MALLS are holding steady since opening up for business under the recovery movement-control order (RMCO), with their volume of customers reaching 90%, said their association.

However, the increase in footfall is not resulting in higher sales volume as malls are only seeing sales of up to 50% to 70% as consumers remain cautious while capacity is reduced to comply with the standard operating procedure, it said.

Though the malls were slightly affected by reports of Covid-19 cases on their premises, they recovered immediately after sanitation works and approval by the health authorities.

Malaysia Shopping Malls Association president Teo Chiang Kok said with the steady increase in foot traffic and accompanying sales, revenue is recovering, albeit at a slower pace.

“This was interrupted by the unfortunate incidents of some employees contracting the virus.

“We are glad to note that confidence returned shortly once the premises were cleared to reopen by the health authorities after deep cleansing and sanitisation,” Teo told The Malaysian Insight.

He was referring to reported cases of a number of staff at five malls who had tested positive in the Klang Valley last month.

Teo said the reopening of the malls has seen the foot traffic increasing steadily up to 90%.

“Recently with a few retailers reporting Covid-19 cases within their premises, the initial understandable reaction of the public was to only visit the affected mall for essential purchases but once the affected retailer has been cleared to reopen, confidence returned and footfall returned in tandem.”

The Malaysia Shopping Malls Association has about 500 members nationwide, including corporate malls, individuals and others.

Teo said malls from the onset, introduced the government issued SOP to curb the spread of Covid-19, with close monitoring at the entrances to ensure compliance.

“Shoppers either can scan the QR codes or write their details in the record book, undergo temperature checks and ensure they wear masks.

“We have also reminded business operators to continue with strict check-ins and social distancing, control of density into their premises, increase frequency of sanitisation for both common areas and back-of-house.”

Based on its assessment, Malaysians generally understand and appreciate the need for the SOP and accept and comply with it, he said.

Lee said, however, despite the high volume of patrons, sales have only returned to 50% to 70% due to more cautious buying in view the economic outlook and the situation with the pandemic.

“Also due to social-distancing factors, the allowable capacity of the shops is only between 40% and 50%.”

Shoppers are at malls for groceries, food and beverage and personal care, he said.

“During the initial reopening period, most shoppers concentrated on shopping for essentials, but over a short period, many returned to malls for outings and leisure.” – October 10, 2020.