If you’ve ever been to a mall in KL, you’ll know that they’re busy, crowded, especially during the weekends or public holidays. However, this year may be a quiet one for the malls in KL.
As Hari Raya approaches, shopping malls have been unusually empty due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though most malls are open during regular hours (10am to 10pm), the public has been reluctant to shop leisurely, opting for essential trips like grocery store runs.
To overcome the reduced footfall, these malls have stepped up to introduce gifts and virtual promotions to entice their Hari Raya shoppers while taking the necessary precautions for hygiene and social distancing, of course.
These malls have set up temperature checks at entrances and introduced strict cleaning schedules focusing on areas frequently touched by shoppers. Visitors are also required to wear masks at all times.
Suria KLCC
Despite the quiet atmosphere, Suria KLCC has jazzed up the mall with Hari Raya door gifts.
Till May 25, visitors who spend a minimum amount of RM500 (about US$115) at selected stores will receive a gift set from beauty brand L’Occitane when they present the receipt at the concierge. The mall has also roped in fitness coaches, chefs and stylists to give tips on celebrating Ramadan in style.
MyTown
In the spirit of beating coronavirus during the festive season, MyTown offers Raya packets, face masks and hand sanitizers to shoppers who spend a minimum of RM30 in a single receipt. Only one redemption per shopper, though!
Sunway Pyramid
Sunway Pyramid has taken to e-commerce to combat the lack of shoppers. Those who shop online can also redeem rewards for Hari Raya, including cash vouchers and metal straw gift sets. As per tradition, the mall also decorated its premises to showcase the ‘kampung’ spirit.
1 Utama Shopping Centre
Known as the 7th largest shopping center in the world, 1 Utama has introduced a Health QR app for visitors to minimize contact with mall staff. Shoppers can download the app, get their temperature checked, and continue shopping without reaching for a pen or paper to input their details. For Raya rewards, 1 Utama offers a gift set including a serving pot and Raya packets for ONECARD members who spend a minimum of MYR350 at selected shops.
Pavilion
The luxurious Pavilion Kuala Lumpur mall offers a variety of redemptions for the festive season. The mall encourages cashless payments, even when it comes to collecting Raya rewards. To redeem any one of the mall’s three different rewards, which include Raya packets, dining visitors are required to spend a certain amount with their Maybank credit card at selected stores.
Alamanda Shopping Centre
Putrajaya folks can also get a taste of Raya shopping rewards at Alamanda Shopping Centre. Those who spend at least RM150 in up to two receipts can redeem a scarf. The mall operates from 10am to 8pm, and performs regular temperature checks on shoppers, staff, and service providers.
Editor’s note: This article has been updated to correct the exchanged currency value.
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