Barbershops, car wash centres allowed to operate from tomorrow
Barbershops and car wash centres in areas under the movement control order (MCO 2.0) are allowed to operate from tomorrow, Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced.
In a press conference today, he said these businesses must comply with strict standard operating procedures (SOP) and they can operate until 10pm...
Barbershops and car wash centres in areas under the second movement control order (MCO 2.0) are allowed to operate from tomorrow, Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced.
At a press conference today, he said these businesses must comply with strict standard operating procedures (SOP) and they can operate until 10pm.
Barbershops and salons can only provide haircuts while facial services are not allowed, Ismail added.
The government has made it compulsory for barbershops to use face shields and the use of new gloves and a new apron for each customer. They are also required to clean all scissors and combs with hot water.
Ismail also reiterated that the night markets in areas under an MCO can operate between 4pm and 10pm with strict observation of SOPs, including social distancing.
"The distance between the stalls at the night markets must be one-meter apart while the entrance and exit point must be different. The night market should be under strict control and supervision by the People's Volunteer Corps (Rela)," he said.
Ismail said the government made the decision after conducting a risk assessment and getting advice from the Health Ministry.
"We have received a lot of appeal from the public, including from those involved in micro-businesses who want more business sectors to be allowed to operate," he said.
He, however, cautioned the business community that the government will shut down any premise detected with Covid-19 and for non-compliance with SOPs.
Under the MCO 2.0, the government allowed five essential economic sectors, namely manufacturing, construction, services, trade and distribution, as well as plantations and commodities to operate.
Yesterday, a few media outlets, quoting sources, reported that the government would allow all economic sectors to reopen during MCO 2.0.
Ismail said the government has yet to decide on whether to allow a few retail sectors to reopen.
"We have heard the presentation of the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry on the reopening of a few retail sectors," said Ismail.
The government was also studying whether to allow more sports and recreational activities, particular those involving outdoor sports and neighbourhood gyms, as well as other activities that do not involve physical contact.
As of today, the government has only allowed selective outdoor activities during the MCO 2.0, such as running and exercising.
"However, we will study and consider these issues according to the advice of the Health Ministry before a decision will be made," he added.
In another development, Ismail said the special task force on SOP compliance, which comprises security forces and ministries, has the power to carry out inspection work at offices when deemed necessary.
Currently, the task force mainly conducts operations at places such as eateries and retail outlets.
Ismail also said the government has decided to expand Rela’s power to conduct inspections.
He cautioned employers to adhere to the SOP to avoid being reprimanded.
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