Over a thousand barber shops decide to stay closed

More than a thousand barber shops in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor have decided to stay closed until April 30 despite being allowed to operate from next week.

This was because the risk was too great not only for the customers but also for the barber shop employees.

Deputy President of the Federal Territory and Selangor Indian Barbers Association, Akillan Anandakrishnan, said they did not want to take health risks despite facing economic pressures.

"Before the Movement Control Order (MCO) was extended until April 28, we have all decided not to operate until April 30.

"Most of our association members are concerned about the risks of infection if they decide to operate," he told Astro AWANI.

Even if the members want to operate, they must adhere to the strict guidelines such as having a body temperature scanner, conducting sanitation process as well as ensuring distancing between customers.

Akillan said despite the barbers were losing a source of income for some time due to inaction, the decision may save lives.

The government on Friday announced several economic sectors including barber shops and laundrettes were allowed to operate from April 13.