Under a simple tent, 27-year-old Azwan Basari is at work, offering quick, affordable haircuts to villagers who might otherwise go without.

What began as a small idea has quickly become one of the market’s most popular stops. Azwan first noticed the gap about six months ago while accompanying his father, who runs a stall at the weekly market.

“In Sukau, there is only one barbershop,” he told Bernama. “I thought, why not make it easier for people to get a haircut while they’re already out shopping?”

Set in the rural Kinabatangan district, about 360km from the Sabah capital, Sukau has limited access to everyday services, making small conveniences like this all the more meaningful.

Azwan’s setup is modest but effective: a chair, a large mirror propped on a table, and the essentials – combs, clippers and shavers. From this simple space, he delivers neat, confident cuts as the evening crowd flows past.

Originally from Sandakan, he brings with him a decade of experience, honed through government-sponsored training programmes.

That experience shows – his hands move quickly and steadily, and customers rarely have to wait long.

Affordability is key. Haircuts are priced at RM18 for adults and RM10 for children aged 10 and below, keeping the service within reach for farm workers and families.

“So far, the response has been very encouraging,” Azwan said. “I usually serve about 20 customers each time, from 3pm to 11pm.”

To supplement his income, he also sells hair products such as oils and dyes.

Yet for him, the venture is about more than earnings: it is a way to stay proactive, put his skills to good use and, at the same time, meet a real need in the community.