A file photo of Ampang Park, Malaysia's first standalone shopping complex, opened in 1973.
From street shops to purpose-built shopping centres and lifestyle hubs
Contributed by Evelyn Lo
Shopping in Malaysia has come a long way since Merdeka. What began with bustling street shops along Jalan Petaling and Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman has now transformed into sprawling lifestyle malls that anchor urban living across the country.
In the early days of the 1970s, after gaining independence, iconic stores like Globe Silk Store, Hankyu Jaya and Mun Loong lined the streets of Kuala Lumpur. While most of these have closed or changed with time, some like Lin Ho on Jalan Hang Lekiu, are still open as a department store.
Ampang Park, Malaysia’s first standalone shopping complex, opened in 1973. It served shoppers for over 40 years before closing in 2017 for MRT development. But Ampang Park was not the first shopping centre in Malaysia. That distinction goes to Electra House in Kuching, Sarawak. Electra house is the first and oldest surviving Malaysian purpose-built shopping centre which was opened in 1965 and still in operation today.
Other early malls like Campbell Shopping Complex, Pertama Complex and Sungei Wang Plaza opened in the 1970s and have adapted to remain operational today. Opened in 1973, Campbell Shopping Complex was Kuala Lumpur's first high-rise shopping complex connected to a hotel. The openings of Pertama Complex three years later and Sungei Wang Plaza in 1977 represented a new era of modernity, as Malaysia was beginning to emerge as a regional economic power.
Rise of suburban malls
The 1980s saw the continued growth of malls. This decade was defined not just by new construction but by a shift in focus—malls were beginning to sprout up in suburbs and diversify their offerings to cater to different communities. Two such shopping centres are Subang Parade and The Atria.
As the suburb of Subang Jaya gained prominence in the 1980s, it was only a matter of time before a major mall would emerge to serve its rapidly expanding population. That honour went to Subang Parade. Opening its doors in 1988, it quickly became the premier hangout spot for suburbanites. While most malls at the time were still concentrated within Kuala Lumpur, Subang Parade was a highly accessible alternative that acted as a social hub for the community. It catered to every need, from kids thronging its arcade to students finding solace in its bookstores and ladies enjoying a field day at Parkson. Though it may have lost some of its initial luster in the 21st century, a major refurbishment in 2016 has kept it a prominent fixture in Subang Jaya to this day.
The original Atria Shopping Centre in Damansara Jaya was another popular venue for Petaling Jaya suburbanites, who frequent the shopping centre drawn by the famous eateries in its vicinity. It was later demolished in 2011 when its appeal waned and was replaced by the new Atria Shopping Gallery, which opened in 2015. The redevelopment included a four-storey retail podium and two office towers. The new shopping gallery offers significantly more retail space and parking bays compared to the original mall.
The 1990s and 2000s saw rapid mall expansion in tandem with the country’s economic growth. Flagship centres such as 1 Utama, Mid Valley Megamall, Suria KLCC and Sunway Pyramid introduced the concept of malls as destinations, offering dining, leisure and entertainment alongside retail. These malls have all undergone regular renovations and business revitalisation in addition to offering diversified services, thus remaining as popular shopping destinations.
Malls like Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and IOI City Mall—now the largest in Malaysia—embody the rise of lifestyle malls. Today, malls are no longer just places to shop—they are places to gather, eat, play and experience.
Retail growth has expanded far beyond Kuala Lumpur. Malls now thrive in Penang, Johor Bahru, Sabah and Sarawak, with major mall developers and operators like Pavilion, Sunway, Mid Valley, AEON and CapitaLand leading the way. The recent opening of The Exchange TRX and upcoming projects like Sunway Square, Ombak KLCC, KLGCC Mall, Hextar World (Empire City) and 118 Mall highlight ongoing retail momentum.
Electra House is the nation's oldest and still operating shopping centre.
Transformation of Malaysian malls
Malaysian malls have evolved from simple stand-alone buildings into vital components of mixed-use developments. Today, a mall often forms the heart of a larger ecosystem that includes office towers, serviced residences, hotels, educational institutions, medical centres and even transport hubs. Such developments cultivate a captive catchment population whose needs are met within the same urban radius, creating a seamless live-work-play environment.
As a result, the mall is no longer just a place of commerce — it becomes a catalyst for community interaction, economic energy and urban connectivity. Despite online shopping trends, Malaysians continue to visit malls. Studies show 1 in 5 Malaysians visit a mall every weekend, drawn by air-conditioned comfort, safety, dining options and entertainment such as cinemas, arcades and even theme parks. Weekends at the mall are not simply about buying goods - they have become part of the Malaysian lifestyle—a place where families gather, friends catch up and individuals unwind.
By comparison to online shopping, physical malls engage all five senses. Shoppers can see, touch, try on or sample products before committing to a purchase. There is instant gratification—no waiting for shipping or worrying about damaged goods—and the pleasure of strolling amidst vibrant storefronts, interactive displays, ambient lighting and festive décor that creates a pleasant and immersive experience. Unlike online platforms, malls offer entertainment, culinary experiences and sensory adventures at rooftop gardens to theme parks and more. By transforming themselves into experiential, community-focused and digitally enabled spaces, they provide a value proposition that e-commerce alone cannot match.
Many malls in Malaysia are cognisant of the constantly changing consumer behaviour and have transformed themselves beyond their traditional shopping function. Malls now serve as dynamic destinations for dining, leisure, education, wellness and community interaction.
This transition has been crucial in attracting and retaining footfall in an era where convenience is just a click away. Consumers and shoppers today expect more than just a transactional experience—they seek meaningful engagement. Malls have responded by creating themed environments, seasonal events, pop-up exhibitions and social spaces. From rooftop gardens and culinary streets to art installations and wellness zones, these additions enhance the emotional and social appeal of visiting a mall.
In addition, malls have become venues for co-curricular activities, weekend workshops, fitness boot camps and lifestyle events. Many also host community services such as blood donation drives, job fairs and cultural showcases, strengthening their role as a hub of local life. These initiatives attract diverse crowds and encourage return visits, developing loyal shoppers and visitors.
From street-side shops to multifunctional hubs, Malaysian malls have constantly adapted to meet changing consumer needs. As they continue to evolve with digital innovations and lifestyle trends, malls remain a vital part of both local life and tourism.
Evelyn Lo is the executive director of the Malaysia Shopping Malls Association (PPK Malaysia).
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