Malaysians looking forward to a haircut after more than three months will have to bear with their long locks a while longer. Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said discussions on standard operating procedures (SOPs) for barbers are still ongoing.
Ismail said today that barbershops and hair salons remain on the list of premises not authorised to re-open and a similar restriction is imposed on house-call services to cut hair.
"We are still waiting for the National Security Council (MKN) to present the SOP once it is ready. As for now, no.
"After that only we will decide whether to allow barbershops and salons to be reopened or otherwise," said Ismail at the daily Covid-19 press conference in Putrajaya.
"The date (to reopen) will be determined by the SOP presented.
"As of now, haircutting is still on the prohibited list, including (house-calls)," he said, adding that the new SOP is being prepared jointly between MKN and the Health Ministry.
On April 10, the government announced that it would allow hair salons and barbers to operate during the MCO, but rescinded its decision the next day due to criticisms, including from industry players who cited health concerns over unavoidable close contact with clients.
Since then, there have been reported claims of high-ranking individuals paying barbers or hairstylists to make house-calls. These claims were fueled by the neat hair sported by certain public figures.
No exemptions for popular eateries
On a separate matter, Ismail (below) said no premises will be spared from following the SOPs, including popular 'mamak' stalls or eateries that operated 24-hours a day.
"They might be popular and many people can sit there until the wee hours...but rules must be followed.
"Just because they are popular, they think they can open as they please, no!" he stressed.
Under guidelines issued during the conditional movement control order (MCO) period, most commercial premises including eateries are allowed to open only until 10pm.
The current conditional MCO period is in force until June 9 and Ismail said no decision has been made on whether it would be lifted or extended further.
Responding to a question if interstate roadblocks will continue past June 9, Ismail said no answer could be given today as there is no decision on the end date for the conditional MCO.
As of yesterday, Malaysia recorded 7,819 Covid-19 cases with 81.25 percent recoveries.
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