SHAH ALAM, Sept 22 — A proposal to use trishaws to ferry tourists around Klang could add a new attraction to the historic city while creating economic opportunities.
Tourism Selangor chief executive officer Chua Yee Ling said the agency is in discussions with the Klang Royal City Council (MBDK), which proposed reviving the trishaws, the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (MOTAC), and Volunheritage.
She said the initiative could offer visitors a nostalgic mode of transport while showcasing Klang’s heritage and strengthening its identity as the royal city of Selangor, The Star reported.
“Tourism Selangor sees the revival of trishaw rides in Klang as more than a nostalgic nod to the past.
“The initiative forms part of broader efforts to promote the royal city’s appeal to both domestic and international visitors,”she said.
Chua said that there were 595,327 domestic tourists, accounting for 69.8 per cent, while foreign tourists made up 257,667 or 30.2 per cent, in total 852,994 tourists came to Klang last year.
She also added that the tourism Selangor would provide input to MBDK on developing an attractive trishaw route as part of the proposed plan.
MBDK councillor Aziz Khan Muhammed Ali said the revival could give visitors a more immersive way to explore Klang’s historic landmarks, cultural sites and heritage areas.
“We hope Tourism Selangor and the tourism ministry will support this as the initiative can also create new economic opportunities for locals.
“It would encourage greater visitor spending as it supports businesses along the tourism route,” he said.
Another MBDK councillor Sharon Chia Siu said the return of trishaws could add a nostalgic element to Klang’s tourism landscape while strengthening its identity as a heritage destination.
“It can be viewed as part of a broader strategy to promote heritage tourism and strengthen Klang’s appeal to both domestic and international visitors,” she said
MBDK councillor Mohd Rayme Abdul Rahman said trishaws could encourage visitors to spend more time exploring the city.
“In offering a distinctive and leisurely way to experience the city’s streets, heritage sites and local attractions, trishaws can make sightseeing more accessible and engaging.
“This initiative can benefit local traders, tour operators, food and beverage outlets,” Mohd Rayme added.
According to the MBDK’s archive department, trishaw races were common in the 1980s.
An official with the department said trishaws were used to ferry children to schools and women to markets and offices in the 1950s and 1960s and the mode of transportation were still operating up until 2003.
