ERL partners local artist Nas Suha for iconic Malaysia Day mural at KL Sentral

Express Rail Link (ERL) is celebrating Malaysia Day with a captivating new mural. 

Brought to life by renowned doodle illustrator and mural artist Nas Suha, the mural, titled "Buaian di Anjung" ('Baby cradle at the verandah') will greet ERL passengers at the arrival hall of ERL at KL Sentral. 

The 30 feet high mural celebrates the delicate craft of batik, a fabric and craft that is deeply rooted in Malaysian tradition and that tells the story of a time when it was used as a cradle to gently rock babies to sleep. 

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Batik is also usually placed at the top of the cradle to cover the child's head during the day to reduce the glare from the sun when the weather is hot. 

This practice, cherished by all Malaysians in the olden days, is still very much practiced till today in Malaysia and is prevalent in kampungs.

In a symbolic reference to ERL’s identity, the batik in the mural carries a dash of magenta, the signature colour of ERL, tying together heritage and modernity, it said. 

"Partnering with Nas Suha again was a natural choice for ERL. His unique ability to translate Malaysia's cultural diversity into visual storytelling aligns perfectly with our ‘Ekspres Lah Best’ campaign. With 'Buaian di Anjung,' he has beautifully captured the essence of heritage while incorporating elements of modernity that resonate with ERL’s identity. This partnership is part of our broader vision to offer passengers not just a journey, but an experience that reflects the warmth and richness of Malaysia's culture, especially during our 'Ekspres Lah Best' campaign," said Noormah Mohd Noor, CEO of ERL, when A+M reached out. 

"Working with ERL on 'Buaian di Anjung' allowed me to weave Malaysia's deep cultural heritage into a contemporary setting. The use of batik as a symbol of care and comfort parallels ERL’s dedication to providing passengers with a seamless and pleasant travel experience. It’s always a privilege to create art that resonates with people and reflects our shared cultural identity," said Nas when A+M reached out. 

Nas, the artist behind "Buaian di Anjung", is no stranger to painting Malaysia’s vibrant diversity.

His earlier mural, "Majmuk" ('mulicultural nation'), is also located at KL Sentral’s ERL arrival hall. The mural is a celebration of the nation’s ethnic harmony, with various unique cultures and traditions. Together, these murals serve as a warm welcome for passengers arriving at Kuala Lumpur, according to a statement seen by A+M.

This mural comes after ERL's Merdeka campaign. The campaign titled "Ekspres Lah Best" highlighted the speed, service, and convenience of ERL's KLIA Ekspres (Express) and KLIA transit services.

The "Ekspres Lah Best" theme is a play on words that captures the essence of ERL's commitment to excellence. "Ekspres", drawn from the KLIA Ekspres train service name, highlights ERL’s rapid and reliable transportation; while the Malaysian colloquialism "lah" adds a local flair, making the campaign relatable, it said in a statement.

The vibrant magenta colour, synonymous with ERL's brand identity, sets the tone for the campaign across offline and digital touchpoints. This colour choice not only reinforces brand recognition but also symbolises the excitement and pride associated with Merdeka celebrations.

Additionally, ERL hopes to spotlight Malaysia's diverse tourist attractions through the campaign. From the iconic Petronas Twin Towers to the serene Cameron Highlands, the campaign shows how ERL offers easy access to the country's most popular destinations and hidden gems to encourage travellers to experience the best that Malaysia has to offer.

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