Blind masseurs happy to offer services again


PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Association for the Blind is pleased that its masseurs can finally resume business but acknowledged that customers will take time to return.

Its chief executive officer George Thomas said they were happy with the government’s decision. He noted that after more than 100 days of the movement control order (MCO), the blind masseurs had lost a lot of income.

“It will be a challenge with the opening as the acceptance level of customers will still be low, but we hope it will gradually increase,” he said.

The government yesterday announced they would allow spas, wellness and reflexology services, including those provided by blind masseurs, to resume operations from July 1.

Thomas said they hoped to increase confidence of customers by strictly following the standard operating procedure (SOP) set by the government to ensure there were no Covid-19 infections.

He said that blind masseurs’ services would be available based on appointments, adding that the masseurs would also have to wear gloves and a face mask.

“Customers will also be required to have their temperature checked and hands sanitised, as well as practise social distancing in the massage centre.

“Rooms will also need to be sanitised after every massage,” he added.

In Penang, Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa communications director Suleiman Tunku Abdul Rahman said they were excited to be reopening their spa services.

“We have many spa junkies who have waited three months. Many regulars have called and asked. They are usually expats who live here under the Malaysia My Second Home programme,” he added.

Suleiman said their staff were prepared to reopen once the SOP is announced.

“We are good to go as our staff know about social distancing and wearing masks,” he added.

Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) chief executive officer Ashwin Gunasekaran commended the government’s move to give the green light to domestic business events of up to 250 people.

“With this news, we would like to reiterate that Business Events Penang is all set to welcome you. Our industry partners have worked hard to introduce their respective new ‘Welcome Back’ hotel room offers, packages and bundles to entice you to meet in Penang.“This past month, a dedicated task force team of 25 members of PCEB’s industry partners worked hard to put together the ‘Next Normal Guidelines for Business Events Penang’,” he said in a statement.

Ashwin said the comprehensive business events guideline book is currently being reviewed by the Penang state Health Department.

“It is scheduled to be launched in late July,” he added.

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blind masseurs , movement control order , MCO , SOP

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