Mega Sales in Penang

Currently we are still having Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival 2006 (23rd July to 3rd September 2006). Past few weeks I have been pretty busy, with most of my weekends were occupied.

As the sales is approching an end soon, yesterday I decided to check out Prangin Mall, one of the so called 'happening' places in Penang.

I have not been here since nearly a year ago. Looked like there were lots of changes seen.

Interestingly, a lot of 'hawker shops' had mushroomed around here. I guessed, due to many non-taker of the shoplots, the owners had desperately rented out their premises to these eating outlets. This was the first time and probably the only place where I saw lots of hawker stalls in a shopping complex. Many makeshift side-stores lined up some of the side ways at level 3 selling variety of local hawker foods, with tables and chairs been placed at the side walk too.

But, what the heck? This is Penang! Haven for food.

Anyway, I decided to check out the Wan Than Mee and Asam Laksa, albeit bit pricey.

Asam Laksa
Price: RM 2.50 (Small)
Rating: 6.5/10

Wan Than Mee
Price: RM 2.50 (Small)
Rating: 7.0/10

I was a bit dismayed because, looked like there were not many interesting or exciting stuffs or bargains to look out for. Most shops sell unbranded merchandise ranging from garments to shoes.

Something I noted though, there was a lot of hair salons and eating outlets here. The 'tech corner' selling computers and accessories was rather not so high tech after all, in term of bargains. Prices were not so competitive, probably due to the recent computer fair just over.

Then, there was this particular 5th floor, where many of the shoplots had been turned into videogame archades with gambling machines. It just made this place looked so cheap. But what to do?

This place, once a regular hunt for pirated DVDs and CDs looked sombre too. Most shops were closed due to frequent raids by the anti-piracy authorities and I learned that they only opened for certain hour and timing. It was like, "now you see, now you don't". Amazingly, they would opened and closed shop in seconds, phenomena also observed by Chen.

So, I decided to cross over to the other side, via the connecting bridge to Komtar and see what was happening there.

I passed through this place, once housed the ever popular Yao Han Departmental Store(it was later changed to Active Life Store, and later took over by Parkson Grand). Now, in a very pathetic state.

They had closed shop.

And what happened to Super Komtar now?

A sad state of near bankcruptcy.

Only few non-branded garments left.

The store is only open from level 1 to three, even then only a very small section has merchandise been displayed.

The once most active, famous, busiest and centre of activities in the ground floor, is now permanently shut.

The same fate fell on Komtar too.

Here were some of the stores at third floor, once a busy side walks.

Gone are the glory of the grand old Komtar. Wonder where had most of the Penangites gone to during these sales period?