TRISHAWS are synonymous with life in George Town.
In their early days, these public transport vehicles ferried workers, schoolchildren and shoppers through the city’s streets.
Today, they remain enduring symbols of Penang’s living heritage, with retiree Lee Hong Kheun preserving that legacy through museum-quality miniature replicas of iconic trishaws and hand-pulled rickshaws.
Each piece is crafted from Grade 304 stainless steel, renowned for its resistance to rust and corrosion.
Every wheel is painstakingly laced with individual stainless steel spokes, while miniature chains and sprockets, mudguards, mirrors, handlebars, pedals, brakes, luggage racks, upholstered seats and collapsible fabric canopies are handcrafted with remarkable precision.
Lee, better known in the steel milling and metalworks industry as “Logam Lee”, has spent a lifetime mastering steel fabrication.
The 77-year-old said his miniature trishaws and rickshaws were faithfully scaled replicas of the originals.
“Each piece begins in my workshop, where stainless steel sheets and rods are rolled, bent, shaped and welded using various machinery.
“The unfinished work then undergoes painstaking hand- finishing before each model is polished for about a day to achieve its mirror-like shine.
“Nothing is cast or mass produced. Every component is individually made, welded and assembled by hand. That’s what makes every piece unique,” said Lee when met at his home in Bukit Mertajam.
The hand-pulled rickshaw first appeared in Malaya in the late 19th century before gradually giving way to the pedal-powered trishaw, or beca, in the early 20th century.
Lee said completing a single miniature would take more than a month, while producing several pieces could take up to two months with every spoke, fender, footrest, pedal and canopy frame fabricated by hand.
Over the years, he has handcrafted more than 100 miniature trishaws, rickshaws and other steel sculptures.
“When people first see them, they admire how closely the artworks resemble real trishaws.
“Then they move closer and realise that every tiny detail has been handmade,” said Lee.
Besides steel sculptures, he also creates decorative driftwood displays adorned with Tillandsia, commonly known as air plants.
He spends much of his free time carefully arranging each piece, allowing the natural shapes of driftwood to inspire the designs.
Some creations incorporate handcrafted steel elements and meaningful messages, adding symbolism and character.
Lee said seeing people’s reactions to his artworks has been one of his greatest rewards.
His crafts have found homes overseas, been presented as corporate gifts and even given to members of royalty.
“It is truly an honour that my work has been appreciated at that level. I never imagined something I made with my own hands would one day be presented to royalty.
“I have always wanted to create something meaningful instead of letting my skills go to waste,” he said.
Lee said his craftsmanship could now serve a greater purpose beyond display pieces.
He will take part in a charity fair, where proceeds from the sale of his artworks will be channelled to charitable organisations.
“If they can help someone in need, then all the time and effort are worthwhile.
“I hope we can raise as much money as possible through the sale of these works. Every piece sold means a bigger contribution towards charity, and that is what makes me happiest,” he said.
Both his miniature steel sculptures and driftwood creations will be showcased and available for sale at Island 88 in Tanjung Tokong from 11am to 6pm tomorrow, with proceeds going towards charity.
