MELAKA: Visitors strolling through Bandar Hilir here over the weekend were greeted by an energetic soundtrack as brightly decorated trishaws blasted "Bhangra" tunes in a special gesture to welcome Sikh devotees attending a major religious gathering in the historic city.
Persona Trishaw Association chairman Rosli Md Zain said riders decided to temporarily swap their usual playlists for Punjabi hits following the arrival of thousands of pilgrims for the four-day Sant Baba Sohan Singh Ji memorial festivities at the Sikh Gurdwara along Jalan Temenggong here.
“We were informed by our Sikh friends that devotees from countries such as the United Kingdom, India and Singapore, besides those from across the nation, have converged here since Friday (May 22).
"So our riders took the initiative to play Bhangra songs to create a welcoming atmosphere for them,” he said when interviewed on Sunday (May 24).
Rosli said Melaka’s trishaw riders are known for creatively adapting their music selections according to festivities and tourist demographics in the city.
“Normally we play a mix of songs including techno, Chinese classics, Tamil hits and Dangdut depending on the crowd.
"But over the past few days, many tourists and devotees were excited to hear Bhangra songs while moving around the heritage area,” he said.
He said the iconic trishaws, adorned with colourful lights and elaborate decorations, continue to be among the city’s most recognisable tourist attractions despite challenges faced by operators this year.
Rosli said trishaw bookings have declined compared to previous years amid global economic uncertainties and the ongoing Middle East conflict.
"Business has been slower, but we remain hopeful things will recover in the next few months,” he added.
On a separate note, Rosli said he would leave it to the authorities to determine the cause of a fire involving two trishaws at a charging station near Jalan PM10, Plaza Mahkota in Banda Hilir here on Sunday (May 24).
Melaka Fire and Rescue Department public relations officer Deputy Fire Superintendent Mohd Hafidzatullah Rashid said the department received an emergency call regarding the incident at 1.08pm.
"No casualties were reported, but two trishaws were destroyed while a motorcycle inside the premises was also partly damaged,” he said, adding that investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.
