While rapid urbanisation has somewhat changed the lifestyle of Malaysians, there are still certain traditional styles of living that will always remain a way of life for Malaysians.

One glaring example is the fondness of locals patronising Indian hair dressing salons for a hairdo, despite the mushrooming of so-called modern salons, especially unisex parlours, throughout the country.

The region encompassing areas between Penang, Sungai Petani and Kulim in southern Kedah, and Parit Buntar and Taiping in northern Perak in northern Peninsular Malaysia has 500 Indian barbers operating nearly 800 hair dressing salons.

Indian barbers have remained ever popular with locals, as many prefer a "cheap and neat" haircut.

However, Indian barbers in the region have became "endangered species" now not because of the conventional supply and demand factor or the fault of those involved in what could be considered just a small cottage industry.

Delay in approval

The Indian barber salons face a threat to their very existence due to the prolonged delay by the government to approve their applications to hire barbers from India.

The manpower shortage is so severe that many Indian barber salons are on the verge of closing down by year-end.

Many blamed the government's failure to approve proposals from Penang Maruthuvar Sangam (PMS) to recruit at least 1,000 foreign workers from India in order to keep the barber business going.

Established in 1947, PMS, although based in Penang, is the umbrella organisation for the barbers operating in the region.

For the past three years, the organisation has submitted several memorandums to the Home Ministry requesting permits to hire the foreign workers.

It has also sought the assistance of MIC president and Works Minister S Samy Vellu.

Although Samy has assured PMS of his help, the government has yet to respond to the barbers' dilemma.

"We have to employ Indian nationals because locals are not keen to work as barbers," said PMS chairperson KA Samarasan.

Due to the government's delay, about 20 salons in the region, including 10 in Penang, have closed down over the past year and at least 30 more are expected to follow suit by year end if the problem persists.

"Those who closed down their salons have either ventured into other small businesses or continued to work as barbers under other employers," said Samarasan, who owns a hairdressing salon in Penang.

Booming urban population

What irks PMS is that the government had steadfastly approved about 500 permits for Indian hair salons in the Klang Valley in 2003, while it kept mum on PMS' request.

But those in the construction and manufacturing sectors seem to be able to get permits for foreign labour almost instantly.

PMS said it plans to submit another memorandum to Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi soon on the matter, hoping he will step in to help. They will also submit a copy of the memorandum to Penang Chief Minister Dr Koh Tsu Koon and Samy Vellu.

"We will pursue our goal until we succeed,' said Samarasan.

When contacted, Consumer Association of Penang (CAP) officer NV Subbarow called on the government to approve the permits for the barbers.

According to a CAP survey, the region needs about 1,000 Indian salons to cater to the need of a booming population triggered by rapid urbanisation.

"Indian barbers represent the region's history and traditional business, which are disappearing due to rapid urbanisation.

"The government should step in and resolve the shortage problem immediately," Subbarow said.

A Veeranggan is malaysiakini's Penang-based stringer