Tourists enchanted by Malaysian hot spot's three-wheel wonders

MALACCA, Malaysia - Decked out with flashing lights and cartoon characters, with loud music pumping, rickety bicycle rickshaws have become a hit with tourists visiting the historic Malaysian city of Malacca.

Once a common sight in many parts of Malaysia, the three-wheelers, known locally as trishaws, were largely phased out as cars became more affordable and took over the country's roads.

But in Malacca, a former colonial settlement that is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Malaysia's top tourist draws, the pedal-powered vehicles live on.