KUCHING: Expect to pay an extra RM5 on top of the normal fees the next time you go to a barber shop and a hair salon.
The extra charge is for protective gear and safety equipment used by service providers in compliance with the standard operating procedure (SOP) under the recovery movement control order (RMCO).
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi on June 8, said the new haircut rates must be in line with the additional costs that barbers and hairdressers incur to keep themselves and their customers safe from Covid-19.
“For instance, if the additional items used comprise a RM3 disposable plastic apron, gloves that cost RM0.50 and sanitiser worth about RM0.30, the operators cannot (then increase the price of their services by) RM10,” said Nanta.
As usual, there have been mixed reactions from the public as to whether or not it is appropriate to charge customers such fees.
Nurhadiatul Sukinah Jamali, 30, a communications assistant manager, opined that it is a good initiative for saloon to charge an additional RM5 for safety and protective gear.
“This is for our safety after all as we still in a war with Covid-19 and this will make customers feel safe when getting a haircut.
“I hope all salons will practise this strict yet practical SOP. The price is reasonable because it’s not every day that people go for a haircut,” she said.
As for 35-year-old office assistant Alfie Allin, he is on the fence on the subject matter.
“I agree with the charges that need to be made because barbers and hair salon operators need to buy extra safety gear like the capes used while cutting hair, sanitisers, and cleaning equipment to keep everyone safe.
“However, I disagree on the RM5 charge because that is quite a lot of money and may I suggest it to be lowered to RM2 to RM3,” he said.
Private employee Arnida Mohan, 31, also agreed that it would be more appropriate to charge either RM2 or RM3.
“Hopefully this will able to reduce the burden of both parties — the operators and customers,” she said.
As for 30-year-old assistant engineer Robinson Sidi, he understood that every sector has been badly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“However, I think it not fair to the customers in collecting RM5 from them. Maybe the federal or Sarawak government can help to subsidise the cost of purchasing the protective gear and safety equipment not only for barbers and hair salons, but other sectors as well,” he said.
