There’s no two ways about it: Malaysians love their shopping malls. Just look at the sheer number in the Klang Valley alone – there’s one on virtually every corner.
While many a mall has come and gone, you might be surprised to know that some of them have been in existence for almost 50 years, making them iconic and historical buildings in their own right.
Here are just a handful of malls that are going strong despite their age. What was the first mall you ever visited?
1. Campbell Shopping Complex (1973)
Talk about a survivor: this mall has been around even longer than a good number of Malaysians who might be reading this.
Named after Jalan Campbell (Jalan Dang Wangi today), the road it was located on, the Campbell Shopping Complex was the first high-rise mall in Kuala Lumpur and was located smack in the middle of the city’s financial and commercial district.
It gained infamy for being the site of a terrible fire in 1976, which saw 156 shops and 41 offices razed thanks to a faulty electrical circuit.
Like a phoenix, though, it came back up by 1979 and continues to chug along quietly amidst a field of newer and fancier competitors.
2. Sungei Wang Plaza (1977)
When Sungei Wang Plaza opened for business in 1977, it was the place to be for younger and trendier crowds, not unlike Pavilion today.
The mall was a personal project of Chong Kok Lim, tin miner turned real-estate tycoon, who was also responsible for the nearby Park Royal Hotel.
With a name that directly translates to “River of Gold”, Sungei Wang Plaza was a popular entertainment venue that frequently hosted concerts and fairs.
To this day, shoppers looking for good bargains flock here on weekends, breathing life into this grand old dame.
Sungei Wang Plaza stands on the site of a former amusement park, BB Park, which was owned by film moguls the Shaw Brothers.
3. Subang Parade (1988)
As the suburb of Subang Jaya gained prominence in the 1980s, it was only inevitable that a mall would eventually sprout up to cater to the growing population. This honour went to Subang Parade.
Given how most malls were concentrated within KL, this mall was a far more accessible alternative for those who lived outside the city.
Kids would throng the arcade, bookworms and students would find themselves at home, and ladies would have a field day at Parkson’s.
While the mall lost a bit of lustre in the 21st century, a refurbishment project in 2016 has kept it in good shape.
4. Lot 10 (1989)
This shopping haven is one of Bukit Bintang’s busiest, and for good reason – it is also known for being a foodies’ paradise.
When it opened for business, Lot 10 was perceived to be a mall for KL’s elite, akin to Harrods in London. To that end, numerous high-end luxury shops were established here, and many still remain.
The well-loved food court downstairs also has a history: it was launched by local businessman Francis Yeoh to preserve KL’s hawker cuisine.
Hawkers from all over the city were invited to set up stalls at Lot 10 Hutong, which remains THE place for street food filling the bellies of hungry Malaysians today.
5. Sogo KL (1994)
Before the emergence of Sunway Pyramid, MidValley and 1 Utama, Sogo was the go-to for most Klang Valley visitors.
Unbeknownst to many, this mall got its name from a Japanese department store chain that started as a silk shop.
The building stands on the former site of the Suleiman Courts, KL’s first high-rise apartment building that was intended as affordable housing.
While Sogo was initially aimed at attracting those who could afford high-end products, it ended up drawing Malaysians of all classes.
It still does today, with sales and bargains awaiting shoppers who wander in from the busy Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman outside.