Sightseeing in style: Trishaw peddlers taking visitors around heritage sites during the holidays in George Town. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Trishaw riders are among the most hardworking lot here, with hardly any break time.
And this Chinese New Year is no different, with their pedal power leading to some hard-earned cash.
Chua Beng Hin, 60, who has been a trishaw rider for the past three years, said he has been working throughout the holiday.
“It’s a bit sad but this is my routine since I turned to the job. But it is okay as I still get to celebrate it with my fellow riders,” he said when met at Armenian Street.
Chua, whose wife died 15 years ago, said he also chose to work during the festive season as he has no siblings or close relatives.
“I’m happy as there is an influx of local and foreign visitors here, and am looking forward to receiving ang pow from my customers.”
Seasoned trishawman Tan Kee Hin, 67, said he missed his son and grandchildren most during the holiday celebrations.
“I have not seen them for years. They live in Singapore and am not sure if they know I am still here,” he lamented.
A trishaw rider for over 20 years, Tan said he wanted to make some extra money.
“I cannot afford not to work as I have to pay for rent,” he said, adding that he was grateful for the RM200 aid from the state government.
For non-Chinese riders like Fariz Ahmad Fauzi, 27, the festive period is the best time to make a living.
“During the good times, I used to earn up to RM3,000 a month. It’s quite tough these days as many locals shy away from the trishaw.
“We are only counting on tourists during the festive and holiday period,” he added.
G. Anachi, 60, from Paya Terubong, urged the state government to do more to help riders.
“Not all tourists hop on our rides. Out of 10, maybe only three or four take the trishaw to move around the city. Others prefer to take a taxi or bus,” he added.
