KOTA BARU: For 10 years, three best friends have been competing with each other to deck out their trishaws to mark National Day.
This year, septuagenarians Ismail Dollah, 76, Isma Senik, 74, and Che Uda Che Pa, 73, can only go for simple decorations for their trishaws due to financial problems.
But decorating with the Jalur Gemilang is a must.
"There used to be about 70 trishaw riders in Kelantan. Every year, we deck out our trishaws with the national flag and other decorations.
"But now, there are only a few of us left.
"We are willing to spend some money (to decorate) as we want to show our spirit to celebrate National Day," said Che Uda.
As customers dwindle, the father of five said many trishaw riders in Kelantan decided to retire.
Now, there are less than 20 riders.
Ismail said trishaw riders would celebrate National Day moderately this year.
"We can't afford to buy a lot of flags and decorations because there aren't many customers nowadays."
He said he decorated his trishaw with plastic flowers and decor this year.
"I only bought three small Jalur Gemilang last week and tied them to my trishaw.
"We will hang the flags on our trishaws until the patriotic month ends."