JATI, one of Malaysia’s well loved rice brands, has marked Merdeka Day with a creative celebration of the country’s agricultural heritage, unveiling a massive paddy art formation at the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Show (MAHA) 2026.
Created in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the artwork has been officially recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) as the “Largest Paddy Art Formation” in Malaysia.
Named Natural Waves of Malaysia, the record breaking artwork measures an impressive 119ft by 126ft, with the JATI logo alone spanning 58.42ft by 19.07ft. What makes the artwork even more remarkable is that it was created entirely from living paddy, without the use of paint, dye or synthetic materials.
Different stages of paddy growth were carefully used to create the natural colours and contrast within the design. From above, the paddy forms a large heart alongside the JATI brand name, symbolising the brand’s love for Malaysian rice and the farming communities that have supported the nation for generations.
“This achievement was a proud moment for everyone involved in bringing the project to life. As a brand rooted in the rice industry, we wanted to celebrate paddy in a different way while highlighting the creativity and agricultural capabilities we have here in Malaysia,” said Mr. Low Kok Kean, Chairman of LK Labuan Foundation.
The formation was officially verified by the Malaysia Book of Records before the record was awarded. The MBOR certificate was presented by Mr Jwan Heah, COO of MBOR, to Mr. Low Kok Kean, who received the certification on behalf of JATI in the presence of Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Haji Mohamad bin Sabu, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security of Malaysia.
Inspired by the natural movement of paddy as it sways and ripples in the wind, Natural Waves of Malaysia features waves of green and gold that bring one of Malaysia’s most familiar crops to life on a remarkable scale.
Creating the artwork took months of careful planning and precision. The design was first mapped out using AutoCAD based on a detailed coordinate system. It was then transferred onto the field using wooden stakes and ropes, which helped guide the planting process and maintain the shape and proportions of the artwork.
MR 284 paddy seeds were planted directly into the field across three carefully timed growth phases: the Yellow Phase, Green Phase and Young Paddy Shoot, also known as Anak Padi. By allowing different sections of the crop to mature at different times, the team was able to create the natural colour variations needed to bring the design to life.
For JATI, the achievement is about more than setting a new record. Paddy is deeply woven into everyday Malaysian life, and using it as the medium for this artwork offers a fresh perspective on the possibilities of agriculture and how traditional crops can be presented in creative and meaningful ways.
The record breaking Natural Waves of Malaysia stands as a tribute to Malaysia’s paddy farmers, agricultural heritage and the important role rice continues to play in the lives of Malaysians.
For more information about JATI, visit malaysiarice.com.
Source: Press Release