State polls: Barisan candidate for Semenyih visits participants at hair-cutting course

SEMENYIH: Having signed up for a free basic hair-cutting course organised by the Desa Mewah Umno branch, Irfan Halim, 16, had also willingly volunteered to be a model during a live demonstration session.

The teenager ended up having his hair snipped by Hulu Langat Wanita Umno chief Wan Zulaika Anua, the Barisan Nasional candidate for Semenyih.

Wan Zulaika dropped in on the participants after a walkabout session at the Kampung Baru Cina and Semenyih Sentral morning markets while on her campaign rounds.

“I have always supported the development of skills training. It is my hope that this session may inspire these participants to pursue the art further,” she said.

“Even if they do not intend to take it up as a profession, they could use what they have learned today to trim their own hair and save some money,” added Wan Zulaika.

On the event, division party chief Afi Rusyaidi said the event had 34 registered participants, adding that it was publicised on the Umno Desa Mewah Facebook page and the party’s Whatsapp group chat.

The session was conducted pro bono by a team of professional hairdressers led by Fauzi Abdullah, 34, a salon and academy owner who has 15 years of experience in the industry.

The three-hour course took place under an erected tent beside a surau at Jalan Desa Mewah 10.

“I got the idea from Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh who also promoted the development of vocational skills a week before the names of the state election candidates were named,” said Afi.

The oldest participant was Kamarulzaman Karim, 71. The retired hotel canteen cook said he took part because the subject piqued his interest.

“I have five grandchildren aged between seven and three months. Maybe I can cut their hair after this course,” said Kamarulzaman.

Siti Fatimah Zainal, 44, who used to offer mobile haircutting services said she signed up because she wanted to observe as many techniques as possible to increase her knowledge in the craft.

“I am in the midst of getting the necessary certification to become part of the teaching staff at the training centre for the disabled in Bangi,” said Siti Fatimah.