ERL celebrates Malaysia Day with new mural by Nas Suha

Express Rail Link (ERL) is commemorating Malaysia Day with a mesmerizing new mural that will greet passengers arriving at KL Sentral. The mural, titled “Buaian di Anjung” (‘Baby cradle at the porch’), was created by renowned doodle illustrator and mural artist Nas Suha. This latest artwork is a vivid tribute to Malaysia’s rich heritage, particularly the craft of batik, and serves as a warm welcome to both locals and visitors alike.

The 30-foot-tall mural celebrates batik, a cherished traditional fabric that holds deep cultural significance in Malaysia. Historically, batik was used in everyday life, including as a cradle cloth to gently rock babies to sleep. Often, batik was placed atop the cradle to shield infants from the sun, a practice still prevalent in Malaysian kampungs today. The mural beautifully captures this connection to the past, offering a visual reminder of the delicate craft and its role in family life.

In a nod to ERL’s brand identity, the batik featured in the mural incorporates a touch of magenta, the signature colour of ERL. This thoughtful blend of tradition and modernity exemplifies how heritage continues to resonate in contemporary settings, while symbolizing ERL’s commitment to linking the past with the future.

Nas Suha: A Celebration of Malaysia’s Diversity

Nas Suha, the visionary artist behind “Buaian di Anjung”, is no stranger to illustrating Malaysia’s vibrant multiculturalism. His previous mural, “Majmuk” (‘Multicultural Nation’), also located in KL Sentral’s ERL arrival hall, is a tribute to Malaysia’s ethnic diversity. Featuring depictions of Malaysia’s various cultures and traditions, the two murals together create a powerful narrative of unity and cultural appreciation. Nas Suha’s artistic contributions help position KL Sentral as not just a transit hub, but a cultural entry point for visitors arriving in Kuala Lumpur.

The unveiling of the “Buaian di Anjung” mural follows ERL’s Merdeka campaign, which promoted the theme “Ekspres Lah Best”. The campaign highlighted the speed, convenience, and service of ERL’s flagship train services, the KLIA Ekspres and KLIA Transit. The slogan cleverly plays on the word “Ekspres” to emphasize ERL’s fast and reliable transport solutions, while “lah,” a common colloquialism in Malaysia, adds a local flair, making the campaign relatable and engaging.

The campaign was marked by vibrant use of ERL’s signature magenta colour, which became synonymous with Merdeka celebrations. Offline and digital touchpoints carried the magenta theme, reinforcing the ERL brand’s identity while evoking a sense of excitement and pride in Malaysia’s independence.

Promoting Malaysia’s Tourist Attractions

In conjunction with Malaysia Day, ERL also hopes to shine a spotlight on the nation’s top tourist attractions through its ongoing campaigns. From iconic landmarks like the Petronas Twin Towers to serene destinations such as Cameron Highlands, the campaign aims to promote Malaysia as a must-visit destination. By offering convenient access to both popular and hidden gems across the country, ERL encourages travelers to experience the diverse beauty and culture of Malaysia firsthand.

With the “Buaian di Anjung” mural and the “Ekspres Lah Best” campaign, ERL continues to play a pivotal role in connecting not only Malaysia’s geographical points, but also its heritage, culture, and modern aspirations.