TAWAU: The Street Art Mural Painting Project within the municipal area, implemented by the Tawau Municipal Council (MPT) in collaboration with a private company, is expected to further strengthen Tawau’s identity and overall image.
State Minister of Youth Development, Sports Advancement and Creative Economy, Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan, said the initiative would not only beautify and enhance the town’s landscape but also create opportunities for young people to showcase their artistic creativity.
He added that such mural projects could also serve as new tourist attractions, thereby helping to stimulate local economic activities.
As such, he expressed hope that building owners in the district would continue to cooperate with the local authorities in all efforts aimed at improving cleanliness, safety, and the overall aesthetic value of the town.
“When our town is beautiful, attractive, and safe, it will certainly draw tourists to visit and capture memorable moments, making Tawau a must-visit destination,” he said after officiating the Street Art Mural Painting Project at Jalan Haji Karim on Saturday.
The project was a collaborative effort between MPT, Nutriplus Sabah, the building owner, and professional mural artists Your Ideas Makers.
The mural, painted on a building owned by businessman William Chin, was completed within three days by artists Andi Syafie Andi Parentah and Yaul Acap.
The artwork is based on the themes “Land of Planters” and “Sustainable Tawau”, reflecting the town’s unique identity, particularly its strong association with agriculture and the plantation sector.
It features elements of Bornean heritage, including orangutans, proboscis monkeys, cocoa plants, village landscapes, and aspects of local food culture.
Nizam said mural art is a form of creative expression that should be supported and further developed, especially among young people, as a means of generating income.
“In reality, if a person knows how to develop their skills — whether in painting, singing, or any other form of creativity — they can earn a substantial income while also contributing to the economy of a locality, as well as to our state and country,” he added.
