As Malaysia embraces the holy month of Ramadan and the joyous celebrations of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, the country’s rich Islamic architecture stands as a testament to faith, artistry and innovation. From the golden domes of Istana Negara to the illuminating beauty of Saloma Bridge, these landmarks seamlessly blend traditional Islamic influences with modern design, capturing the essence of Malaysia’s diverse cultural heritage.
Join us as we explore the architectural masterpieces that define Malaysia’s skyline and how Nippon Paint plays a role in preserving their beauty for generations to come.
Istana Negara: A Symbol of Islamic Grandeur & Royal Elegance
Standing majestically in Kuala Lumpur, Istana Negara is more than just the official residence of Malaysia’s Yang di-Pertuan Agong, it’s a symbol of sovereignty, tradition, and faith. Spanning 97.65 hectares, this grand palace, completed in 2011, beautifully integrates Islamic and Malay architecture, creating an iconic masterpiece.
Architectural Highlights:
- Golden Domes: Inspired by classic Islamic architecture, the 22 shimmering domes, including a towering 40-meter-high central dome, symbolize unity and divinity. The sirih bertindih motif (overlapping betel leaves) adorning the two largest domes is a nod to Malay culture.
- Intricate Interiors: The Balairong Seri (Throne Room) is adorned with the 99 Names of Allah (Asmaul Husna), while the prayer hall’s mihrab features handcrafted Quranic calligraphy by artisans from Terengganu and Kelantan.
Preserving Timeless Beauty with Nippon Paint:
Maintaining the palace’s grandeur requires superior coatings. Nippon Paint has played a pivotal role in restoring Istana Negara’s elegance, with premium products including:
- Nippon Paint PU Recoatable Finish (9307 Gold): enhancing the dome and fencing
- Nippon Paint Weatherbond® (PRO 0007 White Satin): protecting general walls
- Nippon Paint Royal Stone (RS 15096 (A)): beautifying feature walls
These high-performance coatings, formulated with Quartz Technology, ensure durability, weather resistance, and long-lasting brilliance.
Saloma Bridge: A Modern Islamic Marvel in the Heart of KL
Stretching 370 meters, the Saloma Link (Pintasan Saloma) is more than just a pedestrian bridge, it’s a fusion of heritage, design, and innovation. Connecting Kampung Baru to KLCC, this architectural icon is a tribute to Malaysia’s cultural history, named after the legendary singer Saloma, wife of P. Ramlee.
Architectural Highlights:
- Inspired by Malay Heritage: The bridge’s unique curved, overlapping structure is modeled after Sirih Junjung, a traditional betel leaf arrangement used in Malay ceremonies, symbolizing unity and respect.
- Islamic Geometric Artistry: The lattice-like steel panels create mesmerizing light and shadow patterns, enhancing both aesthetics and airflow for pedestrian comfort.
- A Dazzling Night Spectacle: With 4,100 LED lights, Saloma Bridge transforms into a vibrant, color-changing wonder during national celebrations like Merdeka Day and Hari Raya.
Nippon Paint’s Touch of Brilliance:
To maintain the striking appeal of Saloma Bridge, Nippon Paint PU Recoatable Finish (RAL 7047) was applied. This weather-resistant coating ensures:
- Durability against environmental elements
- Glossy, long-lasting color retention
- Protection from scratches, humidity, and mild chemicals
The result? A stunning, resilient landmark that continues to inspire and captivate.
Masjid Jamek Cina Muslim Klang: Where Islamic & Chinese Architecture Meet
Among Malaysia’s most unique mosques, the Masjid Jamek Cina Muslim Klang is a masterpiece that harmoniously blends Islamic and Chinese influences. Inspired by China’s Great Mosque of Xi’an, this mosque is a symbol of Malaysia’s multicultural identity.
Architectural Highlights:
- Pagoda-Style Minaret: A departure from traditional mosque designs, the towering minaret is influenced by Chinese temple architecture, creating a striking visual contrast.
- Fusion of Cultures: The grey-tiled roofs, curved eaves, and Chinese-style calligraphy beautifully integrate with Islamic geometric motifs and Quranic inscriptions.
- Prayer Hall & Courtyard: The main hall accommodates 1,000 worshippers, while the serene garden space serves as an overflow prayer area.
Nippon Paint’s Expertise in Architectural Coatings:
To ensure lasting beauty and protection, the mosque features a custom blend of Nippon Paint solutions, including:
- Nippon Paint Weatherbond® (Purple Lint 160) – enhancing the exterior walls
- Nippon Paint Weatherbond® (Affogato NP AC 2134 A & Weathervane NP N 1987 T) – adding depth to the feature walls
- Nippon Paint Matex Pro (White 9102) – refining the interior ceilings and walls
- Nippon Paint 9000 Gloss Finish (Bedrock Bottom NP N 1981 A & Mahogany 1136) – protecting structural elements & metal doors
- Nippon Paint Timber Finish (Teak T104) – enriching wooden surfaces
With these premium coatings, Masjid Jamek Cina Muslim Klang stands as a timeless testament to cultural unity and architectural excellence.
Preserving Malaysia’s Architectural Heritage for Future Generations
As Malaysia’s No. 1 paint brand, Nippon Paint is committed to preserving the beauty and integrity of the nation’s most treasured landmarks. But our expertise extends beyond coatings, we are a Total Coating & Construction Solutions (TCCS) provider, offering:
- Drymix solutions
- Waterproofing solutions
- Flooring solutions
- Sealant, adhesive & filler solutions
- Protective coatings & architectural coatings
From Istana Negara to Saloma Bridge, from residential projects like CIMB Hub & Nestress Residence to large-scale developments like Skymillion Residence in Sabah, Nippon Paint’s innovative solutions ensure architectural longevity and visual brilliance.
Honoring the Past, Building the Future
As Malaysia continues to evolve and innovate, its Islamic-inspired landmarks remain a source of pride and cultural identity. Through cutting-edge technology, superior coatings, and sustainable solutions, Nippon Paint stands as a guardian of architectural excellence, ensuring that Malaysia’s most cherished structures withstand the test of time. Discover more about our projects & innovative coatings at Nippon Paint Malaysia
