THE TRADITION of painting walls to share ideas or commemorate events stretches back to the earliest days of human civilisation, when cave dwellers first decorated stone surfaces with stories of their lives.
These primitive artworks were storytelling tools, cultural markers and expressions of identity.
Over the centuries, this form of self-expression has transformed into something much larger.
Beyond brightening empty walls, street art in Malaysia carries messages of pride, celebrating our heritage and telling stories of unity to preserve the nation’s collective memory.
These murals have sparked a boom in street art across Malaysia.
Local councils, private building owners and even community groups increasingly see murals as a way to breathe life into spaces, create landmarks and connect people to their environment.
In the spirit of National Day, here are some of the murals that reflect Malaysia’s journey, its people and its values.
They act as visible archives, reminding us not only of how far the nation has come but also that Malaysia’s story is still being written.
‘Mural Batik Madani’ in Jalan Parlimen celebrates our batik heritage.
Mural Batik Madani
At 183m long and 6m high, “Mural Batik Madani” is one of Kuala Lumpur’s newest and largest public artworks.
A collaboration between Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and Berjaya Group, it celebrates Malaysia’s batik heritage while promoting inclusivity and unity in Jalan Parlimen.
According to the artist Arif Othman, murals are not just decorative backdrops; they tell a story.
Featuring floral motifs, multicultural patterns and a portrait of Bapa Malaysia and the country’s first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, it feels like a woven tapestry of Malaysia’s diverse roots.
Muzium Negara’s murals on the east side depicting episodes from Malayan history.
Muzium Negara
Adorning the front facade of Muzium Negara are two grand glass mosaic murals created by Cheong Lai Tong in 1962 after a competition commissioned by Tunku Abdul Rahman.
Made from Venetian glass tiles imported from Florence in Italy, the murals are titled “Episodes of Malayan History” (east) and “Malayan Crafts and Craftsmen” (west).
The west mural celebrates traditional practices such as batik weaving, keris forging and brass gong casting.
The east mural tells a visual story of the nation’s history, beginning with early Malay kingdoms and ending with the road to independence.
‘Selamat Datang ke KL’ perfectly captures Malaysia’s vibrant capital.
Selamat Datang ke KL
If you’ve ever arrived in Kuala Lumpur via the public transport hub of KL Sentral, chances are you’ve been welcomed by Nas Suha’s vibrant mural “Selamat Datang ke KL”.
This artwork acts as both a greeting and a showcase of Malaysia’s colourful culture, blending urban and traditional motifs into one scene, offering a vibrant welcome that captures the spirit of the capital.
A scene from Malaysian life at the kopitiam mural.
Kopitiam mural
Along Jalan Doraisamy, artist Mr Perol adds a dose of humour to the city’s walls with his kopitiam-inspired mural.
Commissioned by food and beverage conglomerate F&N and DBKL, the mural depicts a lively scene at a local coffeeshop, complete with exaggerated characters caught mid-conversation, a nod to how kopitiam have always been places where stories overflow.
Mr Perol said that murals in Malaysia need to celebrate our country’s diversity by incorporating cultural elements, allowing tourists in particular to view and appreciate our culture better.
This work shines for its warmth and relatability, making passersby smile.
‘Mural Art @ BBST Walk’ in Sepang portrays local life in vivid colour.
Mural Art @ BBST Walk
Located along a pedestrian- friendly stretch in Sepang, Selangor, “Mural Art@BBST Walk” captures the vibrant culture and heritage of the region.
Commissioned by Myra, a property developer in collaboration with Sepang Municipal Council, the mural which spans roughly 9.95m high by 21.34m wide, portray local life and culture in vivid colours, transforming the area into a popular stop.
‘Life of a Traveller’ features famous landmarks and local cuisine.
Life of a Traveller
Painted by students from Dasein Academy of Art in June 2024, the mural titled “Explore Malaysia’s Multicultural Menu” in Jalan Ipoh brings local culinary heritage to life on a wall.
Created over the course of four days under the guidance of three lecturers, Malaysian favourites such as nasi lemak, satay, cendol and roti canai are rendered in bold strokes and bright colours.
It also features landmarks like PETRONAS Twin Towers and Kek Lok Si Temple, plus symbols like the areca nut palm and eagles soaring free.
Street art along Jalan Raja Chulan promoting respect, unity and love.
Jalan Raja Chulan Street Art
In 2019, Yayasan Persahabatan Malaysia (Permai) launched a Facebook contest to spread love, respect and unity through street art.
The result was a series of four murals across the pedestrian walkway along Jalan Raja Chulan.
The winning designs by artists Amin Hadarih, Dhiyaul Mohamad Ashraf, Nor Asyikin Abdullah, Wan Iqmahl Hisham, and Ellie Yong Sze Ching carry messages of kindness and togetherness.
‘Courage to Dream’ mural on a hotel features the image of a Dayak woman.
Courage to Dream
Standing at 87.1m, “Courage to Dream” is touted as the tallest mural in Malaysia.
Painted by Sabah graffiti artist Kenji Chai, the mural dominates the facade of the 25-storey boutique hotel Red by Sirocco in Jalan Doraisamy.
It took 21 days and depicts a Dayak woman surrounded by tropical flora, fauna and local hawker favourites.
‘Born To Fly’ carries a motivational message to aim high.
Born to Fly
At the popular eatery MMZ Bistro Sup Haji Maju in Jalan Doraisamy is a mural by Abdul Rashade which aims to send a message of perseverance.
Created in collaboration with DBKL and a campaign by Hoka, the “Born to Fly” mural was designed to inspire athletes to believe in their limitless potential.
The artwork’s dynamic lines and uplifting imagery capture the motion and energy of sport but anyone chasing their dreams can draw strength from the mural.
The ‘Lagenda Selangor’ mural in Kelana Jaya celebrates iconic sports personalities. — Photos: AZLINA ABDULLAH, CHAN TAK KONG/The Star and filepic
Lagenda Selangor
Adorning the walls of Dewan D’Kelana in Kelana Jaya, Selangor, is a mural that celebrates athletic excellence.
The scene shows sprinters darting across the wall, a badminton rally in full swing and high jumpers soaring in midair – all rendered in fluid, sweeping strokes.
This “Lagenda Selangor” mural was commissioned by Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) as part of a community revitalisation project to turn everyday spaces into sources of inspiration.
