Expanded SST will hit women in sales hard

The Star

2 days ago

Costlier haircuts: Hair stylist Joseph Low cutting a customer's hair at his saloon in Puchong. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star
KLANG: It is a general misconception that anything to do with grooming and beauty-related treatments are unimportant and frivolous.
Working mother of two teenagers, Elena Thomas, 47, said looking good was a crucial element for women running their own businesses.
'I run a production house and need to meet clients regularly to make presentations and close deals. It is important for me to look my best when meeting clients to secure business.
'I definitely cannot go out and meet people confidently when I am insecure with the way I look.'
Thomas was commenting on the 8% expanded sales and service tax (SST) that will come into force on July 1 to cover beauty-related services and treatments including facials, manicures and pedicures, hair cuts and treatments, slimming treatments, herbal, milk and flower baths, and tattooing.
She said the increase in SST will definitely create a new dent in her monthly expenses.
'This is really a very unfortunate turn of events,' said Thomas.
Meanwhile, Mary (not her real name), said she believes personal grooming is important for working women.
'As I do sales, I must ensure that I am well-groomed and coiffured when meeting clients. It is not only about my personal image but also my company's reputation,' said Mary, a working mother in her mid-40s.
She said she will consider buying several facial care and treatment packages that last a few months, before the SST comes into effect.
Wealth planner Mandy Chee, 44, said certain beauty procedures such as facials and waxing were essential for menopausal women as well as those facing hormonal issues.
'When you are going through menopause or after menopause, it is common to have extra facial hair and one way to get rid of this is to go for facial waxing,' said the mother of three.
She said most older women will also tend to have very dry hair, and more often than not, suffer from hair loss.
Hair treatments are necessary for these women.
'An increase in SST will have a big impact on women who depend on these treatments,' said Chee.
Hairstylist and salon owner Roy Lee said he feels bad that his clients will have to bear additional costs of treating or fixing their hair.
'I am going to speak with my products supplier to see if they can continue giving me the 'old price' for at least a few months, as I do not want to immediately raise my price,'' he added.
A mandi lulur (scrub bath) practitioner, who only wanted to be known as Shaika, said she currently charges RM159 for one session.
'I do not know what to do or how to incorporate the additional 8% into my charges,' she said.
Another sector that is expected to be hit by the expanded SST is the Indian bridal makeup business.
Makeup artist S. Premila Devi said sometimes clients will bargain and ask practitioners to not impose the extra charges on them.
'I will absorb the additional cost for personal makeup services that are less than RM300.
'However, I cannot do that for bridal makeup packages that cost RM2,000 and above,'' she said.