Lorry

While much of the world uses the American term ‘truck’ to describe its road transport vehicles, Malaysia prefers the old English name ‘lorry’ (lori in Bahasa). Foreigners might be puzzled by signs advertising lori sewa thinking this means some kind of sewage truck. It just means truck for rent. 

Lorries are often imported in chassis form and have their bodywork made locally from wood in a design which is unique to this part of the world with small doors which hinge in the opposite direction to other motor vehicles. The end product may not be as decorative as those built in Pakistan but Malaysian lorries have a certain character and charm. The same cannot be said for most of the drivers!

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AUTHOR BIO

cartoon of author with an orangutan

David (the one on the left) is the writer behind Malaysia Traveller, sharing firsthand travel advice from over five decades of living and travelling across Asia and the Middle East. Based in Malaysia since 2009 and now in Kuching, he has published 700+ pages, personally visited every place he covers, and uses only his own photos. Readers can learn more on his About Me page. He also shares updates on Facebook and YouTube. He loves uncovering overlooked places even many Malaysians have never visited.