KOTA KINABALU – Popular IT mall Kompleks Karamunsing has been ordered by Sabah health authorities to shut from today to June 2, but tenants were told by the management that the closure is only for 48 hours.
It is one of three malls here listed as potential Covid-19 hotspots under the Hotspot Identification for Dynamic Engagement (HIDE) system on May 9.
State Health Department director Datuk Dr Christina Rundi confirmed the closure order after a notice on it was widely shared about 11am today.
While the notice states that the closure is effective from 11am today to June 2, Kompleks Karamunsing mall management Crest Megaway told The Vibes that it is only for 48 hours.
It also ordered all businesses there to stop operating at 3pm, although health authorities ordered the closure to start hours earlier.
The management told tenants to have their staff undergo Covid-19 swab tests today and tomorrow, and that they are allowed to resume business on Saturday if the results return negative.
A check by The Vibes this afternoon found many stores at the complex operating as usual, even though several workers acknowledged the state government’s closure notice.
“We are still waiting for the management to tell us to close down. So, until then, we will just continue being open,” said a computer shop employee who requested anonymity.
Hairul Masri, a computer technician at the mall, said the crowd was massive before and during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri holiday, as many computer and gadget shops offered festive-season discounts.
Dr Rundi did not respond when asked if the mall’s closure is due to Covid-19.
The Sabah Health Department Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre line confirmed the mall’s closure, saying the directive came from the Kota Kinabalu health office.
“The closure will allow the firm to carry out disinfection. On whether there are positive cases, we cannot comment on it.
“With or without cases, the mall will still undergo sanitisation, and proper action will be taken if there are positive cases.” – The Vibes, May 20, 2021
Additional reporting by Rebecca Chong
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