Terengganu Implements Law Banning Hair Salons From Providing Unisex Services Within The State

By Lara Kramer  •  02 Dec 2022 in News

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The Terengganu state government has prohibited barbershops and hair salons from offering their patrons unisex haircuts.

This suggests that only male hairdressers should provide haircuts for males, and that only female hairdressers are authorised to provide haircut services for female clients.

According to the state’s executive counsellor, Alias Razak, this is an existing licensing law that falls under the oversight of the state government, rather than a new rule established by the Islamic party.

Yesterday, during the Terengganu Legislative Assembly, Alias also noted that owners of hair salons must comply with the rules and guidelines imposed by the local authorities and that those found violating the law risk having their license pulled or acquiring fines between RM500 and RM1,000.

He remarked, “If we allow non-Muslim female hairdressers to cut the hair of Muslim customers, then they will (purposely) visit the hair salon,” given that non-Muslim business owners are not immune to the state regulations either.

A member of the ADUN Wanita in the state, Zuraida Md. Noor, broached the subject of gender segregation on Wednesday (November 30), calling for the implementation of licensing criteria for barbershops.

Zuraida added that she has been the recipient of numerous complaints from the locals who expressed their displeasure when men and women intermingled, not just in barbershops but also in spa facilities and beauty parlours.

“I ponder how the salons and hairdresser industries could disregard such a significant issue,” she said.

Earlier today, JUICE reported the passing of the Sharia Criminal Offences (Takzir) (Amendment) Enactment 2022 by the State Legislative Assembly (DUN), which indicated that women acting as males, shamanism, the practice of witchcraft, sodomy preparation and illegitimate pregnancies will all be considered Syariah offences in Terengganu.

Satiful Bahari Mamat, the state’s Shariah Implementation Committee, Education and Higher Education Chairman explained that the new law was enacted based on concern towards the growing prevalence of ‘pengkid’ cases in the state.

What do you think of these new laws? Let us know in the comments.