Barbers cut hair for customers at a barbershop in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, June 10, 2020. (Photo by Chong Voon Chung/Xinhua)
Malaysia's barbershops and hair salons opened their doors to the public, the first time after nearly three months as the government easing more restrictive measures against COVID-19.
KUALA LUMPUR, June 11 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia's barbershops and hair salons opened their doors to the public on Wednesday, the first time after nearly three months as the government easing more restrictive measures against COVID-19.
However, both the customers and their hairstylists need to get used to the strict measures and conditions set by the government to prevent a spike in new cases.
Barbers, hairstylists, and beauticians are required to wear face masks, face shields, and gloves. The protective gear must be changed constantly, and the sharing of towels is strictly forbidden.
Customers are required to have their temperature taken, their contact recorded and put on face masks. Many barbers and saloons only provide haircut service for the moment.
For many Malaysians, have their hair cut is the priority as Malaysia eases more restrictions on Wednesday to allow most social, economic activities to reopen. Barbers and saloons were kept closed since the government imposed on March 18 to contain the virus.
A barber checks temperature of a customer at a barbershop in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, June 10, 2020. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)
At a barbershop in Kuala Lumpur, a local resident who identified himself as Mr. Tee had his hair cut for the first time in three months. "I felt cool and refreshed," he said.
Tee said he was not concerned about the risk since the barbershop has followed the government's Standard Operating Procedure. "They have done the disinfection, have my temperature taken and put the disposable protective cloth on me, so I feel pretty safe," he said.
The barber, who identified himself as Raj, said more than 30 customers had come as of noon. "We have closed for a long time, so many people come today," he said, admitting that it is not easy to work with gloves and masks on.
Local media reported that some shops have been booked for two weeks and some major chains are receiving an overwhelming response. But the situation was not across the board, as caution and convenience kept some from getting their hair done.
Ng Yen Teng, who operates a hair salon with her family in Selangor state that outside, said she expected businesses to slowly pick up.
Barbers cut hair for customers at a barbershop in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, June 10, 2020. (Photo by Chong Voon Chung/Xinhua)
"People are reluctant in general but we have some regular customers who come in on an appointment basis. We also have to bear the cost of protective clothing and other materials to keep prices the same for our regulars, but it is more important to maintain them and ensure repeated business," she said.
Malaysia reported only two new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, the third consecutive day of single-digit increase and the lowest since late February. The total confirmed case stood at 8,338 with a death toll of 118.
Still, some Malaysians decided that they could wait longer. They also said it would take time to get used to the new normal including having to don protective clothes for a haircut and having to spend more for the service.
Sales executive Syazwan Suleiman, 32, from the administrative center of Putrajaya said he remained cautious about visiting his regular barber as he was concerned the outbreak had not completely died off.
"I would feel safe after a couple of weeks of no new cases or if the numbers stop swinging so much. I understand many of the cases are foreign nationals but the fact is many barbers including mine are from overseas," he said.
A barber sprays disinfectant to a seat at a barbershop in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, June 10, 2020. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)
"At some point, things have to change but for me, the 'new normal' will take a while. I have not fallen sick so far and I do not need to risk it for something as simple as a haircut," he told Xinhua.
Those who have picked up the skill to cut their own hair are now less dependent on the barbers.
"It is like food and cooking. Most people have already done it for themselves for a few months. If you can do it yourself why to bother go get stuck in a crowd," said Slyvester Navaratnam, a 59-year-old businessman from Kuala Lumpur.
"Having my hair cut at home during the restricted movement means it will take me a while to adjust. But it is also counting the fact that people will crowd around at barbershops. I would rather not take that risk," he said. ■
