Road traffic signs in Malaysia generally follow the international standards used in Europe, but there are a few which have been tailored for local conditions. The one above is an all-time favourite.

It informs users of this busy urban dual carriageway that bullock carts, trishaws, pedal-powered food carts and bicycles are not permitted.

The chances of seeing a bullock cart these days are rare. Some existed in Melaka about 25 years ago.

They were used to ferry tourists around the “padang” (field). They’ve gone now. This may be the only bullock cart left in Melaka:

Trishaws have all but disappeared too as a means of transport. There are a few in the main tourist area of Melaka for selfie purposes. This working trishaw was spotted in Penang a few years back:

Food carts are still around but they too are under threat as urban councils tighten up on hygiene laws and parking spaces.

This photo was snapped in Muar some time ago (probably would cost a lot more than RM3 today):

It’s a shame to see these icons of traditional culture disappearing from modern Malaysia, to be replaced by sanitised shopping malls, food trucks and Uber cars.

All that’s left is the road sign as a reminder of what has been lost.

This article first appeared on thriftytraveller.wordpress.com