Malaysia is full of small businesses that have been around since before we were even born. But, many of them have been forgotten considering our attraction to shiny, new things.
One elderly barber in Penang has been struggling to maintain his shop since the Covid-19 pandemic, and with a differently-abled child to take care of, he needed some help to keep afloat.
Thankfully, Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim stepped in. Taking to his Facebook page, Sim showcased the renovations he made to the elderly barber’s shop to help him attract more customers.
He wrote, “Uncle Raman’s barber shop had become obsolete. He has been running the business here at the Art Street in Bukit Mertajam for 20 years. He is 68-years-old. His wife, Aunty Manimekalai is 64-years-old. Their child is differently-abled, 34-years-old, depending on the these two elderly people.”
“It saddened me to hear that these elderly parents had to bring their beloved child on a bus to go for check ups at a hospital 3 times a month.”
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the elderly barber had no income though even after, his business was still sinking. The most he would earn a month was RM800, and from that, RM300 went to renting the space for his barber shop.
“This Deepavali, I’m giving a surprise to Uncle Raman. I helped ‘upgrade’ his shop to become a hipster barber shop, we’ve bought new tools that are more advanced and safe,”
“Uncle was not willing to change his barber chair, so I fixed it up the chair’s cushion and gave it a shiny polish. With a new look, his business will surely be better,” Sim explained, adding that he will take care of the shop’s rental for a year and also pay for a taxi service to help take them to the hospital for his child’s check ups.
On top of all of that, Sim also purchased a bicycle for Uncle Raman!
So, Penang folks, if you’re ever in need of a nice haircut, you know where to go!
“At Bukit Mertajam Art Street, I am promoting cultural products. Including Uncle Raman’s barber shop. You guys come support la,” Sim added.
A haircut at Uncle Raman’s barber shop only costs RM10. Students can get a nice trim for RM7 and it’s RM6 for children.
We genuinely hope that Uncle Raman’s business thrives now that his shop has been given a face lift.
Let’s support our small local businesses!
Also read: This Disabled M’sian Sells Scrumptious Biscuits! Here’s How You Can Support Him
