Preserving Melaka's bullock carts
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In Melaka, efforts are being made to preserve the state's traditional bullock carts from fading away into history. Samsudin Abdul, a 50-year-old resident, dedicates a significant portion of his monthly income to maintaining this unique mode of transport. His commitment extends beyond the well-being of the animals and the upkeep of the carts; he sees it as his duty to safeguard this piece of Melaka's cultural heritage for future generations.
Bullock carts have been a part of Melaka's identity since the state was a global trading hub. However, their usage has dwindled, with the last services stopping in 2000. Despite this, Samsudin remains one of the few individuals offering transport services in bullock carts. He has been doing so for the past 26 years and has also established a workshop for their maintenance.
Samsudin operates independently within the village, largely relying on personal promotions through social media to reach potential customers. His expenses for the month total around RM2,000, covering the costs associated with caring for the cattle and maintaining the carts. The carts, crafted from resilient resak wood, are designed to last for many years, but they require regular maintenance, especially the wheels and occasional repairs due to daily wear and tear.
Samsudin expresses his desire for increased support from the authorities, emphasizing the importance of the bullock cart as a symbol of Melaka's rich history. He charges RM80 for a 25-minute ride around the village, accommodating between four to five passengers per trip.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
