Hanim (second from left) with the artists (from left) Adrihana of Bingka, Nas Suha, Katun and Sheng Haw Lim at the launch ceremony held at the KFC Drive-Thru Shah Alam Seksyen 2. — KK SHAM/The Star
KFC turns 14 outlets into vibrant murals of Malaysian life and togetherness this Merdeka
YOU can’t miss the KFC outlet on Jalan Raja Laut, Kuala Lumpur with a vibrant mural splashed across its walls.
Front and centre, a young man decked in a cap worn backwards, an oversized hoodie, and headphones – straight out of the ’90s – glides on his skateboard, clutching the unmistakable red-and-white KFC bucket.
Around him, the graffiti-style artwork bursts with Malaysian icons: the hibiscus, the wau, and KL’s skyline, alongside snapshots of everyday life – friends snapping selfies, an eager teen collecting KFC Chicky Meal toys, and a young couple caught in a tender moment.
Hanim says KFC Cara Kita stands as a genuine showcase of creativity and collaboration with Malaysia’s talented local artists.
This mural, crafted by local artist Katun, is a time capsule of his childhood – growing up amid the city’s hustle and bustle, with KFC always a familiar part of the backdrop.
Katun’s mural is just one chapter in a larger story. Across the country, 11 local artists have transformed 14 KFC outlets into living canvases – each one a personal reflection of their memories with the fast-food chain and a celebration of shared meals, milestones, and togetherness.
The KFC Cara Kita campaign is one of QSR Brands’ Merdeka initiatives, with the company – the leading food operator behind KFC, Pizza Hut, and Life – celebrating the occasion with more than just food.
This colourful campaign honours unity and togetherness in true Malaysian style, celebrating culture, creativity, and community as the nation gears up for the Merdeka festivities.
Art for all
“For KFC, these murals are more than just paintings; they are stories that bring Malaysian pride to our outlets,” said KFC Malaysia chief marketing officer Hanim Mazam.
These vibrant artworks, she explained, stand as a testament to the cherished moments Malaysians have shared with KFC since the opening of its first outlet in Malaysia in 1973.
Today, in a time when most eyes are glued to screens, these breathtaking murals offer a refreshing change – an invitation to pause, look up, and soak in the artistry around us.
“Mural art is a bold medium – it’s expressive, creative, and imaginative. It carries the very spirit of Merdeka we want to celebrate,” said Hanim, adding that what makes it truly special is how artists use this highly visible platform to express themselves.
“As viewers, whether we’re just passing by or living in the area, we get to experience and connect with the artwork.
“No matter your background or walk of life, mural art is something everyone can access and appreciate – that’s the beauty of it.”
Sabahan artist Haw’s mural at KFC Ranau brings local culture to life, portraying diverse ethnic groups sharing KFC in a spirit of unity alongside Sabah’s beloved icon, the orangutan.
KFC’s ‘Cara Kita’ 2025 campaign kicked off at the KFC Drive-Thru in Shah Alam Seksyen 2, where artist Nas Suha transformed the outlet’s walls into a vibrant crimson-hued mural.
Art has long been part of KFC’s storytelling. In 2020, the brand teamed up with local street artist Kenji Chai, whose colourful murals across three Klang Valley locations paid tribute to Malaysia’s multi-cultural identity.
The following year, three homegrown artists reimagined the iconic bucket for a limited- edition ‘Semangat Rakyat’ series.
And in 2022, KFC ventured into the digital space with 11 ‘Original Moments’ non-fungible tokens (NFTs) designed by local creators.
Through these projects, one thing is clear: for over 50 years, KFC has been woven into the everyday lives of Malaysians – from small, ordinary moments to big, shared celebrations.
And through art, those experiences continue to be told, seen, and celebrated in fresh and creative ways.
Hanim noted that KFC has always taken pride in providing a platform for expression.
“This matters because culture and the arts are inseparable – and Malaysian culture is incredibly rich.
“One of the best ways to celebrate this is through the arts. We’re more than just food – we’ve become an icon of Malaysian culture,” she observed.
Homegrown talent
This year, the murals revolve around a single theme: KFC Cara Kita – the unique ways Malaysians enjoy KFC. While each design varies by state, every artwork tells a story of family, culture, tradition, or hope, filtered through the artist’s lens and local pride.
Some evoke nostalgic meals, others celebrate customs, street culture, and food rituals, with playful nods to regional dialects and landmarks.
Together, they capture slices of real Malaysian life – from bustling warungs and village streets to multigenerational meals that remind us how food brings us together.
This year’s line-up of artists also features Miri-born Amey Sheikh Ali, Sungai Petani-based Fathom, and Acetro from Perlis, each bringing their own distinctive style to the campaign.
For KFC, the goal is to spotlight local talent – highlighting the diversity of their styles and ensuring that variety takes centre stage.
Artist Miey Ali’s mural in Kelantan pays homage to the state’s rich heritage, celebrating its culture, traditions, and the timeless bonds that connect generations.
“When we support local artists, we help maintain Malaysia’s cultural balance. Many of them feel disillusioned with the state of the industry, and opportunities can be limited,” said Adrihana Abdul Rashid of Bingka – a homegrown gift outfit, and one of the 11 participating artists.
“By working with local artists and celebrating our heritage, we keep that creativity alive and ensure the talent pool stays here in Malaysia,” she shared.
Adrihana added that working with renowned brands like KFC also helps encourage and strengthen the infrastructure for artists.
“People often don’t realise just how challenging it is to create art, particularly in today’s world of Artificial Intelligence. Art is intangible, and that’s something we need to value,” Adrihana shared.
Painting unity
“As a proud homegrown brand, QSR Brands is committed to nation-building by bringing people together through the power of food, community, and shared experiences,” remarked QSR Brands (M) Holdings Bhd chief corporate communications officer Anis Yusof.
“Our role extends beyond serving food. We strive to create meaningful connections within communities and contribute positively to the broader Malaysian narrative,” she added.
Hanim echoed her sentiments: “KFC has been around for more than five decades. What matters most is staying relevant to the community.”
Projects like this, she said, help showcase the artists’ work in ways that inspire the younger generation.
“The visibility of mural art is powerful. It’s not just big in size -it’s striking, sparks conversation, and we hope it resonates widely, inspiring the younger generation along the way.”
As Malaysians celebrate Merdeka, KFC’s 14 murals stand as bold, beautiful symbols of unity – proof that when art,
community, and heritage come together, the result is something that not only catches the eye, but also stirs the heart.
