English: Carts at the National Museum in Kuala Lumpur. left side: Johor Horse Cart (
Kereta Kudur Johor). The horse cart was originally used by the Chinese community in the town of Maharani, Johor in the 1900's. Its owner and family members used it primarily for their daily activities and recreation. The horse cart was eventually turned into a means of public transportation. A pony drew the cart and passengers were charged RM 0.05 for every 1.6 km. The horse cart was finally drawn as it was deemed unsuitable and inefficient with the advent of modern transportation. right side: Melaka Bullock Cart (
Kereta Lembu Melaka). The traditional bullock cart is an accepted symbol of
Melaka and is very much a part of the state's heritage. It has been around since the Melaka Sultanate of the 15th century CE, believed to have been introduced to the state by traders from India.
In days of old, the cart was usually loaded in the evening and the journey began at dawn on the next day. A pair of healthy bullocks would be able to pull a full cart for a distance of eight kilometers in an hour and half.
In present times however, the use of bullock carts in towns is discouraged, mainly to avoid traffic congestion. Many have converted the old carts into items of household furniture. The best time to view these carts is during cultural festivals when long rows of decorated carts can be seen driving through Melaka town heading for the festival grounds.