KOTA KINABALU: From being the owner of a barber shop, 77-year-old Loing Sin Fat has transitioned to working as an employee to make ends meet.
With over 50 years of experience in cutting men's hair, the father of three was forced to give up his business when rental costs became unaffordable.
Last year, Loing was informed that the monthly rental for the entire building on Gaya Street — a popular tourist area — would increase to RM20,000.
"How could I possibly afford to pay that amount?" he said, adding the space of his barber shop was very small only.
With no other choice, Loing had to move out but was fortunate that friends recommended him to the owner of another barber shop located in Kampung Air.
Many of his loyal customers have followed him to his new workplace.
Known as one of the "legends" of barbering in Kota Kinabalu, Loing humbly stated that cutting hair is a skill he has relied on despite having limited education.
Before moving to Sabah in 1967, Loing, who hails from Sarawak, grew up helping his parents cultivate peppers and worked various odd jobs in Brunei.
"Being a barber is less about passion and more about putting food on the table.
"The economy is tough, and I don't have a pension or savings in the Employees Provident Fund. I have no choice but to keep working.
"But it's not too bad. On average, I serve about 10 customers a day," added Loing, who still cuts hair without the need for spectacles and can finish a haircut in just 10 minutes.
The barber shop, Kedai Gunting Kampung Air, where Loing now works alongside two other barbers, is the last in the area offering affordable haircuts at RM14 per customer.
Despite being situated in the bustling commercial hub of Kota Kinabalu, the shop occasionally faces water supply disruptions.