Barbers are saying that they are in deep water trying to pay their rent, let alone salaries to their employees.

Muhd. Idris, who runs BrosBarbershop 1996, told FMT that his business’s financial situation is now worse than even the first lockdown.

“Business has been badly affected by the travel restrictions because many of my customers are tourists.”

He said that he was initially relieved when the government implemented CMCO and business started to get better again.

“The government should consider letting barbers work, but under strict SOPs of course,” he said. “We wouldn’t want a ‘kluster gunting rambut’ on our hands.”

On the other hand, Meerun Prabu from Romeo Barbershop said barbers are likely far from being the government’s priority at the moment.

He told FMT that with 30 barber shops under his name, there is a lot on the line.

“Last year, my landlords still gave me leeway for late rental payment, and even discounts,” he said. “Now they insist that I pay my rentals in full and on time.”

He also told FMT that he feared that his business would not survive if the MCO extends past February.

“I have to pay salaries to my staff and finance their transport fees,” he said. “But I’m at my wit’s end trying to figure out how to pay my rentals.”

Meerun urged the government to allow barbers to operate, but only by appointment.

“Without walk-ins, we can help protect barbers from contracting Covid-19,” he said. “With stricter SOP’s in place, we’ll be able to survive if the government would just let us.”