Huge crowd at Uniqlo roadside outlet opening, authorities press pause

 

COVID-19 | A huge crowd turned up at the grand opening of Uniqlo's first roadside store at Damansara Avenue, Petaling Jaya in Selangor this morning.

However, soon after its doors were opened, the authorities had requested that the store suspend operations for a few hours to sanitise the facility and improve crowd control.

According to Petaling Jaya district police chief Nik Ezanee Mohd Faisal, people began gathering as early as 8.30am although the doors only opened at 10am.

"The management did observe regulations to prevent the spread of Covid-19 by limiting 50 customers at a time.

"However, there was no coordination for those lining up outside. There were more than a hundred people," he told Malaysiakini.

Nik Ezanee Mohd Faisal

Hence, the police and Health Ministry personnel ordered the store to close to sort out arrangements for the queue outside the building.

"They are allowed to reopen at 4pm. Now, there's a proper queue outside and we're there to monitor the situation," said Nik Ezanee.

Uniqlo is a hugely popular Japanese clothing brand which had hitherto only operated out of malls in Malaysia.

The maiden roadside store was launched in conjunction with the company's 10-year anniversary in Malaysia.

Visitors to the new outlets can claim free goodie bags and purchase items that are available exclusively at the launch, including UTme! x Mamee collaboration items.

According to Oriental Daily, the crowd outside the building was orderly and the authorities were standing watch closely. - Mkini