KUALA LUMPUR: The government has agreed to allow barber shops, beauty parlours and hair salons to raise their rates – but only for extra costs incurred in complying with the Recovery Control Movement Order (RMCO) SOPs, and not for their services or products.
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi said the new rates for haircuts should be in line with the additional costs that barbers and hairdressers incur to keep themselves and their customers safe from Covid-19.
He added that the price increases must be reasonable.
"We are aware that the Malaysian Barber Groups Association has asked to increase the fee for their services by RM5 or RM10 to balance the higher cost to be incurred through the use of disposable items like aprons and gloves, but the hike must only be based on the additional expenses for the precautionary items used in the shops.
"For example, if the process of cutting hair involves using face masks, disposable aprons, gloves and hand sanitisers, then only the cost of these items can be charged to customers, other than the original haircut and service fees," he said in a statement.
Linggi said the price of services should remain the same as before the Movement Control Order (MCO).
"For instance, if the additional items used comprise a RM3 disposable plastic apron, gloves that cost RM0.50 and sanitiser worth about RM0.30, the operators cannot (then increase the price of their services by) RM10," he stressed.
Linggi said it is best for these businesses to display the prices for each of their services on a board or openly to avoid unnecessary confusion.
"Enforcement personnel from the ministry will also be deployed to these premises to carry out inspections to ensure SOPs are properly adhered to," he added.
Consumers are also urged to lodge a complaint with the ministry if any barber, hairdresser or beautician is found to be imposing unreasonable additional charges for their services via WhatsApp at 019- 2794317, toll-free number 1 800 886 800 or email e-aduan@kpdnhep.gov.my.
Linggi added that overcharging is an offence chargeable in court under Section 14 of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011.