The spoken word collective Jalan Dalam, a regular presence at Jalan Negara Kita, has expanded its open mic sessions to include music, featuring a performance by the fusion gamelan band Gamelan Astraloka (pic). Photo: Jalan Dalam
For years, the dark alley along Jalan Negara in Taman Melawati in Kuala Lumpur remained an unspoken boundary, defined more by unease than physical barriers. Longtime residents rarely mentioned it, let alone set foot inside.
Even after the indie cafe Folk Kofii opened in 2023 between A.P Art Gallery and Weststar Art and Stationery Shop in the area, the alley remained in a state of decay, unfit for hosting events.
Late last year, Jalan Negara gained a renewed purpose through a makeover led by the neighbourhood’s arts-loving community and dedicated volunteers.
A community jam session is a staple at Jalan Negara Kita, bringing together a multi-generational line-up on stage. Photo: Jalan Negara Kita
In a true grassroots effort, an art gallery, an art supply shop, a cafe, and the residents’ association worked together to clean up the lane and create a shared space.
It was officially named “Jalan Negara Kita” and designated as a “Lorong Seni” by the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) during Rahmat Bahgia, an inaugural weekend arts festival held last October.
Since the Rahmat Bahgia festival, the lane has gradually grown into a community hub, hosting spoken word evenings, gamelan nights, singer-songwriter sessions, arts and craft workshops, and even showcasing a festive Chinese New Year “Lion’s Head” installation.
A recent ‘Tusyen Anyam Ketupat’ session with students, led by Azhari. Photo: Jalan Negara Kita
Murals and oversized installations of nostalgic favourites like 'Bedak Nyonya Samfong', 'Luna Colour Pencils', and 'Minyak Angin Cap Kapak' lend charm and character to the space – not to mention its Insta-worthy appeal.
The lane also features a stage for live performances, attracting audiences of over 100 people.
The transformation of Jalan Negara into Jalan Negara Kita has been inspiring, and in recent weeks, a series of Ramadan events have brought a festive energy to the once-overlooked lane.
A bubur lambuk gathering at Jalan Negara Kita united the community, with volunteers prepping and cooking the shared Ramadan meal. Photo: Jalan Negara Kita
Multi-racial neighbours and visitors alike have gathered for an open mic, a Raya card-making session, a ketupat weaving workshop, a bubur lambuk communal meal, and a traditional Malay recipe-sharing event. Overhead, a Raya-themed fabric installation by artist Zuriee Ahmad drapes gracefully above the covered roof, adding a festive touch to the upcoming celebrations.
“We’ve been very fortunate to have a variety of collectives – musicians, poets, fine artists, photographers – living in the Taman Melawati area, hanging out at Folk Kofii regularly. Now with support from the MPAJ, the newly built roof over what we now call ‘Jalan Negara Kita’ will serve as a hub for these collectives to host their own events and connect with other communities,” says Nazura Rahime, owner of A.P Art Gallery, one of the prime movers of the Jalan Negara Kita project.
Currently under renovation, A.P Art Gallery is set to reopen in the second half of the year, bringing new energy and exhibitions to the area.
A view of ‘Lorong Seni’ at Jalan Negara Kita, Taman Melawati, now with its newly built roof. Photo: Jalan Negara Kita
Many collectives have already embraced this alley as an event space, from art-focused activities – like printmaking workshops with Chetak 17 and sketch sessions with KL Sketchnation – to more leisurely gatherings, including jazz jam sessions and “senamrobik” with local retirees on Sunday mornings.
Jalan Dalam, a spoken word collective, has also been a regular presence in the neighbourhood since 2017, using Jalan Negara Kita even before it was revitalised.
“Since January 2024, we’ve hosted monthly open mics at Jalan Negara Kita, thanks to Nazura, Jo Ghazali, Mohd Fahmy, Hazwan Ahmad, and Fauzee Nasir. Their efforts have shaped a thriving ‘third space’ in Melawati – free and accessible – fostering community, creativity, and opportunities for performers to grow,” read a statement from the Jalan Dalam collective.
‘At Jalan Negara Kita, we’re creating a welcoming space for everyone, regardless of background, with something for all to enjoy,’ says Nazura. Photo: The Star/Kamarul Ariffin
“I was amazed at my first Jalan Dalam show – seeing people of all ages and backgrounds, from blue-haired punks to grandmas and pakciks, come together to enjoy poetry and music, sharing feedback in a truly inclusive space,” says Nazura.
Nearly every event draws the Melawati community, including a children’s lion dance procession for Chinese New Year.
“As a residents’ association representative, we fully support Jalan Negara Kita’s initiatives. This lively space has brought our community together. As a jazz enthusiast, I enjoy the weekend jam sessions, but there’s something for everyone. We’re grateful to the organisers for making it happen,” says Azhari Abdul Taharim, chairman of the Taman Melawati Residents Association.
Murals and oversized installations of nostalgic favourites, including 'Bedak Nyonya Samfong', lend charm and character to Jalan Negara Kita. Photo: Jalan Negara Kita
The activities and events at Jalan Negara Kita are free and open to all, fostering a welcoming space for newcomers and the curious. However, sustaining these efforts remains a significant challenge.
“So far our initiatives have been self-funded, with some support from programmes, as well as sponsorships. We also receive small contributions from patrons of Jalan Negara Kita for others who want to organise programmes here. These contributions help cover costs and pay it forward for our future programmes, but it’s still not enough to make things sustainable,” says Nazura.
In its short existence, Jalan Negara Kita has also received the “Placemaking and Public Space” award from the Malaysian Institute of Planners in January this year.
A Chinese New Year 'lion's head' workshop at Jalan Negara Kita in January. Photo: The Star/Yap Chee Hong
“Starting this year, Jalan Negara Kita is governed by our NGO – Pertubuhan Swadaya Malaysia. The main objective of this NGO is to provide scholarships for art students.
"This means that the art programmes we run at Jalan Negara Kita will directly benefit and circulate back into the creative community,” she adds.
For Nazura, Jalan Negara Kita is more than an event space – it’s proof of what passionate communities can achieve when they come together to celebrate art and culture.
She also has deep roots in the Melawati neighbourhood.
The crowd enjoying Okal and Persenangan’s ‘Keroncong Party’ at Jalan Negara Kita’s launch last October. Photo: Jalan Negara Kita
Folk Kofii stands where her late father’s A.P Art Gallery once was – a three-storey shophouse that had been her home since 1998.
“This is where I spent my childhood – my playground, my home – where I met friends and ate at the local stalls. I used to run past this alley to get home because I was scared,” Nazura shares candidly.
“Seeing how it has evolved over the years, with various collectives working to make it more welcoming, is truly special. It naturally draws in creatives,” she concludes.
The months ahead look promising for Jalan Negara Kita, with a diverse line-up of public events set to be announced.
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