SUNGAI PETANI: HIDDEN among eateries and workshops in the tiny hamlet of Semeling are new attractions which are certain to pique the interest of art lovers.
The beautiful murals have brought a glorious burst of colour to the pre-war buildings and one only needs to take a short walk to appreciate their charm.
The 95 murals, including 3D paintings, are painted on the walls of several old shops and houses.
They depict, among other things, the history of Kedah, nature and cartoon characters.
The cartoon characters are Doraemon, Elsa (from the Disney movie Frozen), Pink Panther, Mr Bean, Elmo, Cookie Monster, Big Bird, Snoopy, Keroppi, Hello Kitty, Spongebob, Patrick, Paul Frank and Avengers.
Forty artists from Kulim, Sungai Petani and Alor Star, and 300 volunteers, including students, were involved in the project.
Jeremy Lim, a 22-year-old visitor from Kuala Lumpur, said he found out about the mural paintings from his friends who live in Kedah.
Lim said they could be one way to attract more local and foreign tourists to visit Kedah.
“Mural paintings are so familiar in Penang and Perak, but few people know about the existence of such paintings in Kedah.
“The state government should come out with ideas to promote these beautiful mural paintings,” he said.
Lim Choon Leong, 32, who lives in the area, said a group of students would come every Sunday to work on the paintings.
“It is a very interesting idea and the students managed to come up with good paintings. This place has been receiving a number of visitors since the murals were created,” he said.
Another resident, Adnan Man, 52, said Semeling used to be a quiet town but it had become a very busy place during weekends.
Adnan said the paintings were attracting more tourists to the area.
“The paintings are so beautiful. They give new life to the buildings,” he said.