BARBERS and hairdressers are complying with federal guidelines to get all their foreign workers screened for Covid-19 before restarting operations.

Two associations said about 50% to 70% of foreigners working as barbers nationwide have taken the test.

Those who were tested last week have negative results.

Malaysian Indian Hairdressers Owners Association president Dr V. Magendran said its members employ around 1,500 foreign barbers around the country, who are in the process of being tested.

“The screening started last Friday and so far, 70% have done the screening and they have all tested negative. 

“This is good news for the association. We want to assure customers that we are following all the guidelines,” he told The Malaysian Insight. 

On Saturday, senior minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said customers can ask barbers and hairdressers who are foreign workers for proof that they are coronavirus-free. 

All foreign workers are required to be screened for Covid-19 before resuming work and will be penalised if they fail to do so. 

“Customers can ask for proof before entering the shop or getting a haircut. Barbers can show them the letter from the clinic which did the test,” Ismail Sabri said. 

Magendran said all 500 barbers and hairdressers in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor have done their tests. 

“All the tests results came back negative. We expect all tests to be completed by end week. 

“They are also not allowed to work until they get their test results. This is must for all those who are operating from Johor Baru to Perlis.”

Barbershop owners are to bear the cost for Covid-19 testing, Magendran said, but they are also free to apply for a subsidy from Socso.

Malaysian Indian Hairstylist Empowerment Association (Mihass) president Mohd Jaafar Salim Thamby said about 50% of their foreign staff have gone for the screening. 

“We have more than 300 foreign workers and those who have done the screening tested negative. 

“We are currently doing the screening for those from Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.”

Owners in other states are to make arrangements with healthcare providers to carry out the screenings, he added.

They are also to bear the cost of the tests, he said.

“Some owners will subsidise their workers while others can claim from Socso. It’s the responsibility of the owners,” said Jaafar.

Barbers, hairdressers and beauty salons were allowed to resume business under the recovery movement control order which began on June 10, replacing stricter curbs on movement and business operations that have been in place since March 18.

Barbers and hairdressers may operate provided they follow standard operating procedures, including social distancing, use of masks, gloves and sanitiser, temperature checks and face shields for children.

They are also urged to provide services on an appointment basis.

The government is also encouraging house calls to reduce the risk of crowding at salons and barbershops. – June 15, 2020.