Barbers in green zones may be allowed to open, says senior minister

Alfian Z.M. Tahir Alfian Z.M. Tahir Updated 6 years ago · Published on 12 Apr 2020 2:58PM · 7 Comments

Ismail Sabri Yaakob says barber shops in green zones may be allowed to open but they will still need to apply for a permit. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Nazir Sufari, April 12, 2020.

SENIOR Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the government is studying whether to allow barbers in green zones to open.

He said this at his daily press briefing on the country’s Covid-19 situation.

The defence minister said the International Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) will study the matter further before making a decision.

“Miti will review and will look into this matter. I was told that barbers will have to register with the ministry and even then, they will have to wait for approval.”

“I was also told that barber shops in green zones will be allowed to open. However, the ministry will come up with a detailed explanation soon,” he said.

The Health Ministry classifies a zone green if there are no Covid-19 cases there.

A red zone is for areas with more than 41 cases, orange (20 to 40 cases) and yellow zone (one to 19 cases).

Controversy erupted over Miti’s inclusion of barbers and opticians among those who can operate while the MCO is in place.

Director-General of Health Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah yesterday voiced disagreement with the move to allow barbershops to open.

Other businesses given the nod to resume operations include automotive, machine parts and hardware manufacturers.

Large-scale construction projects, too, are allowed to continue, pending approval from Miti.

Negri Sembilan and Penang, which are run by Pakatan Harapan, have ordered barbershops closed despite the government’s green light.

A barbers’ group has also dismissed Putrajaya’s move, saying the trade necessitates coming into close contact with clients, which poses the risk of Covid-19 infection.

As of noon yesterday, there are 26 green zones nationwide, with only four in Peninsular Malaysia. They are Kampar in Perak, Yan in Kedah, Machang in Kelantan and Hulu Terengganu. – April 12, 2020.

Sign up or sign in here to comment.

Comments

  • The new normal is 1 metre social distancing. The global recommendation is 2 metres. So why are we allowing haircuts? Are we really serious with this situation?

    Posted 6 years ago by G.Selva Ganeson · Reply

  • Backdoor govt pls dont be like backdoor zuraida dia pakai PPE RAKYAT TAK ADA PPE Nak Pakai suruh barber pakai PPE .

    Posted 6 years ago by Lucky Boy · Reply

  • Everyone will be flocking to the green zone for a hair cut. Then do we arrest them for breaching the MCO?

    Posted 6 years ago by Elyse Gim · Reply

  • Still risky imho, because green zones don't necessarily mean covid19-free.

    Posted 6 years ago by Z Azmyl · Reply

  • Boss made a mistake and soldier trying to cushion the situation but making him another clown like Minister of health. Another MBBS . Suggest u go back to practise medicine. Politic will drown u completely when your ultimate intention is not really to serve the public.

    Posted 6 years ago by James Wong · Reply

  • Stupidity has No end from The backdoor gang

    Posted 6 years ago by Chai Hin Goh · Reply

  • One fumble after the other. We are in a crisis and he wants to do a study.

    Posted 6 years ago by H. Mokhtar · Reply