IT is always a great feeling whenever we enter a place that could rekindle the beautiful memories and atmosphere of the olden days.
As such, walking into ‘Kedai Gunting Rambut Omar’ in Kepala Batas can evoke nostalgia.
The barber shop, which is owned by 75-year-old Razali Said, who is also fondly known as Omar by his peers and regular clients, offers a satisfying haircut service.
During an interview with the Buletin Mutiara team recently, the affable Razali said he took up the business when he was in his 20s.
“It has been 50 years since I took over this business from my late uncle (Harum Abdul Rashid).
“The first owner of the shop was from India. He passed over the shop to my uncle when he returned to India,” Razali added.
The ‘Kedai Gunting Rambut Omar’ was recently conferred the ‘Penang Centennial Heritage Excellence Award’ by the state government as a gesture of honouring its contribution to the community in the past century.
Being an ardent fan of the late Tan Sri P. Ramlee, Razali’s shop was decorated with the legendary actor’s posters and pictures.
Asked whether any customer ever requested him for the late P. Ramlee haircut, Razali said there were only requests for his (P. Ramlee’s) moustache style.
“I learned to cut hair using the old shaving blade.
“In those days, the cheapest fee for a haircut over here was RM2.70 for adults. Currently, it is RM10 for adults, RM7 for kids.
“But now, the number of customers coming to the shop has dwindled, not exceeding 20 people daily.
“And my customers are those who are regulars and the elderly, fewer youngsters,” he said.
Apart from that, Razali said he previously used to travel from Sungai Petani but now stays put in his shop to operate his business.
Speaking about passing on the business, Razali said his son, 43, has the skills and talent to be a barber.
“I have a daughter and a son. My wife is a housewife.
“My son has the barbering skills but I am not sure whether he wants to continue this business,” he said.
The ‘Kedai Gunting Rambut Omar’, which is of 120 years old, is open every day from 10am to 7.30 pm, except on Fridays.
Antique chair, gramophone and gramophone discs were also spotted in the shop, lending an air of yesteryear.
But the best part of the visit was Razali’s warm smile and gentle personality that could make your day.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud