Gov’t urged to give barber services the cut during MCO

CORONAVIRUS | The Perikatan Nasional government’s move to allow haircutting businesses to operate during the movement control order (MCO) is receiving flak.

PKR Youth chief Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said “sacrifices” were needed as part of efforts to contain the Covid-19 outbreak.

“I am sure many are complaining about their long hair. I, too, am no exception. But I also know that we are facing an outbreak, so don’t throw away the sacrifices made by frontliners at the hospitals," said Akmal in a statement today.

Yesterday, International Trade and Industry Minister Mohamed Azmin Ali said additional sectors, apart from essential services, such as barbershops, full-service laundry outlets and the automotive industry to apply to resume operations during the duration of the MCO.

The minister said the decision was reached by the cabinet following feedback gathered by his ministry from industry players, small and medium-sized enterprises, other ministries and agencies.

Akmal called on businesses which rely on direct contact with customers to cease operations for the time being and practice social distancing strictly.

“Maybe my opinion will be unpopular... for the sake of the people, I disagree with the order by the (International Trade and Industry) minister allowing barbers to operate.

“I apologise to barbershop operators for this message,” he added.

The MCO was extended to April 28. This is on top of an earlier two-week extension initially slated to end on April 14.

According to a report by Free Malaysia Today (FMT), a hairstyling association also objected to Putrajaya’s decision.

Selangor and Federal Territories Indian Hairstylists Association chairperson, Ganathiban Murugan, said it was the “wrong time” to allow barbers to operate due to difficulty in maintaining the one-metre recommended social distancing measure.

“In supermarkets, people have to stand at least one metre away from each other but to cut hair we have to come into close contact with our customers. How do we keep a safe distance from them?” he was quoted saying by FMT.

He stressed that although association members were discussing measures they could take to ensure safe operations, it was important barbers be able to work without a condition of fear.

Meanwhile, the Negri Sembilan government has taken a stand to disallow barbershops from operating during the duration of the MCO.

The New Straits Times reported Menteri Besar Aminuddin Harun as saying optometrist would also not be allowed to open for the time being.

He said this was pending any official standard operating procedures from the Health Ministry.

In response, the government said the International Trade and Industry Ministry will review public sentiments concerning barbershops and hair salons.

This was assured by Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob in a press conference today. - Mkini