The operation of Mara digital malls in two states have been halted due to low sales rates, the Ministry of Rural Development said today.

The ministry in a written response posted on the Parliament website said the slow-moving sales coupled with disproportionate operating costs caused tenants to cease operating at the premises.

"Mara Digital Kuantan ceased operations in December 2018 and Mara Digital Johor Bahru in February 2019," it said in response to Ismail Sabri Yaakob (BN-Bera) who wished to know the status of Mara digital malls at Medan Mara Kuala Lumpur, Shah Alam, Selangor; Kuantan, Pahang and Johor Bahru, Johor.

He also sought clarification on whether Mara intended to open more branches in other states as previously planned.

The ministry said the Mara Digital Mall in Kuala Lumpur was still operating with 11 lots and 16 kiosks involving 11 entrepreneurs with annual sales totalling RM4,670,250 as of this August while the one in Shah Alam ceased operating in March 2018 to give way to upgrading works for the Shah Alam Urban Transformation Centre (UTC).

According to the statement, UTC Shah Alam was re-opened on Aug 15, 2018, but the Mara Digital mall there was discontinued.

The ministry added that Mara would conduct detailed feasibility studies before opening new branches in the future. - Bernama