72-YEAR-OLD MALAYSIAN OPENS THE BARBER SHOP FOR ONE LAST TIME AFTER OPERATION SINCE 1990

The old salon, which has been in operation for 30 years, opened its doors for the very last time on 23 June.

It's the last day of this quaint salon in Kepayan, Kota Kinabalu. Known as Selamat Salon or Kedai Gunting Rambut Selamat, the shop has served thousands of customers over the years.

Owner Mr. Liew has worked as a barber for 58 years. This man, who is a master of his own craft, has decided to close his store because of the pandemic and his health.

The 72-year-old had lost one of his legs due to diabetes back in 2014, but that didn't stop him. The inspiring man still worked hard for his clients, wearing a prosthetic leg.

In an interview with WORLD OF BUZZ, a freelance photographer, Boon Chew shares how Mr. Liew has actually started working as a barber since 1962. He did it for the first time at his father's shop in Tanjung Aru.

He also took a snapshot of the calendar in the barbershop on 18 March, the first day of Malaysia's lockdown. Time has stood still for this shop all these months, and the shop has probably not been opened since then.

He had a lot of disciples during his years as a barber, and he taught them without charging them a single penny!

Okay, Boon says,

"I heard from his daughter that Mr. Liew is always very happy to give free haircuts to people who have financial issues like the homeless."

"Mr. Liew is a living legend in the Barber industry. It was a pleasure for me to document the moment and the past of the Selamat Salon before it closed for good.

Boon also shares with WORLD OF BUZZ, saying how sad it was to see a store as historic as Mr. Liew 's close.

"What I feel is very sad when the store is closed. I feel sad because I can see that the shop is filled with the memory of Mr. Liew and that the shop is proof of his hard work for his family and his career.

"Even when he lost his left leg, he still came back to serve his clients with a prosthetic leg. I can see that it is difficult for Mr. Liew to decide to finally close the business because of the pandemic and his health.

"At the same time, I 'm glad that it was really time for Mr. Liew to retire. I really appreciate what he's been doing for the barber industry for so long.

Boon wanted to share Mr. Liew 's story because he believed that photos were worth a thousand words, and he wanted to let people know how a pandemic could impact a man's business. He adds that Mr. Liew 's story is a reminder to himself – to be a skilled man willing to share and give.

After opening and closing the shutters every day for 30 years, the clamor of the metal is heard one more time – before the new owner places his hand on it again.

Source and Pictures from World of Buzz

Author: Shobana Manokaran