Cover image via @cloakwork (Instagram)
Street artist Cloakwork recently took to social media to express his disappointment after discovering that his artwork on several old bus stops in Kuala Lumpur had been removed
In an Instagram post directed at Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL), he questioned why his work, which aimed to bring colour and life to neglected spaces, was painted over.
Cloakwork's artworks weren't just random graffiti. They were a heartfelt effort to restore long-neglected bus stops that were once an integral part of the community.
Originally built with attached mini-shops, these stops gave underprivileged individuals a space to sell snacks and drinks to commuters.
But over time, the shops vanished, leaving behind rundown shelters covered in graffiti and littered with trash.
Image via @cloakwork (Instagram)
In late 2024, Cloakwork decided to step in, using his skills as an artist to transform these dull, worn-down stops into vibrant murals
His colourful designs stood out in the city for months, offering a fresh perspective to these overlooked spaces.
Commuters and passersby appreciated the effort — until earlier this month, when Cloakwork discovered his murals had been completely painted over, leaving the stops in their neglected state again.
Image via @cloakwork (Instagram)
Image via @cloakwork (Instagram)
"Dear DBKL Malaysia, why did you remove my art? These old-fashioned bus stops, with traditional mini shops attached, were originally built by the government to support the underprivileged. They allowed people to sell items like sodas, coolers, snacks, and more, often catering to bus passengers or taxi drivers waiting nearby," he wrote.
"Nowadays, these mini shops are no longer found at modern bus stops. Only a few remain in the city, and many are in poor condition. One day, as I passed by one of these stops, I thought to myself: why not use my skills to give them a fresh, vibrant makeover and brighten up the area?"
Frustrated by the removal, he added, "Instead of spending taxpayers' money to cover my harmless art, why not try to fix the potholes on the road?"
Many others have since called on authorities to embrace more public artwork in Malaysia.
Image via Instagram
Image via Instagram
Image via Instagram
Image via Instagram
Cloakwork, who has painted murals around the world to spread joy, believes in using his talent for more than just personal projects
Speaking to SAYS, he said, "My life motto is 'Give and Take'. After completing a commissioned project, I always set aside some funds and leftover spray paints to give back to the community by making the streets more vibrant and colourful, bringing a little joy to people and inspiring young artists to pursue their dreams."
Check out at some of his other stunning works below:
He told SAYS today, 13 March, that DBKL has yet to respond to his queries.
