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.
The Melaka native said his efforts go beyond caring for the animals and maintaining a traditional vehicle; he sees it as a responsibility to keep alive a heritage with historical significance and a distinct identity for future generations.
“The bullock cart has long been part of Melaka’s identity. A look back at the state’s history shows it played an important role as a mode of transport when Melaka was a prominent global trading centre.
“Even today, people continue to associate Melaka with bullock carts. However, they are no longer seen operating in places such as Bandar Hilir and Ayer Keroh, where the service was discontinued in 2000,” he told Bernama when met at his home in Kampung Tambak Bugis, Telok Mas, here.
Samsudin said he was among the few remaining bullock cart operators in Melaka, 26 years after the other operators ceased operations, and had established his own workshop to carry out repairs and maintenance.
“We do not really rely on this as a source of income, as we operate independently around the village. Not many tourists know about us because we only promote our services through our personal social media platforms.
“We do this primarily to preserve our heritage and ensure that this unique form of transportation remains part of the state’s identity,” he said.
Samsudin said he spends about RM2,000 of his own money each month to keep the bullock cart service operating independently in Melaka.
“This covers the costs of caring for the cattle, including their food, vitamins, rice bran, salt and vaccines, not to mention the maintenance of the bullock carts themselves.
“The bullock carts, which are made from resak wood, are durable and can last for decades. However, they still require regular upkeep, particularly of the wheels and repairs to damage caused by use,” he said.
Samsudin said he hoped his efforts, along with those of the small community of bullock cart operators still active in Melaka, would receive support from the relevant authorities.
“Our efforts are aimed at preserving the state’s heritage. I hope the relevant parties who value Melaka’s identity will come together to discuss the best way forward and work collectively to prevent this unique traditional mode of transport from disappearing.
“We hope to receive support in promoting bullock carts as a tourist attraction in Melaka, especially through social media. We would also like a designated location where operators can come together and resume their activities,” he said.
Samsudin said those interested in experiencing a bullock cart ride while enjoying the village atmosphere in Melaka could contact him through the Batrisya Empire Group TikTok account.
“We charge RM80 for a 25-minute bullock cart ride around the village, accommodating four to five passengers per trip,” he said.