TWO huge murals depicting the famous giant rabbit-like spirit, Totoro, breathe new life into SJK (C) Chung Hwa 1 in Butterworth here.
The two-storey high murals were painted by the primary school’s former pupil, Rockman Tam.
Tam took two weeks to complete the murals. He began painting the murals in May last year.
The school headmistress, Boo Cheng Choon, said the murals brought new energy into the school and the pupils were excited to come to school.
Totoro is a character in the 1988 Japanese animated fantasy film, ‘My Neighbour Totoro’.
The Japanese animated fantasy film was written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki and animated by Studio Ghibli.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who visited the school today, believed that the murals could increase cheerfulness and beautify the school compound.
“They have also made the school more conducive in attracting pupils to the school.
“The murals can also instil good values in pupils. The pupils are reminded to emulate the good values portrayed by the Totoro character,” he said in his speech before officiating the murals at the school today.
Also present were state Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee and Penang Welfare and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh.
Chow, Soon and Phee also checked out the school’s MakerLab.
“We are happy to witness the progress of the MakerLab here. An allocation of RM60,000 has been approved for the supply of 40 computer units and other needs,” Chow said.
He also congratulated the school for its initiative in promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Law Suun Ting and Christopher Tan
Video by Alissala Thian