Drawing visitors to Masai with murals

A passerby taking a selfie with the mural depicting Masai’s famous beancurd stall, which is part of the art lane project hoped to draw tourists to the area. — Photos: THOMAS YONG/The Star

Lorong Seni Masai (art lane) is the latest attraction in Masai, Johor.

Located in the back lane between Jalan Belibis and Jalan Bayan, it has been transformed into a vibrant, colourful space.

Pasir Gudang City Council (MBPG) allocated RM750,000 to upgrade the back lane with murals, according to Masai councillor Madyasir Ahmad Basir.

Kampung Baru Masai village chief Dr Chua Ching Hao said the murals highlighted features of the village, including its famous beancurd stall situated next to the Hien Tien Meow Temple on Jalan Besar.

Politeknik Ibrahim Sultan students adding finishing touches to a mural.

The village is some 500m from the art lane.

“Lorong Seni Masai reflects not only Masai’s historical development but also the culture and lives of its residents.

“All the major races are represented in the murals,” he said.

Chua said there was also a portrait of the first Kampung Baru Masai village chief Chee Meng Kee painted on one of the walls.

“This, along with depictions of pioneers of other races, shows how Masai has prospered thanks to its diverse population.

“It also highlights how we all live harmoniously together.”

Chua attributed the concept of the art lane to Madyasir, who had wanted it to revitalise the area.

“We hope this (art lane) will be a key attraction of the Visit Pasir Gudang 2025 tourism campaign,” he added.

Madyasir said they started the Pekan Masai rejuvenation plan in November last year, where all old buildings in the town were given a fresh coat of paint.

Lorong Seni Masai was the second phase of the rejuvenation plan.

“We wanted to highlight the oldest restaurants, schools and shops in Masai to attract visitors.

“The final phase is to place stalls for locals to run small businesses so that the street art lane becomes lively and helps stimulate the local economy,” he said.

Lorong Seni Masai programme director Nur Fatin Athirah Mohd Narawai said the project had involved 28 lecturers and 31 students from Politeknik Ibrahim Sultan in Pasir Gudang.

“Besides history, some of the paintings also portray cartoon characters.

“We’re hoping this place will become a spot for families to spend quality time,” she said.