It's A Difficult Time For Businesses
Our favourite malls and cities across the country will no longer be the same post-pandemic. The coronavirus has hit businesses where it hurts, forcing permanent closures and heartfelt goodbyes over the past few months. We've compiled a list of businesses in Malaysia that have already or are in the midst of closure so you can pay your favourite store a visit before the shutters go down for good.
1. Speedy Video
Popular video retailer Speedy was established in 1989 and was once the iconic go-to outlet for Malaysians looking to purchase movies, dramas, and music albums. After 30 years of serving us well, it's time to say goodbye to our good old home entertainment provider.
Speedy released their announcement of closure on their Facebook page, and encouraged Malaysians to come visit and enjoy their last promotions before its 14 stores shut down nationwide.
2. Snackfood, Bangsar
Photo Credits: @snackfood (Instagram)
Photo Credits: @snackfood (Instagram)
Snackfood is an adorable hidden gem in Bangsar. This cute lifestyle boutique prides itself as a collector of happy things, and is loved for its quirky collection of unique products from vintage knick-knacks to artsy souvenirs.
2020 is Snackfood's 10th year in business, but the store will sadly close down on the 30th of June 2020. Be sure to pop by to show them some love before the end of the month, and buy a piece of souvenir for memory's sake. Check out their announcement post here.
3. SS15 Bubble Tea Shops
The once-bustling bubble tea street in SS15 was seen to be transformed into a ghost town based on a video taken by a netizen. Several bubble tea stores are seen with their shutters down, with huge "for sale/for rent" banners plastered over their doors.
Some of the stores spotted in such condition include The Black Boss, One Zo, Whale Tea, and Kirindo. However, several other stores such as Xing Fu Tang, Daboba, and GongCha are still in operation.
4. Reader's Paradise, Ampang Point
People who've been to the retro Ampang Point may recall this little rental bookshop filled with bookshelves full of books. According to the store owner Harjeet Sidhu, 62, Reader's Paradise has been struggling to stay afloat since the Covid-19 pandemic kicked in.
If you'd like to get some books and show some final support, drop by before the store's closure in the first week of July - you will be able to purchase books of your choice at a discounted price of 50% each.
5. Holiday Inn Resort, Penang
Holiday Inn Resort at Batu Ferringhi will be permanently closed by 30th June 2020 after four decades of operations. The four-star family resort has warmly welcomed Malaysians and tourists from all over the globe for over 40 years. Some other hotels known to have closed down include:
- Jazz Hotel, Penang
- Penaga Hotel, Penang
- Mercure Beach Penang
- Ramada Plaza Melaka
- Emperor Hotel Malacca
- Berjaya Tioman Resort
- G City Club Hotel
- Kinta Riverfront Hotel & Suites, Ipoh
- Tower Regency Hotel, Ipoh
6. ESPRIT
Fashion chain Esprit announced that it will be closing all 56 of its stores in Asia outside mainland China, including stores in Malaysia. Esprit currently has outlets in popular shopping malls around Klang Valley including MyTown Shopping Centre, Empire Gallery Subang, Mid Valley Megamall, and KLCC.
ESPRIT stores' expected closing date is 30th June 2020 - however, the clothing brand may still be around as the company will continue to operate via its online website and in department stores.
7. MPH Bookstore
Netizens across Malaysia have been sharing photos of their neighbourhood MPH outlets with empty shelves. Stores across the country have been running clearance sales, with books already packed in boxes.
Based on a post by Facebook user Zatika Izati Puade, the following 9 MPH outlets have already or are in the midst of closing:
- MPH Sunway Geo, Selangor
- MPH Subang Parade, Selangor
- MPH MyTown Shopping Centre, KL
- MPH SACC Mall, Selangor
- MPH JB City Square, Johor
- MPH Taman Universiti, Johor
- MPH Mydin MITC, Melaka
- MPH Kinta City, Perak
- MPH Amanjaya, Kedah
8. Delicious Group
After serving Malaysians with their delicious food for nearly 20 years, Delicious Group will be closing all its restaurants for good. In a statement shared on their Facebook page, the decision to cease operations has actually already been made before the MCO. The post ended with a heartfelt farewell message, "know that every dish we served and everything we did, it was all for you. Thank you and goodbye."
9. Other Eateries And Mamaks
Photo Credits: WhupWhup (Facebook)
Photo Credits: WhupWhup
According to The Malaysia Singapore Coffeeshop Proprietors’ General Association (MSCPGA) and Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners Association (Presma), over 2,000 coffee shops and mamaks in the country have shut down permanently since the implementation of the MCO in March. This figure is approximately 10% of all eateries in the nation, and the figure is expected to rise more as the months go by.
Support local eateries:
10. Hard Rock Cafe, Kota Kinabalu
Sabah's one and only Hard Rock Cafe closed down for good on the 30th of April 2020. The cafe opened its doors in Kota Kinabalu on the 1st of April 2015 and played an important role in the city's dining culture.
Support Local Businesses With A Cuti-Cuti Malaysia Vacation
COVID-19 has caused a severe impact on businesses across the globe and in Malaysia, whether big or small. Support local businesses in your own way, including planning a local #cuticutimalaysia getaway to one of our beautiful islands or a staycation in the arms of nature. Check out our travel guides below:
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