Kota bharu: The Kelantan state government will review suggestions from the Kelantan State Licensed Tour Guide Association to develop the trishaw service as a tourism symbol for the state. State Tourism, Culture, Arts and Heritage Committee chairman Datuk Kamaruddin Md Noor noted that reaching an agreement on this initiative will require time and collaboration among all parties involved, including trishaw operators, tour agencies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, trishaw services in Kota Bharu city are facing difficulties, as the number of riders is on the decline, with the majority being senior citizens. Presently, only 16 trishaws are registered with the Tourism Information Centre (TIC) in Kota Bharu, with all riders aged over 70. Kamaruddin indicated that a lack of interest among younger individuals is partly responsible for the challenges faced by the trishaw service, as most trishaws are privately owned.

Since 2025, the state government has increased financial support to RM500 per month for each registered trishaw rider with TIC, up from the previous RM100, aiming to alleviate their financial burdens. Kamaruddin added that he has instructed TIC to coordinate efforts to support trishaw riders, which include providing waiting areas for passengers, setting fares, and establishing appropriate travel routes.

Reports from Bernama highlight that the trishaw, once the primary mode of transportation in Kota Bharu city, is struggling to stay relevant despite its cultural heritage and tourist attraction value. The absence of fundamental amenities such as dedicated stations and specific signage is among the factors complicating access to trishaw services for tourists, consequently impacting the sustainability of the trishaw riders.