DBKL said it did not receive an official application to paint the murals from the artists involved, adding that their removal was in line with established maintenance procedures.

It added that a bus stand on Jalan Raja Azlan Shah (formerly Jalan Ipoh) was demolished as a whole as it was dilapidated and it would not have been economically viable for it to be repaired.

City Hall added that the removal of the murals was part of a broader initiative to upgrade 21 bus stops and kiosks across KL ahead of Asean meetings that will be held in the city this year.

“DBKL appreciates the efforts by the city’s art community to beautify KL. However, at the same time, any mural in a public space must obtain the approval of the local authority to ensure its suitability with the urban environment.

“We welcome discussions and suggestions from any party willing to contribute towards beautifying the city in a legitimate and planned manner,” it said.

This comes after a mural artist known as “Cloakwork” took to Instagram to question DBKL’s decision to remove murals he had painted on two bus stops, which he said were already in poor condition.