Cameron Highlands, 3 August 2024 – In a vibrant display of community engagement and artistic talent, students, and lecturers from the Programme of Landscape Architecture at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Perak Branch, in partnership with Jabatan Pengairan dan Saliran (JPS) Cameron Highlands, completed a 15-meter-long mural at Sungai Ringlet. The mural, “Living River,” was created to enhance the area’s visual appeal while promoting awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 14: Life Below Water, and SDG 15: Life on Land. Through vivid colours and dynamic designs, the mural integrates natural elements, aquatic life, and terrestrial ecosystems to communicate critical messages about environmental stewardship.
Over two days, from August 2nd to 3rd, students from the Bachelor and Diploma programs in Landscape Architecture worked diligently on the mural as part of their University Social Responsibility (USR) initiative. This project gave them a unique opportunity to apply their academic knowledge in a practical setting while contributing to the community. The students expressed excitement and pride in participating in a project showcasing their artistic abilities and aligning with their commitment to environmental sustainability.
The mural has quickly become a focal point for residents and visitors, who appreciate its aesthetic contribution and its underlying message of environmental responsibility. Ts. Saiful Adli Samsudin, a representative from JPS Cameron Highlands, praised the collaborative effort, emphasizing the importance of such partnerships in fostering innovation and addressing environmental challenges. He expressed hope that this successful collaboration would lead to more joint efforts in the future, benefiting the community and students by providing them with invaluable real-world experience.
As the “Living River” mural stands completed, it symbolizes more than just a beautification effort; it represents a harmonious blend of art, education, and environmental advocacy. The project highlights the power of creative expression to raise awareness and inspire action towards sustainable development. The students and lecturers involved have left a lasting mark on Sungai Ringlet, contributing to a larger dialogue on sustainability that will resonate within the community for years to come.
By: Muhammad Falihin Jasmi, Ts. Dr. Izham Abdul Ghani, Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr Norhafizah Abdul Rahman, LAr Ruwaidah Borhan