Unkempt hair not a big deal

PETALING JAYA: As the movement control order (MCO) enters its fourth week, many Malaysians are sporting unkempt hair, messy curls and overgrown beards.

So when the government announced that barber shops and hair salons were allowed to be open again, they rejoiced and looked forward to getting a decent haircut.

But owing to concerns over the spread of and possible infection with the coronavirus, industry players are of the opinion that the overgrown locks can wait.

“Even stubbles are appearing on our bald regulars who are yearning for a clean shave,” said Malaysian Indian Hair Dressing Salon Owners Association (Mindas) deputy chairman Ganathiban Murugan.

Bu he said it was not advisable for salons and barbers to open for the time being due to the need to practise social distancing.

“We will be in close contact with our customers to cut their hair.

“There is no way to keep a safe distance. The risks of infection are there,” he said yesterday.

The association, he said, was against the move to resume business and had written a letter to the Prime Minister’s Office on Thursday.

“We do not know who has the virus. This is a serious health issue. We should wait until the MCO is lifted,” he said.

On Friday, the government said several service sectors, including hair salons and barbers, would be allowed to resume business.

However, they were only to offer haircut service and must apply for a permit online from the International Trade and Industry Ministry website from tomorrow.

Mindas is the country’s oldest association, representing Indian hairstylists and barbers. Founded over 50 years ago, it has some 800 members nationwide.

Malaysian Hairdressing Association (MHA) president Michael Poh said 91% of its members did not agree to resume their business for now.

Poh said the special allowance for hair salons to operate was not right in view of the health and safety of all hairdressers and customers.

“It is impossible to maintain a distance of 1m during haircuts.

“Hair salons are not an essential service. The purpose of the MCO is to save people’s lives, not their appearance,” he said.

MHA honorary president Datin Winnie Loo concurred, saying it was best to flatten the infection curve first.

“As much as I love to be back at work, it is tough to cut hair a metre away.

“Social distancing is not possible,” she wrote on her Instagram.

The 64-year-old hairstyling doyen, who founded A Cut Above Group of Salons, also said her salons would not be opening despite the announcement.

Prem Narayan, 38, who runs a hair salon in Subang Jaya, said he would consult with his staff on whether to resume work.

“Close contact with customers is a concern. I think messy hair is not a big deal,” he said.

Separately, Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said all measures taken during the first two phases of the MCO must be maintained.

“What has proven effective in reducing the number of Covid-19 cases is firstly, border control and secondly, movement control, ban on gatherings and social distancing.

“All our actions should be tightened for the third phase, ” he said.

In Seremban, Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminudin Harun said barber shops would only be allowed to open once the authorities received the standard operating procedure from the Health Ministry.

“We urge the people to be patient and continue to practise social distancing and good personal hygiene,” he said.

In George Town, barber shops and hair salons would remain closed during the MCO period.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state government decided against the move after receiving public feedback on the matter. - Star

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