KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 8* — Once bustling hubs of commerce and culture, malls like Pertama Complex and Campbell Shopping Complex are now shadows of their former selves. Built in the 1970s, these malls were pioneers of modern retail in Kuala Lumpur, offering everything from electronics to high-end fashion. They became landmarks in a city on the rise, but today, they stand as reminders of how quickly urban development has outpaced them.

Pertama, often credited as Malaysia's first modern shopping mall, and Campbell, a fashion and movie hotspot, were once thriving weekend destinations for locals and tourists alike. However, as Kuala Lumpur’s skyline evolved, these once-iconic malls have become largely forgotten, with foot traffic dwindling over the years.

Local businesses within these malls struggle to survive, with long-time shopkeepers like tailor Abasilah, who has been at Pertama for 20 years, saying he now relies on a small number of regulars to stay afloat. Other shopkeepers in nearby Campbell share similar challenges, citing low customer turnout and the rise of online shopping post-pandemic as major factors in their decline.Even though rents are cheaper than newer malls, the lack of foot traffic has made it difficult for many to stay in business. As former retail giants like cinemas and stores have vanished, the once-vibrant shopping complexes have been left behind in the wake of newer, mixed-use developments.

While some nostalgic Malaysians advocate preserving these malls, the future remains uncertain. However, the survival of Sungei Wang Plaza, which also opened in the late '70s, offers a glimmer of hope. After two major renovations, Sungei Wang has managed to stay relevant by appealing to younger crowds with affordable shopping, events, and modern upgrades.

In contrast, Pertama and Campbell grapple with their fading relevance, stuck in a rapidly evolving city that has left them behind.