Patriotic expressions

Murals and street art are all the rage in the country right now and no wonder, as the often attention-grabbing and thought-provoking renditions hold a certain charm that passers-by and intentional visitors can’t help but admire. They bring vibrancy to an otherwise ordinary place, filling it with feelings and musings.

In conjunction with our National Day, why not rouse your patriotic spirit by going on a mural art trail?

For instance, down south in Johor Bahru, among the pre-war shop houses, there are a few art works with a patriotic theme including the iconic “Tanahairku” piece on the side of a pre-war shophouse along Jalan Ibrahim while another piece on Jalan Trus symbolises the three main ethnic groups in Malaysia.

In the Klang Valley, one could find interesting street art filled with a sense of national pride and which celebrates our diversity in major towns such as Petaling Jaya’s SS2, PJ New Town, and Shah Alam.

Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) is also giving makeovers to some of the backlanes of the aged streets in the city with street art and one can bask in the glory of their transformation, such as Jalan Alor, Jalan Tong Shin, Tengkat Tong Shin and Changkat Bukit Bintang.

Pictures By Low Yen Yeing

1. Street art in Johor Bahru shows a nation living in harmony with each other and with the environment.

2. Street art in SS2, Petaling Jaya called “Under one roof” representing the various ethnic groups in Malaysia. 

3. The country’s multi-racial society is symbolised in this mural in Jalan Trus, Johor Bahru.  

4. The “Tanahairku” mural along Johor Bahru’s Jalan Ibrahim.

5. A mural seen at Laman Seni 7 in Seksyen 7, Shah Alam made from recycled materials.

Klang Valley folk could also take the below short ride-and-stroll in KL downtown to celebrate the spirit of muhibbah and our love for the nation.

1. Start by hopping onto the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) line to the symbolically-named Merdeka MRT station. At the concourse area of the station, you will be greeted by a massive black-and-white photograph of the Malaysian flag with our first prime minister, the late Tunku Abdul Rahman, in the foreground declaring the nation’s independence on that historic day of Aug 31, 1957. Etched on another wall are excerpts from the Five Rukun Negara principles that every Malaysian should profess.

2. Next, move on to the Pasar Seni MRT Station and scrutinise the riveting black-and-white scene of Petaling Street on the station’s wall while riding the escalator. After that, take a walk along the atmospheric Petaling Street where one can go on a mural art trail.

3. Be there at dusk and end your walk with a visit to the River of Life components of the Klang River. The River of Life bridge located right behind Masjid Jamek mosque is possibly the best spot to catch the fascinating light-and-water show held every night. From the bridge, one could also admire the LED-lighted flag that adorns the facade of the DBKL building during this season.