Zamri showing the tools of his trade.
Zamri Saidon, 53, is well- known in Kampung Gajah and Kampung Kuala Kinta, Pasir Salak in Perak, as a generous barber.
He has been cutting people’s hair for the past 20 years without setting any price.
Customers can pay whatever they want.
“I’ve been cutting hair for the last 20 years and I’ve never set any price for my service because this is a village area.
“Not everyone can afford to pay, so I decided not to set a price.
“I’m not skilled like a salon hairstylist is and my shop doesn’t have air-conditioning.
I will take whatever sum my customers decide to give,” he told Bernama at his barber hut in front of his house.
Zamri attending to a customer while others wait. — Photos: Bernama
Zamri said he learned the skill of cutting hair from his late uncle, known as Pak Ngah Saidi, who also used the pay-as-you-wish concept.
“I started at the age of 15 and Pak Ngah, who was running this business at that time, told me not to set a price.
“Even RM1 or RM2 was enough for him,” said Zamri, affectionately known to villagers as Topoi.
“Nowadays, my customers will pay between RM5 and RM10 depending on how much they can afford.
“I will attend to their requests and give them the haircut they want.
“Some customers ask for the latest trendy hairstyle,” he said.
The barber shop is open from 10am to 7pm daily.
Zamri said he would take up odd jobs in the village during his free time.
During the festive season, his barber hut will be packed with regulars returning to their villages from the cities.
“Even though I don’t charge a set fee, I can earn around RM800 a month.
“It’s not much but I do this work with the hope of helping to reduce the financial burden of the villagers.
“As long as I have the strength and ability, I will continue to cut hair.
“My advice to young people is don’t be ashamed of what you do for a living and don’t give up easily,” Zamri added.
