KUCHING: Padungan assemblyman Wong King Wei has called for the state government to look into special standard operating procedures (SOPs) for some overlooked businesses to resume operations without jeopardising the efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19.

In a statement yesterday, Wong said the SOPs should cover some of the 23 business sectors which were still not allowed to operate under the conditional movement control order (CMCO).

He said the state government should consider the resumption of operations for businesses such as barber shops, beauty salons and photography shops from May 12 onwards along with other previously included business sectors.

“Almost all business activities have ceased for nearly two months. If certain sectors are still disallowed to operate, we will be seeing more closures of businesses, resulting in a higher unemployment rate,” he said.

Wong added he could understand the difficulties faced by the Sarawak government in striking a balance between containing the spread of Covid-19 and economy recovery.

Despite that, he said the government should not neglect the businesses that had recorded zero revenue since the enforcement of the MCO.

“What puzzles me is that the government will allow gatherings of not exceeding 20 people and outdoor activities involving not more than 10 people during the forthcoming festive celebrations.

“If such activities will be allowed, why can’t barber and beauty salons involving one-on-one activities be allowed?” he asked.

Wong said these businesses could resume operations based on appointments and with limited number of customers.

Alternatively, he said the government could offer special financial aid to these business operators so that they could survive the Covid-19 crisis.