Striking mural adorns Batu Gajah Correctional Centre

The Star

6 days ago

BATU GAJAH: A striking 80-metre long mural now graces the walls of the historic Batu Gajah Correctional Centre, offering the public a rare glimpse into the lives of inmates.
The mural is a collaboration between the Batu Gajah District Council (MDBG), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Seri Iskandar and the correctional facility.
It spans approximately 80 metres in length and 3 metres in height.
Batu Gajah District Council president Mohamad Razif Ramli said it features 25 vividly illustrated panels.
These panels trace the journey of incarceration, from the history of prisons in the country to daily routines, vocational training, and the hope of reintegration into society.
He said that the correctional centre that was built in 1902 carries historical significance, and this artwork adds a meaningful visual layer to it.
"This project marks the third mural initiative between MDBG and UiTM Seri Iskandar, but it is the first involving the Batu Gajah Correctional Centre."
"We hope that this mural becomes an attraction for people to come and stop by in Batu Gajah," he said.
He spoke to reporters after the mural's launch by district officer Zulhisham Ahmad Shukori on Thursday (May 29).
Also present were Perak Prisons Department director Charin Promwichit Chem, the correctional centre's director S. Tanabal, and UiTM Seri Iskandar's senior lecturer Dr Syed Alwi Syed Abu Bakar, who is also the mural project deputy director.
Razif added that last year the council discussed with UiTM to find a suitable location for a new mural site.
He said the correctional centre was very open and willing to work with the council to bring the latest mural to life.
"This collaboration began at the end of last year with a series of discussions. Finally, as mentioned earlier, in February we carried out the mural painting on-site," he added.
Dr Syed Alwi said 25 people from UiTM Seri Iskandar took part in the project, including nine lecturers, four alumni, and 12 students.
He said all design concepts were developed in consultation with the prison authorities to ensure accuracy and sensitivity in depicting inmate experiences.
Dr Syed Alwi then said that as a visual timeline, the mural takes inspiration from a classic film strip format.
"Each 'frame' portrays different scenes, from historical contexts to present-day rehabilitation efforts."
"The mural opens with the history of the Malaysian prison system."
It traces its roots to the establishment of Fort Cornwallis Prison in Penang in 1790, followed by Taiping Prison in 1879, Pudu Prison in 1895, and Batu Gajah Prison in 1902.
"The following panels depict the symbolic flight towards freedom, a dove escaping a prison cage, illustrating the transformative journey of inmates," he added.
Dr Syed Alwi added that the mural explores various educational and vocational programmes offered to inmates.
These include spiritual and moral education, as well as practical skills in carpentry, laundry, tailoring, cooking, and more.
He said another segment highlights the discipline and professionalism of correctional staff, portraying them as an integral force behind inmate reform and national service.
"Floral imagery is also woven into the mural's design, with the lily symbolising purity and freedom."
"The inclusion of the Ixora flower, which is the official flower of MDPG, adds a local identity and message of renewal."
"The mural seeks to change perceptions about prisons."
It moves beyond negative stereotypes to emphasise the correctional centre's role in education, healing, and second chances.
"We hope the community will see this not just as a work of art, but as a message of understanding and social reintegration," he added.
When asked if this is the first mural collaboration with a prison in the country, Charin Promwichit said there was a similar project at Tapah prison with UiTM Seri Iskandar.
"This is not the first. Previously at Pudu Prison, a mural was painted by an inmate himself back in the early 1990s," he said.