Melaka urged to get public views before deciding on new look for trishaw riders

MELAKA: The Melaka Historic City Council (MBMB) has been urged to get public views before giving a fresh look to local trishaw services by January next year, says Cassel Krishnan.

The Melaka DAP Youth chief said it’s crucial to obtain the views from locals as the trishaw rides are part of the tourist attractions here, especially with the state hosting the Visit Melaka Year 2024.

“The trishaws are symbolic icons for the state’s tourism industry and the views of the people are important to preserve its decor and quality of services as well as the concerns over the loud music blaring out,” he said on Monday (Sept 2).

Krishan also hoped that MBMB also sets a guideline for the trishaw riders to decrease the volume of the music when passing places of worship at the world heritage sites as a mark of respect.

“I am also happy to note that MBMB has listened to the voices of the locals who submitted a petition last year where they outlined their concerns over loud music by the riders.

“The local authority has addressed it by introducing a by-law for the trishaw services in an aim to pipe down the volume and enhance its image” he added.

Krishnan said locals are also eagerly waiting to see the new look of trishaws in the popular spot of Bandar Hilir here.

In June, MBMB mayor Datuk Shadan Othman said new guidelines will be implemented for trishaw riders in the state to enhance the quality of their services.

He said dozens of registered trishaw riders must meet the specified requirements before renewing their licenses, which will expire in December.

He said the riders will also need to undergo health screenings and an interview starting in October.

Shadan noted that these improvements were also in response to complaints and grievances from tourists regarding the trishaw services as well as to ensure the riders don’t take advantage of tourists by charging arbitrary rates.

He also said that MBMB will monitor the selection and volume of music, apart from the suitable attire worn by the riders.