By Zaki Salleh
IPOH: The row of wooden shops tucked away on Persiaran Bijeh Timah in Old Town Ipoh may go unnoticed by many.
However, when it comes to Restoran Nasi Kandar Pekan Lama, many recognize it as one of the best places for nasi kandar in Ipoh.
Behind it, there lies the oldest traditional barber shop in Ipoh, believed to have been in operation for 100 years.
There are two barber shops here, one of which is owned by Selvaraj Murugan, 36, affectionately known as Raj.
This small wooden shop accommodates just one barber chair, a large mirror, and neatly arranged tools on a table.
This 50-year-old shop is a remnant of old businesses in Ipoh, predating modern salons and air-conditioned barber shops.
According to Raj, he began cutting hair at 16 while still in school and opened his shop right after graduating.
A native of Ipoh, he moved from Pasir Pinji and has rented his current shop for over 10 years.
“I took over this shop from the previous owner when he retired. The shop is rented from the Ipoh City Council (MBI) for RM150 a month.
“Once, this area was bustling with business before shops began closing down over the past 20 years.
“Believe it or not, there used to be more than 10 barber shops here, but now only two remain, including mine,” he said.
It is understood that the wooden shops here opened in 1974, with the inauguration officiated by Dato’ Seri SP Seenivasagam, who was the Mayor of the Ipoh City Council.
Raj explained that even though the barber business has evolved with modern shops, he is still comfortable in his current setup.
The charges for services are RM10 for a haircut, RM13 for a haircut and shave, RM10 for hair coloring, RM5 for primary school students, and RM6 for secondary students.
His customers consist of local residents, as well as dignitaries, senior officials, and even foreign tourists who come for haircuts.
He has never closed his shop, which operates daily from 9 AM to 7 PM, except when he is ill or has other commitments.
Currently, he is still using crutches after an accident that forced his shop to close for eight months.
“When I closed the shop, customers often called to ask where I had gone. So, when I recovered, I reopened the shop, even while on crutches.
“I really love this job and always pray for good health to continue working.
“Nowadays, not many young people want to become barbers because they find it tedious waiting for customers.
“As barbers, our job is to wait for customers. Regardless of the number, there are always customers who come here every day.
“I will continue to be a barber in this old shop for as long as I can, unless this area ceases to exist,” he said.
