Traders at the Mara Digital Mall on Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman in Kuala Lumpur are getting ready to pay rental this month as the the first six-month rental exemption expires in June.
Most of the merchants and staff told Malaysiakini that paying the rent would not burden the business.
A laptop kiosk sales executive, who only wanted to be known as Shahrul, 28, said he did not think paying the rent would adversely affect his business.
He said that compared to the well-known Low Yat Plaza, the Mara Digital Mall offered lower (one-fifth) rental with bigger size.
“Rental in Low Yat is very expensive; one small kiosk cost me RM14,000 per month.
“Over here (Mara Digital Mall), you can rent three bigger lots at only RM2,800 a month,” said Shahrul (photo), who has been selling laptop computers in Low Yat nine years ago before coming to Mara Digital Mall.
Shahrul is now enjoying good income at the new mall.
He appreciated the move by Mara Digital Mall to waive the first half-yearly rental, which has enormously relieved him of cash-flow problems.
“I had a better Hari Raya celebration this year because I could afford to give my family a vacation,” said Shahrul, who hails from Kuala Pilah.
Agreeing with Shahrul, another trader who wants to be known as Ahmad, said that despite having to pay the rent, he is confident of making money.
Ahmad, 25, who owns a handphone gadget shop, said the rental in Mara Digital Mall was lower by half than that at Low Yat Plaza with a similar-sized shoplot.
“Rental in Mara Digital Mall is below RM10,000, whereas the rental at Low Yat is RM20,000.”
Ahmad, who was previously selling gadgets in Low Yat Plaza, said the rental would not affect his business.
“My business can cover (the cost). After I pay the salary and rental, I can still make a profit. No problem.”
Another trader, Izun Rafiq (photo), 19, is happy with his handphone business at his kiosk in Mara Digital Mall.
He said that business has been good since April, adding that the rental collection would not have much of an impact.
“On average, I can sell 20 handphones a week. So the rental will not eat into my salary,” said Izun.
Rural and Regional Development Minister Ismail Sabri Yaacob, who has been spearheading the growth of Mara Digital Mall, had said the traders would enjoy the six-month free rental starting from December 2015.
The exemption expires this month.
He also said the the exemption would also be extended to Mara Digital Mall in the other states.
Ismail’s brainchild courted controversy after the minister initially proposed for it to be named ‘Low Yat 2’ to rival the original Low Yat Plaza.
Low Yat Plaza in Bukit Bintang had witnessed a race riot in July last year following a theft incident. - Mkini
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