Vale and Majlis Perbandaran Manjung (MPM) have unveiled a new square known as Dataran Doodle Art Manjung complete with scenic and eye-catching murals in the Manjung Lama vicinity, reinforcing the district’s unique cultural identity while supporting the state’s Perak Sejahtera 2030 vision for sustainable urban development.
Leonardo Paiva, Chief Executive Officer of Vale in Malaysia said, “The initiative showcases our ongoing partnership with Majlis Perbandaran Manjung to create value for the district and enhance the spaces that matter most to the community. People and places make a community whole and by weaving local culture to everyday spaces, this partnership demonstrates our shared commitment to support inclusive, sustainable development that is community-centred and celebrates heritage, contributing towards a vibrant future for Manjung.”
A site walkabout attended by Tuan Muhammad Faizal Shah Safian Suri, Yang Dipertua Majlis Perbandaran Manjung, Tuan Shamsul Ridzuan Idris, Manjung District Officer, ACP Tuan Hasbullah Abd Rahman, Manjung District Police Chief, Encik Mohd Helmi Arifin, Secretary of the Manjung Municipal Council, Mr Leonardo Paiva, Chief Executive Officer of Vale in Malaysia and Encik Afzal Mohsin, Chief of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability of Vale in Malaysia, marks a significant step in highlighting Manjung Lama’s heritage value and its appeal as a key focal point for cultural events, social interaction and community activities.
Tuan Muhammad Faizal Shah Safian Suri, Yang Dipertua Majlis Perbandaran Manjung, shared that, “Manjung Lama is rich in stories, and the mural offers a fresh way to share them with the community and the wider public. We are proud to support programmes that not only enhance community spaces but also highlight the creativity of our local talent. Collaborations such as this with Vale allow us to bring ideas to life and further shape Manjung as a destination full of character and charm.”
As part of Vale’s Memorandum of Understanding with MPM worth RM5.6 million to rejuvenate Manjung through sustainable urban development initiatives, the development of Dataran Doodle Art Manjung sees the collaboration of talented artists, Perak born-and-bred Wan Muhammad Huzaifah of Jepah Studio and Perak-based muralists, Lakar by Mekar, as part of a dedicated team of over twenty people.
An artistic endeavour which spanned one month, the artwork interprets local culture and heritage in bold, modern strokes, with depictions of community scenes, places of interest in Manjung, flora and fauna in a kaleidoscopic display of colours, making the square a fresh attraction for both locals and visitors across the country.
Following earlier rejuvenation efforts in Beruas, the muralscape at Manjung Lama represents another chapter of collaboration between Vale and Majlis Perbandaran Manjung. It reinforces their joint mission to deliver people-centric and future-ready spaces, positioning Manjung as a lively district worth visiting and an attractive travel destination.
More than just a beautification effort, the initiative encourages the community to engage with local heritage and contribute to shaping welcoming, well-designed community spaces aligned with the aspirations of Perak Sejahtera 2030.
