Tools of the trade: Sri Suthagar using branded hairdressing tools at his barber shop in George Town. Every pair of scissors is handmade in Japan and costs over RM3,000. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
“Unlike traditional Indian barbers who charge modestly to get the job done, I charge about RM100 per haircut for men. “Many, especially within the Indian community, avoid pursuing barbering because it’s often seen as a low-paying job offering basic cuts. “With many foreign-run barber shops now operating in town, our traditional Indian barbers face increased competition,” said Mari Muthu, who has employed a worker from Tamil Nadu for nine years.
“I inherited this business from my father and still cater to around 80% local customers, with about 20 of them visiting daily,” he said.“I’ve kept these prices for over a decade, with no increases even after the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.