{
  "id": 19109881,
  "title": "Samsudin spends thousands monthly to keep Melaka's bullock carts rolling",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/09/samsudin-spends-thousands-monthly-to-keep-melakas-bullock-carts",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-09T07:10:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/regional/2026/11/1573950/samsudin-spends-thousands-monthly-keep-melakas-bullock-carts-rolling"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Melaka resident Samsudin Abdul devotes thousands of ringgit monthly to keep traditional bullock carts in operation, aiming to preserve an essential part of the state's heritage. The 50-year-old native explains that the bullock cart serves as a vital link to Melaka's history as a major trading hub and remains a distinctive symbol of the region. Once common in areas like Bandar Hilir and Ayer Keroh, these carts are now a rarity, with Samsudin being one of the last operators. He operates independently, maintaining the carts and their cattle, while promoting the service through personal social media. Despite generating little income, Samsudin invests about RM2,000 monthly to cover the animals' care, cart maintenance, and the pursuit of heritage preservation. He hopes for support from local authorities to promote bullock carts as a tourist attraction, suggesting a designated area for their activities and increased visibility via social media. Interested tourists can request a 25-minute ride through the Batrisya Empire Group TikTok account, with a fare of RM80 for up to five passengers.",
  "summary": "MELAKA: In a bid to keep Melaka’s traditional bullock carts from becoming a thing of the past, 50-year-old Samsudin Abdul spends thousands of ringgit each month to preserve a mode of transport that was once a distinctive feature of the state.",
  "key_points": [
    "Samsudin spends RM2,000 monthly to maintain bullock carts.",
    "Preserves Melaka's heritage as a trading hub symbol.",
    "Offers 25-minute rides via Batrisya Empire Group TikTok."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Samsudin’s personal financial commitment highlights the fragility of Melaka’s cultural heritage as traditional transport relies on individual passion rather than formal government support or commercial viability.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Bernama",
        "title": "General : Samsudin Spends Thousands Monthly To Keep Melaka's Bullock Carts Rolling",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/09/general-samsudin-spends-thousands-monthly-to-keep-melakas-bullock",
        "published": "2026-11-09T05:14:51.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}