A VIDEO making the rounds has spurred talk on social media about unlicensed trishaw services being offered in Johor Baru.
It is claimed that foreigners are offering trishaw rides around the city centre for RM60 per person.
Is this happening as claimed?
Verdict:
TRUE
The Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) has reportedly told such service operators to stop immediately.
Mayor Datuk Mohd Haffiz Ahmad said the operators had not submitted any formal application to the council.
"We have not received their application despite... their starting trial runs.
"We have told them to stop and submit an application for our approval," he said after chairing the council’s monthly board meeting on Thursday (Oct 29), when asked to respond to the viral video.
Haffiz said MBJB understood that trishaw rides could become an attraction for the city, similar to those found in other tourist destinations such as Melaka and Penang.
"However, the proposed service will have to be assessed, including the fares and the appearance of the trishaws.
"The trishaws must be attractive and well-decorated to appeal to tourists. In other tourist cities, they have attractive designs, music, lights and decorations," he said.
He also said the council encouraged locals to take up the role of trishaw riders, particularly those from Johor.
"This would allow them to share the history and unique features of Johor Baru with visitors, as well as recommend other tourist attractions in the state," he added.
