By Yasmin Ramlan
SHAH ALAM, March 12 — The over two decades-old Plaza Alam Sentral is set to undergo a major makeover this year, with a brand new look expected to be unveiled by the end of 2025.
PKNS Real Estate Sdn Bhd (PREC) chief executive officer Fakhru Radzi Ab Ghani said the now ageing and unappealing shopping mall is in dire need of a thorough rebranding initiative, which requires a significant fund.
“Old shopping malls like this require a holistic approach (to rejuvenate), possibly involving rebranding its interior and more, which we need to relook.
“It also demands substantial capital expenditure to ensure the ecosystem remains relevant and up-to-date,” he said but stopped short of disclosing the amount needed for the project.
“This is the grand plan, and it is scheduled to take place starting this year. Once executed, you’ll see a brand new Plaza Alam Sentral by the end of next year,” he said during a press conference after launching the Selangor Ramadan Festival (Festira) 2024 at SACC Mall, here, today.
Earlier, in his speech, Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) chief executive officer Datuk Mahmud Abas said the rejuvenation of Plaza Alam Sentral is among some of the new developments and ongoing projects within the Selangor city centre.
It was reported in December last year that PKNS had acquired Plaza Alam Sentral and its adjoining land from Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd for RM178 million.
Fakhru Radzi said that the takeover signifies the beginning of PKNS’ effort to give the shopping mall a new lease on life.
“It’s widely acknowledged that Plaza Alam Sentral is an unappealing shopping mall. So, hopefully, under PKNS, we will be able to do something and reactivate it,” he said.
The shopping mall, which opened its doors to the public in 1998, currently houses a department store, broadcasting house, recording studio and several small offices, among other things.
Festira 2024
Meanwhile, state executive councillor for entrepreneurship Mohd Najwan Halimi said this year’s Festira has been expanded to include two new locations, namely Plaza Alam Sentral and SACC Walk.
This is in addition to existing venues at the Shah Alam PKNS Complex, SACC Mall and Bangi PKNS Complex.
In all, he said Festira 2024 will involve the participation of some 1,200 vendors.
“Throughout the decade of organising this event, Festira has served as a valuable platform for local entrepreneurs to advance their businesses, especially for small and medium entrepreneurs in Selangor,” he said in his speech on behalf of Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
Fahkru Radzi said the organisers expect over two million visitors throughout this year’s festival.
“We started this event about 10 days before Ramadan, and it will continue until the end of the month of fasting.
“In previous years, the total number of visitors hit approximately two million people. This time, it might be the same, probably even better. We have witnessed high sales among vendors even before the beginning of Ramadan,” he said.
