KLUANG, A once-dilapidated bungalow has now become a tourist attraction, serving as the canvas for Zulkefli Dahlan to create dozens of three-dimensional (3D) and four-dimensional (4D) murals.

The 46-year-old former cartoonist for a humour magazine said he never expected that an activity he pursued during the Movement Control Order four years ago due to the COVID-19 pandemic would receive recognition from local authorities.

He said that the once neglected bungalow is now known as Rumah Seni Kluang, featuring approximately eighty 3D and 4D murals, adding that Johor Tourism has designated it a must-visit location.

“The first mural I created depicts the atmosphere of Kampung Palembang, one of Kluang’s locations, along with a coffee shop, as coffee is synonymous with this district.

“Another standout mural features the portrait of Tunku Mahkota Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail who is currently the Acting Sultan of Johor. This mural was created using a combination of special paints – mural paint, smart paint, and wa
tercolour – before being sealed with lacquer,” he said when recently interviewed by Bernama.

According to Zulkefli, Rumah Seni Kluang, which opened in February last year, has welcomed over 2,000 local and international visitors, including from Singapore and Indonesia.

“Alongside my work at Rumah Seni Kluang, Laman Seni, and Laman Pesona Kluang, I also actively paint murals in several other districts, such as Mersing, Tangkak, and Batu Pahat.

“I’ve become increasingly active in creating murals after receiving encouragement from friends who support my artistic journey. This has motivated me to produce even more murals in the future,” he said.

He also expressed his gratitude to Tourism Malaysia Southern Region for including Rumah Seni Kluang as a must-visit location.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency