KUALA LUMPUR: The move to allow barbers and hairstylists to conditionally resume services during the next phase of the Movement Control Order (MCO) has been met with objection from none other than the sector itself.
Industry players believe the risk of spreading Covid-19 between customers, hairstylists and barbers outweigh the potential benefits of the move.
The Malaysian Hairdressing Association (MHA) said it conducted a survey among members and found that 91 per cent of respondents disagreed with the move.
The association said it would be “impossible” for hairstylists to maintain a metre’s distance with customers, so both parties would be at risk of infection.
“Haircuts should not be listed as a necessary service. The most important thing now is to stay alive. The purpose of the MCO is to save lives, not worry about your appearance.”
Billy Lim, MHA founder and Mondiale Coiffure (International) Malaysia president, told the New Sunday Times that because observing social distancing would be difficult for hair professionals, a clearer guideline was needed.
“I have not decided yet, but if I were to reopen my salon next week, it would be only for regular customers and based on appointment. I cannot ask my staff to work and put their lives at risk,” said Lim, who is MHA life adviser and MTH Salon owner.
Shortcut Barber Malaysia co-owner Ayu Zamri said she would first apply with the International Trade and Industry Ministry to allow her business to resume before deciding on the next step.
She said she would resume business only if she felt it was safe to do so as she was concerned that this move would lead to a new Covid-19 cluster.
“I don’t want people to start pointing fingers at barbers when a new cluster appears. For now, we will have to wait first.”
Hair Salon Owners Association chairman A.K. Selvan said the new ruling would see barbershops incur higher operational costs due to the need to adhere to safety measures and for sanitisation.
“Barbers will need to have protection gear on, hand sanitiser and a sterilising agent. They can’t operate like before.
“Given the virus’ 14-day incubation period, no one can know if a person is infected (until after that period). Barbers must protect themselves and customers. They shouldn’t use the same cover on another customer and have to ensure that safety measures are in place before opening for business.
“We hope to receive guidelines on how to run our businesses during the pandemic,” said Selvan, who runs three barbershops in Setapak and Taman Desa.