More advanced cities do not coat their buildings with paints. They use quality aluminium material as the outer surface and hence, their buildings are always clean and impeccable.

It’s a Matter of Paint


During my trips to Tokyo, I have often asked my guests what they thought of the outlook of the Japanese high rise buildings. How do they maintain the paintwork of these buildings in such an impeccable condition all the time?

Someone answered me “It wasn’t the paint, there aren’t any paint on them”

Well, it’s true. More advanced cities do not coat their buildings with paints. They use quality aluminium material as the outer surface and hence, their buildings are always clean and impeccable.

On the other hand, these advanced countries produce paint emulsions for other countries, particularly the third world countries.

On my recent trip to our government administrative centre on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, I happened to take a look out of the window from the 13th floor of a building. What a sight to dread! The paintwork of the surrounding blocks is peeling off and in such a dilapidated state.

After spending so much of funds on this world famous administrative centre, I could not imagine that the paintwork would crumble under our weather. During the purchasing process, I think the authorities should have taken into consideration the harsh weather in Malaysia to select the type of paint material. It seemed that they have only put on layers of white wash which I believed could not endure the grilling of the hot sun and the beatings of the rain.

In fact this scenario is also seen in most of our apartments, office blocks and various buildings. Not only are the designs lacking in aesthetic values, the paintwork is also worn and peeling off. So much so that the buildings have become an eyesore and lack of vibrant mood. On top of that, it seems also that our local authorities have no interests in the quality of our living environment.

Though our neighbouring city Singapore has a similar skyline like ours, they have exhibited better effort and perseverance in their building maintenance. As you might have seen, even the old heritage buildings are also wearing a coat of vibrant and cheerful colours. Hence, the tourism industry in Singapore also keeps on the vibrant mode.

Well, I do hope that the beauty of Malaysia won’t be buried under the layers of white wash.

Travelution 2012 March/April Issue 17

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李桑 作者

在旅游业纵横驰骋1万1000多个日子, 探秘南北极境, 足印遍布141个国家与特区(或自治区)! 由衷信仰,“出走”; 身体力行,“走出”。