MANY of the trishaw pedallers in Penang are still hoping for brighter days despite the return of domestic tourists following the lifting of interstate travel ban.
They are still struggling to cope with the current situation even though an influx of tourists had poured into Penang over the past few weeks.
When met, Tan Hooi Theam, who is a trishaw pedaller in Armenian Street, told Buletin Mutiara that many of them are still facing tough times.
“We are glad that the state’s borders have been opened but many of the local tourists are rarely keen on trishaw rides compared to international tourists.
“Once the international borders are opened, we can at least hope for the return of international tourists.
“We know that this may take some time but we are looking forward to it,” he said.
Another trishaw rider, Cheah Ah Leng, who was cleaning his trishaw when approached, expressed gratitude that many of the sectors have now been allowed to reopen.
“On my side, I can at least be relieved as I have managed to secure a few trips for domestic tourists over the past few days.
“I would say it’s still better than nothing but we hope to see a gradual improvement of tourist arrivals in the coming months.
“The slight increase in Covid-19 cases recently has really scared us off,” he added.
R. Vijaya Kumar, who is a trishaw pedaller in Penang Road, is looking forward to better days ahead.
“Everything is out of our control and we can only keep our fingers crossed.
“For me, businesses will only flourish during weekends compared to weekdays,” he added.
Another trishaw rider, known as Ah Or, was hoping for assistance from the authorities.
“We are still trying to make ends meet and I hope the plight of trishaw riders will be looked into,” he said.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis