Ban Hock Lane to be revitalised with murals

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Wee (squatting) admiring a mural while Jumaini (left) and others look on.

Wee (squatting) admiring a mural while Jumaini (left) and others look on.

KUCHING: Ban Hock Lane will be revitalised with murals under the Community Arts Project of Kuching North City Commission (DBKU).

Speaking to the media yesterday, DBKU acting director Jumaini Haili said the mural paintings are in line with DBKU’s ‘Kuching Clean, Beautiful and Safe (CBS)’ enhancement plan.

“The murals have historical themes through which we hope to depict the old Kuching lifestyle.

“This project is not only an effort to beautify our city but it also gives a chance and space to the youths to contribute to the local community,” he said.

Jumaini hoped the murals will attract more visitors to the area.

About 20 students of Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Sarawak‘s Art and Design Faculty are contributing their skills to the mural paintings.

DBKU commission member Datuk Wee Hong Seng said the murals belong to the public; hence everyone should help in protecting them.

“If you witness any vandalism act on the murals, there is no point in putting your sympathy on social media but have a sense of belonging by stopping them,” he added.

He also urged the public to report acts of vandalism to DBKU or police so that action could be taken.

The Community Arts Project is a joint effort by DBKU, UiTM and Electra House Sdn Bhd.

The project which was started last February but postponed several times due to the raining season is expected to be finished in three months’ time.

Some of the finished murals depict several flying pigeons, a cobbler fixing a shoe and an old Sarawak Transport Company public bus.