Uncle Roti Who's Been Selling For 30 Years Honoured With Giant Mural In Penang
"Muniandi is a legend in Balik Pulau. Everybody recognises him. It doesn't matter what race you are."
A humble 'roti man' in Balik Pulau, Penang has just been honoured with a larger-than-life mural
On 21 July, contemporary graffiti artist Acit Raman Abdullah posted an exchange between him and 'Uncle Muniandi' about the new mural.
"Muniandi is a legend in Balik Pulau. Everybody recognises him. It doesn't matter what race you are," Acit wrote in the Facebook post.
It has since gone viral with over 1,900 shares.
Muniandi has been selling his well-loved kaya bread for over 30 years - and has even raised a doctor, lawyer, and soon-to-be chemical engineer doing so!
"What is most impressive about this uncle is the sacrifices he has made for his family. His children are all successful, having become a doctor, a lawyer, and one more is currently studying - if I'm not mistaken - chemical engineering. Crazy wei, salute!" Acit continued in the post.
"He should be honoured as an icon during Merdeka Day or Malaysia Day this year."
The portrait used in the mural was drawn by street artist Andhar A. Samah in conjunction with the 'Balik Pulau Festival 2019'
Uncle Muniandi's mural is one of four that were commissioned by the National Art Gallery and the Culture and Arts Department for the festival, which ran from Friday, 19 July to Sunday, 21 July.
The festival is part one of the initiatives to promote the Kuala Lumpur Biennale 2020.
Deputy Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik told The Star that the artists were free to find their own inspirations for the murals.
Check out these close-ups of the mural:
You can find Uncle Muniandi's mural at the parking lot right across from SJK(C) Sacred Heart in Balik Pulau
