Govt urged to assist haircare, beauty sectors
KOTA KINABALU: The Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government has been urged to assist the haircare and beauty sectors.
This followed complaints that these sectors have been neglected by the government.
In a statement yesterday, Warisan vice president Datuk Junz Wong said he has been receiving many complaints from those affected.
“Hair stylists, beauticians, make up artists, massage centres, pedicure and manicure operators are among the worst hit by the Covid-19 pandemic. Yet they are the ones most neglected by the government.
“When the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) was implemented in June last year, haircare salons, barber shops and beauty parlours were among the last sectors to be allowed to reopen operations due to the difficulty to comply with SOPs as their work involves physical contact.
“After a few months of operation, they had to suspend operations again. But they have been overlooked by the government again and again.
“They do not qualify for food baskets, the moratorium has been lifted, and even the EPF withdrawals are so stringent that they cannot withdraw their own money.”
Junz suggested, while resuming businesses operations would be tricky, the government could look into innovative measures to assist them.
“I understand the necessity for these sectors to suspend operations as cases are soaring high.
“But these victims have families to feed, rental to pay, workers salaries to pay and loans to settle.
“The government should look into innovative measures to immediately provide assistance, allowing them to get through this crisis.”