First They Defaced Penang Murals, Now KL Buildings Have Also Been Vandalised
Vandals go rampant in Kuala Lumpur just a day after Georgetown was painted in yellow.
By Tang Ruxyn — 20 Aug 2015, 04:05 PM — Updated about 9 years ago
Some buildings in Kuala Lumpur became the latest victims to a series of vandalism incidents after some iconic street art in Penang was spray-painted on
On Tuesday (18 August), several artworks at Lebuh Armenian in Penang - including the famous "Little Children on a Bicycle" mural by Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic - were spray-painted with "#4.0" in bright yellow
Other than murals, cars and shophouses nearby were also vandalised with yellow paint
The culprits were said to have been caught red-handed in a closed circuit television (CCTV) footage
The crime is believed to have taken place at about 3am, Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng told reporters here, adding that a suspect has been caught on closed-circuit cameras.
Northeast district police chief ACP Mior Farid Alathrash Wahid, who visited the scene today, said a hunt for the perpetrator has been called.
"We are investigating the case under Section 427 of the Penal Code for vandalism and we are now tracing the suspect based on the CCTV recordings," he told reporters at the site in Armenian Street.
themalaymailonline.com
Meanwhile, Malaysians, saddened by such irresponsible acts that destroyed the artworks, took to social media to express their views
George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) general manager Lim Choo Ping described the act as “very sad and such a waste as the mural was not only a tourist attraction but also something which evokes childhood memories in many”.
“The GTWHI will contact Zacharevic to see if there is any way we could salvage his painting and get rid of the yellow paint.
“The act of vandalising goes to show the lack of appreciation and lack of respect for works of art,” said Lim.
therakyatpost.com
Bersih coordinator Toh Kin Woon claims that it is a sabotage against Bersih 4.0
Bersih northern region coordinator Toh Kin Woon said he sees the desecration as "sabotage" against the organisation’s efforts to organise a mega rally in Kuala Lumpur on Aug 29 and 30.
“It is definitely not our work. We do not condone vandalism, for as ours are all very peaceful rallies,” Toh told Malaysiakini when contacted.
“Yes, our official colour is yellow but what we do is wear yellow T-shirts, and we will be going to Kuala Lumpur to join the rally,” he said.
“We have insisted, from the very beginning, that our activities are peaceful in nature, for example, we hold forums, carry out leafleting in public places, promote our programmes through the social media and sell our merchandise, all of which are very legal,” he added.
