BUSINESS operators are now experiencing a tangle of emotions with the reimplementation of movement control order (MCO 2.0).
Their fate varies. While those in the essential services are thankful that they are allowed to operate, others in the non-essential services are lamenting their hardship due to closure.
Some of the non-essential services such as the beauty salons, spas, reflexology centres and cupping centres are severely hit financially, but thanks to the aid provided by the state government through its Penang People’s Aid 3.0, they heave a sigh of relief.
Some members of this vulnerable group, when approached by Buletin Mutiara today, shared their views on the one-off RM500 financial assistance.
Geehan Make Up Academy owner Jeehanshree, 41, who has been operating her business in Little India, said the financial assistance is a good move by the state government.
“We are facing a difficult phase right now as we have to totally shut down our business for one month, which means we have zero income. Although the RM500 financial aid will not totally ease our burden, it is still something.
“I have some difficulties in applying for this assistance because my licence from the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) is still pending. But I feel happy that my fellow beauticians in Penang will benefit from it.
“Apart from that, I hope that the MBPP will initiate a proposal or urge landlords of the beauty parlour premises to give a rental waiver. That will help the tenants to cope financially,’’ said Jeehanshree, who is also the chairperson of Persatuan Kecantikan Mua Utara (Pemua).
Jeehanshree also urged the Federal government to allow beauty parlours and hair salons to operate with strict adherence to the standard operating procedures (SOPs).
“Perhaps, the Federal Government can look into minor sectors like ours. Some of us get paid on a daily basis and we do not have any other source of income.
“Not all of us are capable or have the expertise to venture into other fields.
“I believe personal grooming can be integrated into the essential need of our daily life,’’ she added.
For beauty salon owner Nur Sofea Abdul Rahman, 34, the one-off payment of RM500 is a clear testament that the Penang government is highly aware and deeply cares for the business operators who are not allowed to reopen during MCO 2.0.
“This shows that they understand the continuous impact that the ongoing Covid-19 has on businesses in the state.
“Yes, the amount might be small but it is suffice to sustain my small business. At least, I can use it to pay for the monthly rental.
“And I hope similar assistance can also be given by the Federal Government,” she said.
Nur Fazana Mohd Jamil, 24, who works at a cupping therapy centre in Seberang Jaya, said she is delightful with the initiative taken by the Penang government.
“The one-off payment of RM500 will surely help my employer to pay the electricity bill and keep the business going.
“And the same time, I also hope the Federal Government will financially help business operators and workers like us who have to temporarily bring down the shutters,” said Nur Fazana during a brief phone interview today.
As for spa owner Wahida Anuar, 27, she is grateful for the much-needed financial assistance provided by the state government.
Her wish is that the Federal Government will eventually allow spa centres to resume operation.
“Currently, I have to give all my 15 workers an unpaid leave in order to reduce the operating cost.
“I have no choice or else I face a greater risk of closing down the business.
“Thus, I really hope that the Government will look into our plight and allow us to reopen. We don’t mind following the strict SOPs as long as we are allowed to open,” said Wahida, who has been in the business since 2018.
Story by Riadz Akmal & Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar & Alissala Thian