KUANTAN, PAHANG, 6 NOV 2026: Kuantan has added a new cultural attraction to its cityscape with the unveiling of a large-scale Islamic art mural at the iconic Kuantan 188 Tower, bringing together traditional Islamic calligraphy, contemporary artistic expression and visual technology.
The mural was officially unveiled today by YB Puan Leong Yu Man, Chairperson of the Pahang State Committee for Unity, Tourism and Culture, in conjunction with the 5th World Islamic Tourism Conference (WITC) 2026, held in Kuantan from 5 to 6 November.
Presented at a height of 180 metres at Kuantan 188 Tower, the artwork celebrates the intersection of faith, artistry and Pahang’s living cultural heritage, while introducing a distinctive visual landmark to the state’s tourism landscape.
The initiative also reflects the growing role of public art in destination development, offering visitors opportunities to engage with a destination through its cultural identity, creative expression and heritage.
In her officiating address, Leong said the mural represents more than an artistic installation, highlighting how creative expression and cultural heritage can contribute to shaping a city’s identity and strengthening its appeal to visitors. “This new Islamic art mural represents another meaningful addition to Kuantan’s public landscape. It reflects how artistic expression, creativity and cultural heritage can come together to create something that the community can appreciate and take pride in,” she said.
She added that public art could play an important role in enriching visitors’ experiences by offering deeper insights into the character and heritage of a destination.
“Beyond traditional attractions, visitors increasingly seek experiences that allow them to understand the character, stories and heritage of a destination. Public art can contribute to that experience by making our cities more distinctive, engaging and memorable,” she said.
She also acknowledged the contributions of Project ZeroSix, the creative team behind the initiative, as well as the various artists and collaborators whose combined expertise brought the mural to life.
Also present at the unveiling were YH Dato’ Zaliza Zulkipli, Mayor of Kuantan; Tuan Chua Choon Hwa, Deputy Secretary-General (Tourism), Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC); Tuan Mohammad Faisal Abu Suaib Khan, Director-General of the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC); representatives of Project ZeroSix; and delegates of the 5th World Islamic Tourism Conference 2026.
The creative direction involved Mohd Zulfikri Mohd Sobri, Head of the Calligraphy Department at Yayasan Restu, and Pahang calligraphy artist Khairi Izat Amir, who contributed their expertise in Islamic calligraphy.
Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Velu Perumal, a member of the National Visual Arts Development Board, contributed to the pantun and development of the mural concept, while Project ZeroSix undertook the mural’s artistic execution.
The collaboration demonstrates how traditional calligraphic techniques, literary expression and contemporary visual art can converge to create a distinctive work that connects artistic heritage with modern creative approaches.
The mural’s artistic direction was also presented during the conference through the session titled Islamic Calligraphy Show: Conquering the Wall on 6 November 2026, showcasing the relationship between faith, artistry and the cultural identity of Pahang.
Beyond its visual appeal, the mural is envisioned as a potential tourism asset that can attract visitors, support local creative talent and contribute to Kuantan’s growing portfolio of cultural attractions.
It also builds on existing creative initiatives in the city, including Kuantan Art Street, featuring murals inspired by Pahang’s heritage landmarks and cultural icons, as well as the monumental mural on Kuantan’s elevated water tank.
The unveiling was held as part of WITC 2026, organised by the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC), an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC), with the State of Pahang Darul Makmur as its official host.
Held under the theme ‘Faith and Family Beyond Borders’, the conference brings together more than 150 international participants from over 35 countries, comprising tourism leaders, policymakers, industry experts, academics and other stakeholders to explore the future of Muslim-friendly tourism.
The addition of the Islamic art mural further strengthens the conference’s cultural programme, offering international delegates another perspective of Kuantan and Pahang through the state’s artistic heritage and contemporary creative expression.
For more information, visit https://www.witc.gov.my/
About Islamic Tourism Centre
Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) is an entity under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Malaysia, tasked to develop the Islamic Tourism segment for Malaysia. It advocates for Muslim-friendly tourism and hospitality (MFTH) by offering research and market intelligence, training, industry development consultation, services standards and recognition, and information exchange.
For further details, kindly email comms@itc.gov.my or the following individuals:
Anis Ramli, Corporate Communications Unit, ITC at 012 321 9137
Siti Rahmah Lehan, Corporate Communications Unit, ITC at 012 9070 993
Nurin Sufia Muazamir, Corporate Communications Unit, ITC at 019 8013 400
Aliya Syazwani, Corporate Communications Unit, ITC at 014 236 0038
