Include beauty industry, salons for reopening call

KOTA KINABALU: The beauty industry is prepared to reopen on February 23 but the SOP released by the government has caused confusion among the public as it does not mention the beauty industry and manicure salons, according to DAP Sabah.

In a joint statement yesterday, Luyang assemblyman cum Sabah DAP Socialist Youth chief Phoong Jin Zhe and Elopura assemblyman Calvin Chong said the SOP released only mentioned about wellness, spa, reflexology centres and allowing them to reopen on February 23.

However, they said it did not include the beauty industry and manicure salons that have been severely affected.

"The latest SOP is not specific enough as it only mentioned wellness in general. Operators and customers are worried whether beauty and facial service should be included under wellness category. They would not like to breach the SOP accidentally and get compounded, that's why they are asking for clarity.

"The government has allowed slots machines, gambling outlets, spa and reflexology centres to reopen. The beauty industry falls under the similar category and it should be given a fair treatment too," they said.

They opined that if the government is taking the approach of prioritising the economy sector then it should be treating all industries equally especially when the beauty industry has been affected since the start of the pandemic.

“If not mistaken, City Hall still prohibits the beauty industry from reopening and the operators are worried of being compounded.

"The government must give clear directives on whether they are allowing or prohibiting the beauty industry from reopening."

They concluded that this is an issue of double standards because reflexology centres are allowed but beauticians are still prohibited up to date.

"The industry players can comply to the SOPs set by the Ministry of Health strictly, the authorities just have to ensure they operate according to the SOP."