SEVEN murals featuring Penang’s famous landmarks, icons, and former state athletes, are now the newest attractions along Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah in the Batu Uban constituency, thanks to the initiative by the Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC).
The seven panels, measuring 10ft x 11ft and 100 metres long, were completed in a month since its ‘Blank Canvas: Mural Art Series’ started in August this year.
Among the murals’ landmarks and icons were Datuk Lee Chong Wei, Datuk Nicol Ann David, Datuk David Arumugam, Tan Sri P. Ramlee, Penang Bridge, Masjid Jamek Batu Uban, Penang Pesta site and Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce (PCCC) building.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who launched the project today, lauded PYDC, the Batu Uban service centre, PCCC Youth Entrepreneurial Section (PCCC YES), IPK College Penang and Penang Public Works Department (PWD) for their teamwork.
“We hope such an initiative can be continued in the future to boost the state’s tourism.
“It is a good collaboration between PYDC and those involved in realising such a project,” he said in his speech before launching the event at Sunny Point Complex in Batu Uban today.
The project, costing RM22,000, was sponsored by the Batu Uban service centre, PYDC and PCCC YES.
The main artist involved in this project was Azmi Hussin, who was assisted by more than 30 youth volunteers from IPK College Penang.
State Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee said he was delighted with the PYDC’s initiative with other agencies.
“Since this effort started, six projects have been implemented in Penang. They are in Taman Riang, Taman Dahlia, Penanti, Batu Uban, The Salvation Army Children’s Home and Padang Kota.
“These murals have their own identities and messages to promote Penang,” he said.
Batu Uban assemblyman A. Kumaresan said the new murals in his constituency are set to attract tourists.
“The state has been doing well in promoting Penang through various initiatives,” he said.
Among those present were PYDC general manager Dr Gwee Sai Ling, assistant general manager Ng Hooi Ting, PCCC deputy president Datuk Tan Hiang Joo and other distinguished guests.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat