Ministry conducts daily checks on hair salons

KUCHING: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) Sarawak is conducting daily inspection on hair salons, including premises providing hairdressing services.

Dubbed ‘Ops Catut 7.0’ (Hairdressing and Haircut), the ministry said the inspection has been carried out since June 10, under Section 21 of the Price Control and Anti Profiteering Act 2011.

“This daily inspection is to ensure operators’ compliance with the standard operating procedure (SOP).

“Aside from that, the inspections are to ensure operators do not take advantage and charge unreasonably high prices, especially during this time when members of the public require such services,” the ministry said in a statement yesterday.

The ministry will conduct investigations under the Price Control and Anti Profiteering Act 2011 on operators suspected to have increased the prices unreasonably.

“Stern action will be taken under Section 14 of the Act for increasing the prices.

“Individuals who are found guilty will face a fine of up to RM100,000 or imprisonment of not more than three years or both; whereas a company or corporation can be fined up to RM500,000,” it said.

Meanwhile, KPDNHEP Sarawak has issued a total of 171 notices from Jan 1 to June 14, out of which 151 were issued during the Movement Control Order (MCO), Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) and Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO).

Out of the 151 notices, 82 were issued to operators of hair salons and barbershops.

“As such, the ministry urges all operators not to take advantage of the RMCO to increase their profits unreasonably.

“Operators are also urged to conduct their businesses ethically and not to increase the prices at will.”

The public can lodge complaints through their hotline at 1-800-886-800, KPDNHEP eaduan portal or WhatsApp (0192794317).

In Sarawak, the public can also call their district operations room in Kuching (082-466052), Sri Aman (083-323836), Sarikei (084657751), Sibu (084-329202), Kapit (084-799678), Bintulu (086-332176), Miri (085-412862), Limbang (085217414), Mukah (084-872726) and Lawas (085-283650) between 8am and 6pm daily.