has joined the chorus of voices urging the federal government not to allow barbershops to open during the third phase of the movement control order (MCO) which has been extended to April 28.
Penang executive councillor Jagdeep Singh Deo said barbers would be flouting the MCO compliance rule on social distancing if they were open to customers.
"There are discussions only to allow those in the green zones to open their shops but this defeats the purpose as those from other (danger) zones may patronise these shops, turning the green zones into orange or red zones," Jagdeep said in a Facebook Live press conference today.
"It's only another two weeks, let's follow the MCO rules tightly and hope we have some positive news by the end of the third phase," he added.
Jagdeep also pointed out that hairdressers and barber associations had opposed the opening of their shops as their members fear being infected with the deadly Covid-19 virus.
"There are discussions only to allow those in the green zones to open their shops but this defeats the purpose as those from other (danger) zones may patronise these shops, turning the green zones into orange or red zones," Jagdeep said in a Facebook Live press conference today.
"It's only another two weeks, let's follow the MCO rules tightly and hope we have some positive news by the end of the third phase," he added.
Jagdeep also pointed out that hairdressers and barber associations had opposed the opening of their shops as their members fear being infected with the deadly Covid-19 virus.
He was referring to the Malaysian Hairdressing Association (MHA) which had urged the government to reconsider its plan to allow hair salons to operate during the MCO period.
In a survey of its members, the association said 91 percent of respondents disagreed that salons should resume operations.
They said it was impossible to maintain a distance of one metre while cutting the hair of customers.
They also expressed concern that both customers and hairdressers were in a state of being easily infected by the virus.
Jagdeep, meanwhile, said there are 386 barbershops in Penang and the state has disallowed them to reopen for safety reasons.
"We fear there may be a new Covid-19 cluster if we allow the reopening of barbershops," he stressed.
Jagdeep said the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has checked 56, 471 premises so far, and found that their compliance rate to the MCO has reached 99.16 percent.
For the mainland area, the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) has checked 79,038 premises and found them to be 99.15 percent compliant to the MCO rules.
"The rate is consistent so far, it has even increased a bit, showing that the public is concerned and aware that they have to comply with the MCO rules for their own safety," he said.
In a survey of its members, the association said 91 percent of respondents disagreed that salons should resume operations.
They said it was impossible to maintain a distance of one metre while cutting the hair of customers.
They also expressed concern that both customers and hairdressers were in a state of being easily infected by the virus.
Jagdeep, meanwhile, said there are 386 barbershops in Penang and the state has disallowed them to reopen for safety reasons.
"We fear there may be a new Covid-19 cluster if we allow the reopening of barbershops," he stressed.
Jagdeep said the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has checked 56, 471 premises so far, and found that their compliance rate to the MCO has reached 99.16 percent.
For the mainland area, the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) has checked 79,038 premises and found them to be 99.15 percent compliant to the MCO rules.
"The rate is consistent so far, it has even increased a bit, showing that the public is concerned and aware that they have to comply with the MCO rules for their own safety," he said.
"When it comes to the safety of Penangites, there is no compromise," he added.
For the 36 markets on the island - operated by the MBPP (26 markets) and private (10), the compliance rate is 95 percent.
Main compliance features include no slaughtering of chickens, social distancing and having separate entrances and exits.
The MCO is enforced with the help of state village and security council members and MBPP officers, Jagdeep added.
Jagdeep also announced that the Jom Beli Online @ MBPP to assist food sellers has 140 registrations, while 40 involved Ramadan bazaar shops.
"The online business is good in that it has helped some traders earn RM618 a day," Jagdeep said.
For the 36 markets on the island - operated by the MBPP (26 markets) and private (10), the compliance rate is 95 percent.
Main compliance features include no slaughtering of chickens, social distancing and having separate entrances and exits.
The MCO is enforced with the help of state village and security council members and MBPP officers, Jagdeep added.
Jagdeep also announced that the Jom Beli Online @ MBPP to assist food sellers has 140 registrations, while 40 involved Ramadan bazaar shops.
"The online business is good in that it has helped some traders earn RM618 a day," Jagdeep said.
Accompanying Jagdeep at the press conference today were mayors Yew Tung Seang (MBPP) and Rozali Mahmud (MBSP). - Mkini
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