Fourth-generation Malaysian barber keeps 100-year tradition alive with $3 haircuts
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Mr M. Selvaraj, a fourth-generation barber, showing a traditional strop used to sharpen the razor blades.
PHOTO: THE STAR
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IPOH - A fourth-generation traditional Indian barber is now helming a business that is said to be over a century old.
Though he does not know the exact date the business began, Mr M. Selvaraj, 36, said it was started by his great-grandfather, Mr R. Kupusami, who came from India.
“My great-grandfather was from the first generation of barbers who started the business under a huge tree near the Kinta River, before moving to the current location,” he said when met at his shop.
“The business was then inherited by my grandfather before it was taken over by a distant relative. I took over about 12 years ago,” he said.
Mr Selvaraj, also known as just Raj to his customers, said he learned the trade when he was 16 years old.
“I started working here after my Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examination (GCE O-level equivalent). I really enjoy this job,” he added.
Mr Selvaraj said he was thankful for his customers, especially the regulars, who allowed his business to continue, even after the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I remember it was so tough during the pandemic, especially when the movement control order was enforced. I had to adapt by offering house-to-house haircuts for four to five customers a day,” he said.
“And recently, I met with an accident and could not operate at my shop. Some of my customers kept checking on me and even came to my house for a haircut,” he said, adding that his customers are of various races and ages.
“There are even some who came from New Zealand, Canada and Australia after reading the reviews on Google.
“They also say that the price is quite cheap compared to other barbers,” he said, adding that he charges RM10 (S$3) for a haircut.
“I also offer discounts to primary and secondary school pupils, provide free haircuts to underprivileged customers, or accept a nominal amount that they can afford,” he added.
Mr Selvaraj also said he believes his popularity is due to a cooling lotion that he concocted.
“The lotion is put on the head after a haircut. Some would even buy it to use at home.
“My customers also get excited whenever they see me sharpening my shaving blades with a leather strop,” he said, adding that they also liked the old school settings at his shop.
“I don’t see myself being in a competition with other modern barbers because my customers still prefer the traditional style,” he added. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
