The people of Kampung Pasir Pandak came together for a three-day mural painting and art project to raise awareness about nature and the environment. The project took place from 9 to 11 May and was held in the village itself.
This activity is part of the FAiR (Frugal Artist-in-Residence) Programme, which supports fun and creative ways to involve the community in learning about nature and how to take care of it. The programme is supported by UKRI (Reference no: INT/I03/UKRI/86475/2024).
Local artist Angelina Anthea Bong designed the mural, which shows the beauty of Pasir Pandak’s nature and life by the sea. The mural includes drawings of local plants and animals, fishing boats, the famous Pasir Pandak durian, Pulau Kera, Gunung Sejinjang, colourful sunsets, and sea waves.
Some rare and special animals are also shown, such as the finless porpoise, Irrawaddy dolphin, mangrove horseshoe crab, and even a crocodile, which has been seen more often in the area lately. The mural also includes mangrove trees, midin, ulam raja, and other local plants.
“We call this a conservation mural because it helps teach people about nature and why we must protect it,” said Angelina. “We hope the young generation will learn to love and take care of their environment, and that the older generation will support them.”
The youngest person who joined in the painting was only 10 years old, showing that everyone, young and old, can play a part.
The project involved two interns from the Gamification Centre, three undergraduate students from the Faculty of Applied and Creative Arts, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), the FAiR Malaysia team, and the local community.
According to Assoc. Prof. Dr Jacey-Lynn Minoi from the Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, UNIMAS, who is part of the FAiR team, “Pasir Pandak is a peaceful village by the sea, but many changes and development are coming. We want to help the people here keep their identity and protect their environment.”
Other members of the FAiR team include Assoc. Prof. Dr Aazani Mujahid from the Faculty of Resource Science and Technology, Noorhaslina Senin from the Faculty of Applied and Creative Arts, Professor Dr Tan Chong Eng from the Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, and Assoc. Prof. Ir Dr Leonard Lim Lik Pueh from the Faculty of Engineering, all from UNIMAS.
The mural now stands proudly in the village as a reminder of the beauty of Pasir Pandak and the importance of protecting nature. It is also hoped that the mural will attract visitors and help teach more people about the unique plants and animals found in this part of Sarawak.
