KUALA LUMPUR: The government has given the green light for barbers and hair salon operators to resume operations from June 10 onwards.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the decision was made after taking into account the sector's contribution to the country's GDP at RM13.5 billion a year.
"Among the activities allowed include basic haircuts, basic hair wash, shaving, makeup and hair treatment, manicure and pedicure as well as facial treatment," he told a press conference today.
Ismail Sabri however said high-risk individuals aged 60 and above have to make appointments in advance.
"Their haircuts must also be done without the presence of other customers."
He added that for children under 12, parents are allowed to accompany them, but they must adhere to the use of protective equipment such as face masks and disposable aprons.
He said among the SOPs that must be adhered to by hair salon operators include the use of face shields and disposable aprons by the employees.
"They must also use one set of gloves per customer. They must also ensure that customers' chairs are placed at least two-metres apart.
There are 16,728 registered hair salon businesses in the country, with 74,500 workers.