KUCHING: The India Street Merchant Association is now listed in the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) for having the largest Augmented Reality (AR) mural at the India Street here.

Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian witnessed the presentation of the MBOR certificate from MBOR Digital Marketing and IT assistant manager Buvaneswaren Naidu to India Street Merchant Association chairman cum Kuching South City Hall (MBKS) mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng.

Also present were Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) director Dr Morshidi Ahmad who represented DBKU mayor Datuk Junaidi Reduan and Masjid India Committee chairman Dr Shajahan Sayed Ahmad.

Dr Sim said the recognition symbolised the documented history of the local community in the form of art, namely mural painting.

“The painting shows the rest of the world how the multiracial and multiethnic society in Sarawak can come together and live in harmony. It is now up to the rest of Sarawakians to interpret how we can carry that spirit forward, especially on Malaysia Day.

“I also commend the unique effort of combining the local artists’ talents in painting the mural and the technically savvy youths in opening up local opportunities for them to contribute to the community.

“Mural paintings combined with AR can enhance the tourists’ firsthand experience of going down the streets and enjoy the local delicacies and lifestyles,” he said.

Wee, in his speech, explained that the mural painting was the first joint project between DBKU and MBKS and it definitely would not be the last.

Wee, Dr Morshidi and Dr Sim at the presentation of the MBOR certificate. Photo: Nadim Bokhari

The achievement was possible with the contribution from the state government through the Ministry of Tourism, DBKU, India Street Committee (fund), technology company of content creator and app developer ARx Media, Siawtistic Art (mural artist) and strategic partnering travel agency Amogha Travels.

“Our dense historical archives are not well explored even by our local community because we lack an assessable and interactive media to share these histories with the world.

“As the technological age progresses, more solutions will enable us to improve our lifestyles and enhance our world,” said Wee.

He encouraged more local talents to create innovative solutions to meet the needs of the community.