Murals, shared kitchen benefit Sentul Utara folk
A beautification project and cloud kitchen initiative have brought significant improvements to those living in and around Pangsapuri Sentul Utara in Jalan Sentul, Kuala Lumpur.
Through Kuala Lumpur City Hall's (DBKL) Karya Komuniti programme, eye-catching murals were painted and pedestrian walkways spruced up in the area.
'This programme aims to revitalise public spaces through creative mural art as well as help curb vandalism,' said DBKL executive director (Socioeconomic Development) Ismadi Sakirin, who launched the event.
'In recognition of Sentul's role as a major railway operations hub in the late 19th century, the murals are themed around its industrial and transportation heritage.'
He added that the week-long mural project was carried out as part of a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, with Nippon Paint as the main sponsor and contributor of supplies and artists.
At the same event, Dapur Digital was introduced to empower the B40 group, especially single mothers and youths.
Resident Nadia Muslemin, who is helping to manage the cloud kitchen at the flats, said community members could contribute by conducting cooking classes to earn an income.
Murals painted along pedestrian walkways which have been spruced up to revitalise public spaces. — Photos: KAMARUL ARIFFIN/The Star
'Residents can also use the kitchen to start a small business and use technology to expand their reach, with Pepper Labs providing the digital platform,' she added.
Social enterprise Pepper Labs project executive Mohd Radzi Idrus said the idea for the programme arose from observing the struggles faced by low- income families during the Covid-19 pandemic.
As the organisation works closely with residents, it noticed a common issue of families, especially those caring for a sick relative, who were running small food businesses from home but lacked proper equipment and space.
'We realised that many of them were trying to earn a living by cooking at home.
'Their kitchens were small, equipment was limited and it was difficult to manage.
'So, we created this Dapur Digital idea, which is a shared space for residents to cook safely with more tools while exploring other food options,' he said.
Mohd Radzi said the initiative had been launched at other public housing areas such as PPR Kampung Limau, PPR Kerinchi, PPR Intan Baiduri, PPR Setapak Jaya PPR and PPR Wangsa Sari.
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