Mentakab's last newsdealer keeps print tradition alive

In the village of Mentakab, a 70-year-old newsdealer named K. Mutusamy is working tirelessly to keep the tradition of printed newspapers and magazines alive. As younger generations lean towards digital platforms, Mutusamy remains committed to serving a dedicated group of customers who value holding a physical newspaper or magazine in their hands. Despite a decline in demand over the years, Mutusamy has no plans to retire, stating that his business is not just a source of income but a passion that he is not ready to let go.

Mutusamy started his newspaper-selling career in 1979 and opened his shop in Jalan Tun Abdul Razak in 1987. He recalls the days when customers would wait outside his shop as early as 5:30am to buy newspapers, with some even making advance bookings for magazines. Mutusamy sold more than 70 titles of Malay, English, and Tamil magazines, including popular local comics that have since ceased print publication or moved to digital platforms.

Back in the day, magazines would first arrive at his shop before other agents came to collect their copies.

The newsdealer attributes the overwhelming demand for printed reading materials during the 1980s and 1990s to the presence of newspaper agents, which were common back then. However, as years passed, many agents retired and ventured into other businesses, leaving Mutusamy as the sole remaining newsdealer in Mentakab. His children, now a medical officer and two teachers, occasionally assist him at the shop.

Mutusamy emphasizes that a newsdealer cannot afford to close for even a day, as it could result in losing customers. He has been dedicated to selling newspapers and magazines since he started his life with them, and he intends to continue selling them until his last breath.