To cope with rising living costs and support his family, Afrin also works as a food delivery rider.
Despite the financial pressures, he continues riding a trishaw because he enjoys meeting people from across Malaysia and around the world.
But one of his main concerns is the weekend road closures in Bandar Hilir, where he operates.
The vehicle-free zone was introduced in August 2023, initially closing several roads on Saturday evenings. In December that year, the scheme was extended to a 54-hour period from Friday evening to Sunday midnight.
The affected roads included Jalan Laksamana, Jalan Kota and Jalan Istana, among others.
Afrin believes the closures have discouraged some domestic tourists from visiting the city centre, particularly because of difficulties finding parking.
He estimates that his monthly earnings, which previously could reach RM2,000 to RM2,200, have fallen to around RM1,000 to RM1,700.
However, he acknowledges that wider economic conditions and seasonal tourist demand have also affected his income.
Afrin welcomes the government’s efforts to promote tourism and provide assistance to trishaw riders.
But as a voter in the Duyong state constituency, he hopes the next government will review the traffic arrangements and continue organising activities to attract more visitors.
“The state government should review these road closures,” he said.
