Developers, retailers and consumers have given the thumbs up sign to underperforming shopping malls across the country that are experiencing a new lease of life now and reviving the retail industry in Malaysia.

The Malaysian Shopping Malls Association stated that in spite of the challenges that shopping malls have faced there is now a turnaround and they are beginning to experience a strong recovery after the Covid 19 pandemic.

The association argued that malls in the country now offer more than shopping as they are now seen as a one stop center for socialising, outings for the entire family and also for much sought after entertainment.

Most malls are on a diversification drive, varying their offerings and also going to the extent of employing mall ambassadors, attracting personal shoppers and having services such as valet services.

The association also noted that key states such as Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Putrajaya, Penang and Johor are witnessing an explosive growth of shopping malls such as Pavilion Damansara Heights, The Exchange TRX and Sunshine Mall.

However, the association confessed that there were still malls that were struggling owing to ever rising operational expenditure which posed serious challenges and called upon the government to boost tourist arrivals into the country.

-THE MALAYSIA VOICE