THE artist of a mural painted on the end lot of a pre-war shophouse in Port Klang, Selangor, is shocked by its damage in a fire.
Muhd Firdaus Musa said the artwork depicted the waterfront of Port Klang, formerly known as Port Swettenham, including houses, jetties and traditional boats along Sungai Klang.
“The objective of the mural is to preserve local history, promote maritime heritage and beautify the surroundings.
“Benches are placed there too so people can relax while viewing the mural,” he said
He added that the mural would be restored this week.
In December last year, 29 murals were painted under Klang Royal City Council’s (MBDK) “Wake Up and Make Up Klang” campaign.
It was aimed at beautifying the area and attracting tourists to Port Klang.
The murals on shop walls and pillars of the North-South Port link bridge was a collaboration between MBDK and Port Klang Authority.
Meanwhile, MBDK Corporate Communications Department director Norfiza Mahfiz visited the site at the intersection of Persiaran Raja Muda Musa and Jalan Kem.
She said a lit cigarette butt tossed into a rubbish bin was believed to have caused the fire, which also damaged an information board.
“MBDK views seriously the damage of public property, as it is tantamount to vandalism,” she added.
A long-time resident of Port Klang, NP Raman said the murals had helped rejuvenate the port town.
