MANY photos of the historical Stadthuys building in Malacca these days include the colourful trishaws parked around the UNESCO world heritage site.
Now “colourful” might be an understatement here, what with all the faux flowers, Angry Bird motifs and Hello Kitty dolls on the trishaws.
But believe it or not, these techno/EDM-pumping trishaws do have a place in Malacca’s history as a mode of transport, and they certainly have carved their niche in the present. There’s never a shortage of tourists around the Stadthuys waiting to go for a ride.
The trishaw riders say the more colourful the trishaw, the better. Kids love ’em and that means their parents have to as well!
Many locals, however, don’t quite share their enthusiasm for the trishaws. Some we spoke to said the riders are a menace, entering areas they aren’t allowed in and breaking traffic rules.
Others like Nandha Kumaran think the loud, gaudy trishaws are symbolic of Malacca’s slowly fading culture. “Simple is better,” said the 52-year-old with a smile. “Now, they’re too garish.”
Be that as it may, the trishaws are now an important part of the local tourism industry. Muhammad Kasim Abdullah, 32, a third-generation owner of Cendol Jam Besar, located opposite the Stadthuys, said the trishaw riders have been good for businesses in the area.
“They don’t just transport the tourists around. They explain things to them, like what kind of local food I’m selling and what they should try. It really helps my business,” said Kasim.
The colourful trishaws around the Stadthuys are now a huge part of Malacca’s tourism industry.
Tell us what you think!