Premium local clothing brand BritishIndia is taking the management of Suria KLCC to court over what it calls a forced relocation from its current premises in the popular shopping mall.
The chain’s founder, Pat Liew, said in a statement today that her company was served with the order to relocate to another lot within the shopping mall last July, and BritishIndia has been fighting to stay in its current location ever since.
“After receiving our rental and the monies clearing into their account, they issued BritishIndia the letter to vacate within four days.
“Their action towards tenants such as BritishIndia calls to question their motive,” Liew said, as quoted by The Malaysian Insider.
BritishIndia is seeking a court injunction that would prevent Suria KLCC from enforcing its move order. The hearing for the injuction will be heard on February 24.
Liew believes that BritishIndia’s current lot would be leased to a foreign fashion brand already occupying another lot in the mall.
British India was one of the original tenants of Suria KLCC since its opening 18 years ago, with former Petronas president and chairman of Suria KLCC Azizan Zainal Abidin wanting to house top Malaysian brands alongside more prestigious international names.
“If BritishIndia is forced to leave, it will mark the end of a successful Malaysian fashion brand having a presence in the country’s iconic shopping mall,” Liew said.
“We are left with no choice but to resort to legal action to protect our rights and be treated fairly.”
BritishIndia currently has more than 40 stores, including more than 20 outlets in Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines.
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