New haircut prices should not burden consumers - minister

The new rate for haircuts should be in line with the additional costs that barbers and hairdressers have to bear and not burden consumers, said Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi.

He said only the cost of items used for prevention of Covid-19 infection can be charged on customers in addition to the actual cost of a haircut.

"For example, if the process of cutting hair involves only the use of a face mask, disposable apron, gloves and hand sanitiser, then only the cost of these items can be charged on the customer other than the original cost for a haircut," he said in a statement today.

Another example is that if the additional items comprise a RM3 plastic apron, gloves (50 sen) and hand sanitiser (30 sen), the total additional cost is only RM3.80, said Alexander, adding that barbershops cannot impose additional charges of up to RM10.

He said the ministry’s enforcement personnel will carry out inspections at barbershops, hair salons and others to ensure no operators take advantage of the situation and burden consumers.

Alexander (above) also suggested that hair salons and beauty parlours display a list of prices for each additional item as well as service charge for haircuts to enable customers to check prices in advance and avoid confusion.

Consumers can lodge reports to the ministry on barbershops, hair salons and beauty parlours that impose unreasonable additional charges through WhatsApp at 019- 2794317 or call centre at 1-800-886-800 or e-mail e-aduan@kpdnhep.gov.my.

Such complaints can be investigated under Section 14 of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011, he added.

- Bernama