REGARDED as the oldest fire station in the country, the Beach Street Fire and Rescue Station in George Town now has a new 100-metre-long mural, called the ‘Beacon of Hope’.
Located along a lane next to the station, the name of the project fittingly portrays the meaning and role of the Fire and Rescue Department in our country.
The mural was made possible by a premier international school and professional development institution called The Learning Kingdom Education.
It is learnt that the institution had engaged Tam Yaw Tyng, a muralist based in Butterworth, and he completed the project in less than a month (26 days).
Tam is also an expert in designing signboards.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was present to officiate the launching of the mural, said that the mural would improve the fire station’s image as a tourist attraction spot.
“Despite being 115-year-old, this oldest fire station is very well-maintained; and this new mural, depicting several true incidents involving our fire rescuers, highlights the importance of these heroes who put everything on the line for our safety.
“I understand that this project was first envisioned by the state Fire and Rescue Department director Saadon Mokhtar, who then went on to share the idea with The Learning Kingdom Education.
“It was warmly welcomed by the institution, and it was carried out as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR),” Chow said in his speech before launching the mural at the fire station today.
In his speech, Chow commended The Learning Kingdom Education for its effort in completing the project.
“This is something that should be emulated by other organisations that are directly or indirectly responsible for shaping the next generation of leaders, especially young children.
“Once viewed only as an act of vandalism, this not-so-new form of art (mural) has taken the world by storm and it is filled with creativity.
“It is not that vandalism no longer takes place, it is still there.
However, art can be done the right way through proper channels and permissions, and this is something that should be celebrated.
“I understand that this mural has also depicted incidents involving the death of firemen who took part in rescue operations in the past.
“This is why we must continue to appreciate and be grateful for these heroes.
“I strongly urge the people to protect and enjoy the sight of this mural for it was done with a good amount of effort, time and money,” Chow added.
Meanwhile, state Fire and Rescue Department deputy director Zulfahmi Sutaji has requested the state government to consider assisting the fire station in terms of preserving the mural in the future.
The Learning Kingdom Education chief executive officer Dr Lee Eng Wah told Buletin Mutiara that the entire project cost about RM30,000.
“We want to spread awareness about the roles of the fire and rescue station and its importance in our society,” Lee said.
It is understood that the colourful mural painting could last up to five years.
Also present at the event were Chow’s wife Madam Tan Lean Kee, state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi and the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Siew Chia En
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud