“I’ve got just the right song for you”

This post is also available in: Malay Chinese (Simplified)

Abdullah bin Johar, retired army barber

Pekan Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur

Pekan Sungai Besi must be the barber capital of Malaysia, if not the world, because there are an astonishing number of barber establishments in this area. There were three other barbers on the same road as Encik Abdullah’s shop. This concentration of barber shops is attributed to the fact that there are many government offices as well as a large police headquarters nearby.

Therefore, it was serendipity that brought me to Encik Abdullah’s modest shop. When I walked in, there were three other customers ahead of me and Malay pop songs filled the air. When it was my turn on the chair, Encik Abdullah changed the music, explaining that he played music for whoever was being served. While I was touched by his thoughtfulness, I had to tell him that Cantopop was not my cup of tea.