Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe by Email We can see that many Indian barbers are actually foreigners. Just like the many food stalls being operated by Indonesians, Vietnamese, Filipinos, Myanmar, Nepalese, and China and Indian nationals. Due to the link between job and caste in the Indian culture, not many will easily venture into this occupation. However, times are changing and hopefully more youths take up this job – the income is good, especially if one can provide more than just basic haircut.
Due to the dominance of foreign Indian barbers and lack of participation by locals, Giatmara is planning to start courses for youths to be barbers. If I remember correctly, certain amount of places are allocated for Indian community, so those interested should make use of this opportunity. However, what worries me is the statement below:
We hope to produce qualified Malay barbers who can later expand their business which is now dominated by Indians,” Ayub said at the graduation ceremony of 325 Giatmara students from 10 centres in Penang at its Permatang Pauh centre here on Wednesday.
Ayub is the Curriculum Development Department head, Ayub Hamat. He added that:
He said the income of barbers was very lucrative and this had prompted many foreigners, especially Indian nationals, to take up the job. Ayub said a barber who owned a shop can earn up to RM5,000 monthly.
So, not sure if these courses will be opened to Indians. Secondly, whether Indian youths will be impeded by their cultural beliefs even if these courses are opened up.
Meanwhile, the Penang Maruthuvar Sangam (Penang Hairdressers Association) is also providing free training to Malaysians to help overcome the shortage of local Indian barbers.
Hello!
I would like to have more info’s on the barber courses provided by GiatMara. It will be more helpful if more leaflets is being provided.TQ
you can try contacting them directly: http://www.giatmara.edu.my/
I’m looking for indian babers in seremban area. Pls contact me at 012-6614799
The giatmara courses are only opened for bumis. I have decided to take up hair dressing course as well. Planned to join Passion Hair dressing academy in Penang. Haizzz… its quite dissapointing that not much chances for the locals nowadays in this industry as many foreign barbers are brought in.
some of the giatmara courses are open to indian. i think some places allocated.