SANDAKAN – Over 200 hairstylists in Sandakan said their incomes have dropped by 20% as they can only offer hair-cutting services, and their only resort is to seek Tg Papat assemblyman Datuk Frankie Poon Ming Fung’s help.
Ten salon operators met Poon at his office today.
Hairstylist Fong Lee Phin said her salon’s income depends heavily on chemical treatments, including straightening, rebonding, colouring, and perming, which are all not allowed under current standard operating procedures (SOPs).
She said even though salons have been allowed to operate since February 5, their income from cutting hair alone is insufficient to cover operation costs.
Some hairstylists have also been issued compounds for failing to adhere to the SOPs, which they claim they were unaware of.
“Some of us have to pay a RM3,000 fine (RM1,000 for one staffer) because we did not have face shields on, but we were not aware that the SOPs require us to use face shields.
“Plus, at the time, we did not have any customers in the salon.
“After the incident, we feel like we have been operating like criminals as we are in constant fear of enforcement officers who can show up suddenly and slap us with compounds over some new SOP we have no knowledge of,” she said.
Meanwhile, Poon said the government must take a compassionate approach when setting SOPs for business operators.
“Be reasonable and understanding. How is it that spa and reflexology centres can operate, but people cannot wash their hair in the salon?
“Isn’t washing hair part of staying clean? Isn’t staying clean a good thing during this pandemic?” he asked.
Poon, who is former state health and people’s well-being minister, said the salons have been badly impacted as they were only allowed to operate for a few months last year.
“We hope the government will consider easing SOPs for salons,” he said.
Meanwhile, the hairstylists also appealed to the Sandakan Municipal Council to consider giving them a discount on the Chair Licence, which costs RM30 per month for each chair in their salons. – The Vibes, February 22, 2021
