PNB Merdeka Ventures Strengthens Warisan KL Initiative with Community Art at Merdeka 118 Precinct

PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn. Berhad (PNBMV), a wholly owned subsidiary of Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB), continues to deepen its commitment to preserving and revitalising Kuala Lumpur’s cultural identity through a series of community-led initiatives under the Warisan KL programme. Focused on celebrating heritage, culture, and public participation, these efforts are being carried out across the Merdeka 118 precinct as well as within Menara Merdeka 118, reinforcing the area as a growing hub of arts, storytelling, and urban engagement.

As part of this initiative, PNBMV is transforming a curved wall along Jalan Hang Jebat into a vibrant community mural titled “Kaki Lima Stories: Life in the Five Foot Ways of Downtown Kuala Lumpur.” The artwork pays tribute to the nostalgic charm of old Kuala Lumpur, inspired by traditional five-foot ways and everyday urban life. Developed by Dipapansembilan Studio, a recipient of the Merdeka 118 Community Grants Programme Cycle 3, and managed by Think City Sdn. Bhd., the mural forms part of the broader Jalan Hang Jebat Improvement Project under the Merdeka 118 Public Realm Improvement Programme, which aims to enhance walkability, accessibility, and public space activation through art, lighting, landscaping, and wayfinding improvements.

Located near the B1 parking exit and serving as a gateway between Petaling Street and the Merdeka 118 precinct, the mural features painted arches that open into scenes of daily Kuala Lumpur life, including kopitiams, barbershops, traditional signboards, craftsmen, trishaws, playgrounds, and community interactions. The project also saw participation from 35 volunteers from PNB and PNBMV, who helped lay the foundation of the mural, alongside contributions from students and members of the public during the KL Festival activation period from 16 to 31 May 2026. The mural is expected to be completed by mid-July 2026.

According to artist grantee Fadzlan Rizan Johani, the initiative represents more than just a visual installation, but a collective storytelling effort that connects communities through shared memory and identity. He highlighted how collaboration between artists, institutions, and the public fosters a sense of “genius loci,” or spirit of place, where public spaces become meaningful environments shaped by culture, history, and human connection. This sentiment is echoed by Think City Managing Director Dato’ Hamdan Abdul Majeed, who emphasised that urban revitalisation must go beyond physical development to include storytelling, participation, and cultural engagement that reconnect people with the city’s heritage.

In parallel with the outdoor mural project, the Warisan KL initiative also extends into Menara Merdeka 118 through the photography exhibition “Under the Shadows of Merdeka” by Azul Adnan and Grace Ho. Running from 1 April to 30 June 2026 at the South Lobby, the exhibition features over 20 black-and-white photographs capturing the life and character of neighbourhoods surrounding the precinct, including Petaling Street, Bukit Bintang, Pudu, and Kampung Attap. Selected works and a coffee table book are also made available at Riwayat Bookstore, further extending the project’s reach into the local creative economy.

PNBMV Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Ir. Ts. Izwan Ibrahim stated that Merdeka 118 is situated within one of Kuala Lumpur’s most historically rich districts, and development efforts must honour the stories, people, and communities that shape its identity. He emphasised that initiatives such as the mural and photography exhibition aim to strengthen public stewardship of cultural heritage while fostering meaningful engagement between communities and their urban environment.

Complementing these efforts, a series of KL Festival activities further enliven the precinct, including guided photowalks led by the exhibition artists and community collaborators, as well as neighbourhood programmes such as “Echoes of Chinatown” at Kwai Chai Hong and the Merdeka Textile Museum pop-up event at Else Kuala Lumpur. Together, these initiatives reflect a broader commitment to positioning Merdeka 118 not only as a landmark development, but also as a living cultural space where heritage, creativity, and community participation converge.