TRISHAW – THE FADING MASTERPIECE OF CULTURE IN MALAYSIA 🌞

BY:- HANNANI SYAKIRAH BINTI MOHD IDRUS (2015105681) (PHM1114A1)

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           MAZNI SAADON (2015734307) (PHM1114A1)

   When my partner and I look at my photo albums, we noticed that both of us have some trishaw pictures and decided to write about it. Mazni and I were no historian but we all know that trishaw was one of the main transportation in Malaysia up to the 70s. Since then, rapid urbanisation has increased demand for more efficient public transport, resulting in the decreasing numbers of trishaws. We try to remember hard the memories that we had been through but both of us can only remember when we rode on two during our trip in Malacca and Penang.

   Rickshaws were a common mode of transport in urban areas of Malaysia in the 19th and early 20th centuries until gradually replaced by cycle rickshaws (beca in Malay). Today, they are operated as tourist attraction, mainly in Melaka, Penang, Terengganu and Kelantan.

   Let’s take a look at trishaws in Melaka. My friend and I prefer it way back when it was in its much simpler state where there were no fake flower decorations. LOL. Less is more. But if fake flowers and animation can attract tourists, so be it. I guess I can live with that. On second thought, we think the creativeness of the trishaw operators somehow made the trishaw unique.

   The historic port town of Malacca, Malaysia offers a wonderful blend of Asian and European influences. Also spelled Melaka, it bears traces of Malay, Chinese, Indian, Portuguese and Dutch cultures. This varied background is displayed by the colorful trishaws, a form of bicycle-powered rickshaw, that cruise around town. Each driver decorates their trishaw with bright flowers, flashing lights, flags and souvenirs.

   The drivers line up in front of Christ Church on the main square and offer sightseeing excursions around town. Usually we’re a bit uncomfortable being carried in human-powered transportation, wondering if it’s fair to the driver. But a worker at the hotel explained to us that it’s better to support the drivers and the local economy than to not use their services. A one-hour tour costs 40 Ringgit Malaysia. - each trishaw can sit by 2 average weight adult with probably a child. And there is a clear signboard located near Jonkers street entrance and the clock tower that states clearly the rental rates. If there are complaints about being overcharged, it can be made to Tel: 06-232 6411/ 39888 (SMS). This is to ensure tourists do not have a bad experience due to lack of enforcement. For this sum the rider gets transportation and a running commentary about Malacca and its history. It’s definitely well worth this journey into Malacca’s past.

   

The trishaws are quite happening - some come fully equipped with sound systems and PA speakers so as the rider takes the customers around, you can hear music coming out from the trishaw. There was a Malay family and one trishaw played Malay songs (which my friend and I love to listen), and another one was blasting ‘viral’ songs that Malaysian’s people love to hear. The best time to see the trishaws is at night when their colorful lights cast a glow on the street.

Penang Trishaw

   As for Penang, when you take holiday in Penang will never be complete, if you do not take an old fashion ride in Penang trishaw. It is the best way to see and explore the city of Georgetown in a much slower pace. You will be able to cover every nook and cranny of Georgetown heritage trails using the eco-friendly mode of transportation that are fast gaining popularity among tourist. As we know, there are about 200 trishaws in Penang which are mostly scattered around Georgetown area.

   The modern beca in Penang is a pedal-powered trishaw rather than one that’s pulled by runners. It ferries tourists through narrow lanes, offering them a closer view of the neighbourhood in an unhurried manner. We love the trishaws in Penang, they were quite an antique! The originality is still there, no fake flower decorations. And look at the back stand, antique and precious. The nostalgic feeling sitting on top of the three wheeled beca does indeed an unforgettable experience for both of us. Besides the novelty of traveling in this open-fronted three wheeled vehicles, trishaw allows visitor the opportunity of visit the sights at a more leisurely pace and stopping at any point to snap picture or to buy souvenir.

   This make us more interesting and at the same time raise the image of Penang trishaw riders which are one of the frontlines in making foreign tourist stay in Penang enjoyable.

   The price of using a beca in Penang varies from about RM 15 to about RM 30 per hour. You guys can try to negotiate for the best price before using this service if you want to ride it. Some tour agent or hotels provide a package tour which includes sightseeing on trishaw with lunch or dinner included.

The Future of Trishaw riders

   In conclusion, today, as our quality of life improves, the intimate portrait of the beca, sadly, my friend and I concern that trishaw has become a legacy fighting for survival. Trishaw, which amount to about 1000 in the 80s are slowly declining in numbers. While it can still be seen making the rounds in Penang, Malacca and Kota Baru, the beca is slowly turning into a museum masterpiece.
  

   And with rising living standards, the shoestring earnings of beca are on a one-way road to a natural demise. Most trishaw-men that we heard are well past their prime though in all fairness, with that entire workout from daily pedalling, they have a strength that belies their age. Some beca riders, with the help of travel agent had to do away with pay cut to get enough customers just to stay in business.

   Unsure how long riders can continue pedalling, one of the beca riders prefers his children to work in factories instead and loathes the idea of them following in his footsteps. Given a choice, he too would prefer to do something else. So, while some becas are still around, we hopefully for tourists please to seek them out and take a ride down memory lane before it reaches the end of the road.💜