LIFE has been painfully hard for Penang’s 300-odd trishaw riders with zero income since the movement-control order (MCO) came into effect in March to curb the spread of Covid-19.

A lack of customers and the drastic drop in tourists who have been their main source of income have resulted in them relying on volunteer groups to fill their stomachs.

The trishaw riders told The Malaysian Insight that before the MCO, they could make about RM50 daily but now, their next meal depends on kindness of the public.

Among the affected riders, Tong Beng Huat, 68, said all he does now is to wait on his three-wheeler along Jalan Penang in George Town, waiting for someone to give him a free meal.

“I have been peddling a trishaw for 40 years now and this is the first time that I have experienced zero income for three months.

“It is difficult to sustain myself. Every day, I wait on my trishaw for people to give me food. The government’s financial aid was helpful but the amount was small,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

Jalan Penang where Tong operates is a hot spot for tourists in Unesco-listed heritage city George Town where many seek out the trishaw “experience”.

“From March, we lost all the tourists from China, South Korea and Taiwan (because of Covid-19 and the MCO). Locals were also prohibited from coming out.

“So, we ended up just sitting here without rides,” Tong said.

He added that someone would offer free meals almost daily. On days when there is no one to give him a meal, Tong dips into the government aid.

Another rider, Husin Pitchay, 47, said he would prefer to work for his meal than depend on handouts but was left with no choice.

“Locals have long stopped taking our trishaws, so we are fully dependent on tourists.

“Given that there are no tourists around, I am forced to accept free meals.”

He said all trishaw riders received RM1,100 aid which was insufficient to cover them for three months.

“We use the government money sparingly. We use it for really essential spending like rental and utility bills.”

Other trishaw riders met by The Malaysian Insight all agreed that life has become tough for them and that they are relying on government aid.

Penang gave RM500 to each rider while the federal government gave RM600.

The record shows there are 329 registered trishaw riders in Penang.

Bleak days ahead

Penang Trishaw Riders’ Association president Abdul Latif Mohd said the state government paid RM100 per month to the riders.

After the MCO was announced, the state gave RM300 for the months of April, May and June, on top of a RM200 extra.

“I told my members not to be too happy with the RM500 as it will have to last us till June.

“I am also tight now. Luckily, I have my children who can support me but if this situation continues for another two or three months, it will be very difficult for us.

“The state government will have to give us more, especially if the tourism sector remains closed,” said Latif, 73.

Awang Man, 73, said there is also some concerns about the free meals as most are provided by Chinese.

“I am afraid to take food from the Chinese, especially considering the halal aspect,” he said, adding that Malay groups, too, provided free meals but more during the Ramadan month.

As a result of this, he is tapping into the aid to feed himself and pay room rental of RM170 per month.

“I hope the government will not continue the MCO. It has been very difficult for us. We can’t be looking for new jobs as age has caught up with us. Who will hire us now?”

Awang said he’s still waiting for customers daily at Prangin Mall, hoping that someone would book a ride in his trishaw.

“I wait here until 7pm. After all, there is nothing to do at home as well.

“There are no customers at all but I still wait in the hope someone will use my service.”

The government relaxed the movement restrictions in May, allowing for more movement of people under the conditional MCO. The CMCO is to end on Tuesday. – June 7, 2020.