Malls hopeful of return to normal life on April 1

 

Shopping malls which rely heavily on tourists are still suffering from having few visitors.

PETALING JAYA: Shopping malls are hopeful of a return to normal business with the reopening of international borders on April 1 and the transition to the endemic phase of the Covid-19 outbreak.

Malaysia Shopping Malls Association president Teo Chiang Kok said while revenue for malls this year had been satisfactory, those shopping centres which relied heavily on tourists were still suffering from fewer visitors.

“Although the Singapore vaccinated travel lane is already operating, incoming travellers don’t land in the city and tend to miss the malls,” he told FMT. “But we are looking forward to borders being open from April 1 for the situation to improve.”

Sunway Malls and Theme Parks chief executive officer Chan Hoi Choy said the transition phase sent a psychological signal that the country’s economy was on the right track.

Chan said most businesses were recovering well from the pandemic, especially those dealing with food and beverage, fashion, health and beauty, and home and living.

“The ones struggling are those selling travel-related items such as travel wear and luggage, so their businesses will receive a boost with the reopening of international borders.”

Government statistics show that retail trade grew by 7.3% in January compared to a year ago, but the growth was dampened by the effects of the Omicron variant. - FMT