Tenom: Mural paintings decorating strategic locations in Tenom town have now become the district’s newest landmark, thereby strengthening local identity and attracting both domestic and international tourists.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar, who is also Melalap Assemblyman, said the street art initiative is not only aimed at beautifying the town area, but also serves as an important medium in promoting the history, culture and uniqueness of the local community to visitors.
He said efforts to increase public art elements such as murals can create a more dynamic and attractive urban atmosphere, adding that this move indirectly supports the growth of the tourism sector and stimulates the domestic economy through an increase in tourist arrivals to Tenom.
“I have received very good feedback, where every day there are international tourists, and even the people of Tenom themselves, taking photos in the area. I think this has become one of the tourist attractions bringing people to Tenom,” he said after officiating the launching ceremony of the mural paintings located near the Datuk Seri Panglima Antanom Hall here on Thursday.
Jamawi also expressed hope that more parties, including the local community and the private sector, would get involved in efforts to beautify and improve the town area.
He said such integrated cooperation is crucial in making Tenom a more competitive, unique and highly recognised tourism destination.