Hair salons, barbers and optometrists no more permitted to operate during Malaysia’s extended movement control order
13 April, 2020
Hair salons, barbers and optometrists in Malaysia will no longer be permitted to operate through the extension period of the movement control order (MCO), said Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yakoob on Monday (Apr 13).
Bazaars will also not be permitted to operate through the upcoming fasting month, he added.
This came amid concerns from the general public that allowing these lenders to operate may hamper social distancing efforts to combat COVID-19, following the government said some businesses could be allowed to resume.
In a press conference after chairing a particular ministerial committee meeting on the MCO, Mr Ismail said on Monday: “The federal government has listened to the views of the people. The federal government also sought the advice of the authorities and non-governmental organisations on the problem.”
“As such, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has decided that hair salons, beauty salons, optical shops in the complete country are not permitted to operate through the MCO period … The same applies to Ramadan bazaars. The PM's decision is that forms of bazaars aren't allowed in the complete country during MCO.”
The first phase of MCO, implemented to break the COVID-19 infection chain, was scheduled to end on Mar 31, but was later pushed back again to Apr 14.
Under MCO, schools and non-essential companies are closed. Folks are urged to stay in the home to minimise contact as health authorities rush against the clock to contain the spread of the virus.
Several locations with a large number of instances were placed under an increased MCO, which further restricted the residents’ movement.
Malaysia's Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin speaks throughout a news conference in Putrajaya, Malaysia March 11, 2020. (Photo: REUTERS/Lim Huey Teng)
Last Friday, Mr Muhyiddin said that the MCO will be further extended by another 2 weeks until Apr 28.
However, he said that a few selected sectors would be reopened in stages, with health guidelines and strict movement controls in place.
This led to negative public feedback and concerns over social distancing.
The Penang state said over the weekend that hair salons and barber shops will stay shut.
On Monday, United Malays National Organisation’s deputy president Mohamad Hasan said Putrajaya shouldn't allow barbers to use during MCO because they are not essential services.
“Business operations such as barbers and laundries are non-essential and we don’t desperately need them, therefore the approval for them to operate should be postponed. Even Ramadan bazaars shouldn't be given any exemptions or leeway,” he said.
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