WHEN Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced the Penang People’s Aid Package 3.0 on Jan 21, barbers G. Magendraan, 35, and S. Buvanesvaran, 38, have nothing but gratitude for the state government.
Magendraan and Buvanesvaran are among the vulnerable groups that will receive a one-off payment of RM500 under the barbershop, hair salons and beauty salons category.
The Federal Government is not allowing business operators under this category to operate during the reimplementation of movement control order (MCO 2.0) from Jan 13 to Feb 4.
“The aid package announced by the state government is timely and a much-needed assistance during these trying times.
“It brings a huge relief to a barber like me who cannot open my shop during the MCO period.
“The one-off payment of RM500 will be used to cover the necessary expenses like electricity bill and others.
“Although it may not be enough to cover all the expenses, we still appreciate the state for its concern for our welfare.
“At the very least, it shows that the Penang government cares for us compared to some other states,” said Magendraan during an interview with Buletin Mutiara at his shop in Bertam today.
Buvanesvaran also expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the Penang government for the financial assistance.
“It’s not a large amount but at least I can use it to pay the monthly rental for my shop.
“Hopefully, the Federal Government will also follow in the footstep of the Penang government to help barbers like us,” he told Buletin Mutiara when contacted today.
Meanwhile, Magendraan calls upon the Federal Government to allow barbershop to resume operation as soon as possible.
“Currently, I have not laid off any of my workers and I still can pay them without any salary pay cuts.
“However, I do not know how long I can keep going on like this.
“If we are still not allowed to reopen in the following months, then I am afraid I may have to take a drastic measure such as to reduce the manpower or worst, I may have to close the shop.
“So, I really hope that the Federal Government will consider our request,” he added.
Buvanesvaran also urged the Federal Government to allow barbershops to reopen as they would fully adhere to the strict standard operating procedures (SOPs).
“In the previous MCO, we did follow all the SOPs provided by the authority. So, I don’t see any reason why the Federal Government is not allowing us to operate this time.
“The roadside stalls can operate by following the SOPs, but why can’t we?
“If compared to them, I think we are the most affected since we need to pay utility bills, monthly rental, workers’ salaries and others.
“So, I think this is something that must be looked into by the Government.
“After all, the Government needs to focus on the people who depend on their daily income to make ends meet,” he added.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis