05-05-2025
Brushing up on Ampang's history
The 'Asal Usul Ampang' mural was painted by three artists based on a theme and stories curated by PPPA.
Mural project revives forgotten legacy of town's role in country's tin-mining industry
A MURAL depicting the origins of Ampang was launched to showcase the town's rich heritage.
Painted over two months on the wall of a shophouse in Pekan Ampang, the 'Asal Usul Ampang' mural depicts local stories of resilience, hard work and cultural harmony.
These tales were mainly from the time when Ampang was a tin-mining hub with over 20 mines operating in the area, and played a vital role in the country's economy.
Ampang MP Rodziah Ismail said the project reminded both residents and visitors that Ampang was more than just a name on a map.
'Ampang has everything – history, natural beauty and great food but people have forgotten its uniqueness.
'Even the locals no longer talk about what makes this place special.
'My hope is that through this mural and future efforts, we can bring back the charm of Ampang,' she said.
Rodziah said the town has lush hills such as Taman Rimba Ampang, popularly known as Bukit Belacan.
She also pointed out its bicycle-friendly roads and multicultural community roots that should be highlighted to attract more visitors and uplift residents' spirits.
'We have temples, churches, schools and mosques.
'All these represent our true Malaysian identity,' she added.
The mural was painted by artists Yeo Eng Hin, Chua Chay Hwa and Thang Mei Yean based on a theme as well as stories curated by local heritage group Persatuan Pencinta Pekan Ampang (PPPA).
(Standing, from third left) Lee, Selangor local government and tourism committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim and Rodziah at the launch in Pekan Ampang. — Photos: ART CHEN/The Star
The artists said they spent two months on the project and submitted multiple sketches for approval by Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) before beginning to paint.
'Our role was to bring the stories to life on the wall.
'I didn't know Ampang has such a strong mining history until locals started coming up to us while we were painting the mural.
'They shared memories of their families working in the mines 50 to 60 years ago,' said Yeo.
He said the key to a good mural is storytelling because without a story, a mural cannot connect with viewers.
A second mural titled 'Kita Bangun Bersama dan Mencapai Kepelbagaian' (We rise together and achieve diversity) is being completed at an alleyway.
This artwork highlights local residents such as a doctor, satay seller, florist and coffeeshop owner to showcase the diversity of communities who still live and trade in the area.
PPPA chairman Jean Lee Shok Jing said the murals were part of a larger effort to revitalise Pekan Ampang's old town and make it a cultural destination similar to heritage sites in other parts of Selangor.
'Many young people don't know the history of Ampang because it's not taught in school.
'But, if they understand where their grandparents came from, they'll love the environment they live in even more,' she said.
Lee said Ampang had 23 tin mines in areas such as Lembah Jaya and Pandan which played a major role in Malaysia's tin exports.
'This isn't just about Ampang's past. It's Kuala Lumpur's story too,' she said.
A total of RM60,000 was required to complete both murals.
The project received RM20,000 in funding from the Selangor government and RM35,000 from sponsors while PPPA covered the remaining amount.
Lee hoped the initiative would inspire local shopowners to take pride in their surroundings.
'Even just cleaning and tidying their storefronts can help create a more beautiful and comfortable town.
'When outsiders see this, they'll want to visit, shop and eat here,' she said.
Roziah said the project would not be limited to Pekan Ampang.
Similar heritage efforts are also underway in Kampung Melayu Ampang, one of the earliest Malay settlements in the area, where tagging and documentation work was ongoing, she added.
