By Anne Das
Vale, in collaboration with Majlis Perbandaran Manjung (MPM), has unveiled Dataran Doodle Art Manjung, a community square brought to life with colourful murals that honour local heritage and connect people through public art.
The initiative is part of a RM5.6 million Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Vale and MPM, aimed at rejuvenating the district through sustainable development under the Perak Sejahtera 2030 vision.
“This project reflects our belief that people and places create community,” said Leonardo Paiva, Chief Executive Officer of Vale in Malaysia. “It celebrates heritage while making public spaces more meaningful and inclusive.”
The launch was marked by a walkabout attended by local leaders including MPM President Tuan Muhammad Faizal Shah Safian Suri, District Officer Tuan Shamsul Ridzuan Idris, Manjung District Police Chief ACP Tuan Hasbullah Abd Rahman, MPM Secretary Encik Mohd Helmi Arifin, and senior representatives from Vale, including CEO Leonardo Paiva and Chief of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Encik Afzal Mohsin.
The murals, completed over the course of one month, were created by a team of more than 20 contributors. The lead artists include Perak-born Wan Muhammad Huzaifah of Jepah Studio and mural collective Lakar by Mekar.
The art captures local culture, daily life, landmarks, flora and fauna through bold, modern strokes. The result is a vibrant visual story that resonates with both the local community and visitors from beyond Manjung.
“Manjung Lama is rich in stories,” said Tuan Faizal. “This mural brings those stories to life and highlights the creativity of our local talent. We are proud to support programmes that enhance public spaces and deepen our sense of place.”
The project also marks a continuation of Vale’s earlier collaboration with MPM in Beruas, where similar mural-led efforts brought renewed attention to a historic area. These ongoing projects reflect Vale and MPM’s shared goal of creating people-focused, future-ready spaces that connect the community and support local identity.
Vale’s presence in Manjung is rooted in its operation of the Teluk Rubiah Maritime Terminal (TRMT), a USD1.4 billion facility that remains the largest single Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the state of Perak. Beyond infrastructure, Vale continues to support initiatives that enhance sustainability, culture, and community engagement.
Dataran Doodle Art Manjung is envisioned as a vibrant space for community interaction, events, storytelling, and social gatherings. It is expected to attract both residents and tourists, helping to shape Manjung Lama into a cultural and creative destination.
“This is about the connection between the past and the future, and between people and place,” said Afzal Mohsin. “It is our hope that this space continues to grow with the community and becomes a lasting part of Manjung’s evolving story.”
Residents and visitors alike are invited to visit Dataran Doodle Art Manjung, explore the murals, and enjoy this new public space designed for the community to gather and reconnect with local heritage.
