THE first-ever mural art in Penang dedicated to promoting mental health awareness is now completed and open to the public.
It is located in an alley near Cantonment Road in Pulau Tikus.
The mural was painted by Constance Luk, co-founder of the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Council of Malaysia (COM), an alumni association that has empowered over 1,000 young Malaysians by mobilising them through United States exchange programmes and workshops.
Luk said the theme of the mural art is ‘You’re Not Alone’.
“With this mural, I hope to inspire individuals to embrace their challenges, recognise their inner strength, and experience the support of a caring community around them,” she said in her speech today.
The special mural art was officiated by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and US Embassy charge d’affaires Manu Bhalla.
Chow said that the mural serves as a timely reminder of the battles that many Malaysians fight every day, sometimes silently and often courageously.
“A report published in 2017, the Malaysian Mental Healthcare Performance Report, indicated that 29.2% of our adults and 12.1% of our children experience mental health challenges.
“These numbers were alarming then, and with the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the mental strains have only intensified.
“But here is the message we are here to share today: ‘You’re Not Alone’.
“Be it struggles that are visible or those hidden beneath the surface, as a community of over 1.7 million strong, we stand shoulder to shoulder with you.
“This mural reminds us to extend kindness not just to others but to ourselves. It is important to understand that it’s okay not to be okay,” he said.
Chow added that the mural is not just an addition to Penang street art but a testament to the unity, resilience, and commitment to uplift every member of society in the state.
“Let this mural serve as a beacon of hope and may the message it carries resonate through our streets, homes, and hearts,” said Chow.
Also present during the programme were Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid and Pulau Tikus assemblyman Joshua Woo Sze Zeng.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Alissala Thian