CHOO Yew Choon, 65, one of the last rickshaw makers in Penang, is planning to retire from the job he inherited 35 years ago.
The senior citizen is the family’s fourth generation to inherit the business, which has existed for more than a century.
Choo first became directly involved in rickshaw-making and repairs in Penang in 1989 after his father fell ill.
His family business originated at Lebuh Chulia and was sited there for more than 80 years before it had to relocate due to a rise in rental rates.
Given his age, Choo now plans to completely retire from the job of making and repairing rickshaws.
Choo, however, is not sure whether there will be another rickshaw-making shop to replace his when he eventually takes a bow. – June 12, 2022.
Choo Yew Choon, 65, is one of the last rickshaw makers in Penang. He plans to retire from the job he inherited 35 years ago. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Kamal Ariffin, June 12, 2022.Choo Yew Choon fixing a bicycle frame at his shop in George Town, Penang. He says it is difficult for him to find a successor as being a rickshaw maker does not promise lucrative returns. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Kamal Ariffin, June 12, 2022.Choo Yew Choon shows his award given by the state government at his shop in George Town, Penang. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Kamal Ariffin, June 12, 2022.A man repairs his bicycle in George Town, Penang. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Kamal Ariffin, June 12, 2022.A man installing accessories to beautify his rickshaw in George Town, Penang. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Kamal Ariffin, June 12, 2022.Choo Yew Choon fixing a bicycle wheel at his shop in George Town, Penang. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Kamal Ariffin, June 12, 2022.A man installing accessories to beautify his rickshaw in George Town, Penang. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Kamal Ariffin, June 12, 2022.Choo Yew Choon says his handmade rickshaws have also been delivered to Australia, New Zealand, France and Germany. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Kamal Ariffin, June 12, 2022.The difficulty in getting spare parts for the rickshaw, which are mostly imported from China and Thailand, is also a factor in Choo Yew Choon considering retirement. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Kamal Griffin, June 12, 2022.
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