THE Penang government has recently announced its decision not to allow haircut services to resume operation in the state after receiving public feedback on the matter.
This came following the decision from the Federal Government on April 10 that allowed such services to operate during the movement control order (MCO).
A check by Buletin Mutiara in Seberang Perai area saw that there were no barber shops and hair salons operating which means they are abiding by the state’s order so far.
Buletin Mutiara also managed to approach some Penangites to know more about their opinions regarding the issue. Below are their views:
Lily Zaikam (38, trader)
“First and foremost, I would like to applaud the decision taken by the state government.
“For me, this is a good move because I am worried about the close interaction between the barbers and their customers.
“As we know, barbers and hairdressers are the ones who tend to many people each day. This means they are more vulnerable to get infected by the virus.
“Another thing is that I think it would not be possible to practise social distancing of at least a metre from one another during the haircuts.
“So, if it is not possible, then the risk of infection is always there.
“Thus, I think there is no need for them to resume their businesses for now. They should wait until the MCO is lifted.”
Sathis Kumar (27, technician)
“In my opinion, I do agree that basic haircut services should be allowed to resume the operation.
“I know that many people might not agree with this. But we should look from another perspective.
“As a technician who is still working during the MCO period, I need to make sure that I will look presentable and decent when dealing with my clients. So, messy hair is a big deal for me.
“If the Federal Government can make sure that the barber shops and hair salons comply with the standard operating procedures during the MCO period, such as taking the necessary preventive measures as suggested by the Health Ministry, then I think there is no issue. It should be fine for them to operate their business.”
Ang Kock Leong (53, trader)
“Barber shops and hair salons should remain closed for the sake of our health and safety.
“Because if they are allowed to resume their business, what I am worried the most is the equipment used by the barbers.
“I do not think that they will properly sanitise their combs and scissors each time after use.
“I also do not expect them to wear face masks and gloves all the time.
“So, the risk of infection is very high. Our priority now is to flatten the curve of Covid-19 cases and not to increase it.”
Thirumavukkarasu Selladurai (49, private worker)
“My only concern now is we might have a new Covid-19 cluster coming from these barber shops and hair salons if the Federal Government still insists in allowing them to resume their operation.
“I know that their business is greatly affected during these trying times but so do other businesses as well. So, they need to understand this. It is not just about themselves only.
“Apart from that, who will monitor their operation?
“We cannot expect to put any additional burden on our frontliners who have been working tirelessly during the MCO period.
“If the guidelines about the standard operating procedures are unclear, then I think the Federal Government should reconsider their decision.
“After all, as far as I can remember, the objective of the MCO is to save people’s lives and not their appearance.”
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Eng Kok Wei
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis