KOTA KINABALU: Business operators at 1Borneo Hypermall raised concerns over the drop in sales since the power supply for air-conditioning system was cut on July 11.
Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) has cut off power supply to the mall after the management failed to settle the arrears in electricity bill amounting to over RM8.7 million.
The operators claimed that they were left in the dark about the matter and was not given a timeframe by the mall management in settling the arrears.
Checks at the mall showed that there was hardly any customers around and that the heat could be unbearable especially at noon.
Some shop owners and workers said they had to use fans that they had brought from home to cool their outlets.
A cafe owner, who wanted to be known as Zulfian, 42, said the absence of air-conditioning system had affected his business.
“A week after the power supply to the air-conditioning system was cut, we saw fewer customers coming to the mall. We had been suffering losses since.
“We hope the problem will be solved soon. We depend on our business here to earn a living. Some of us bought fans for the comfort of our customers, but that was not enough as the building is too hot without air-conditioners,” he said.
Eby Rochelle Jusili, 20, who works at an optical shop said the absence of air-conditioners had driven customers away and forced the mall staff to work in an uncomfortable environment.
“There was a huge drop in sales. We didn’t have any customers yesterday,” he said.
The mall’s management, 1Borneo Management Corporation (1BMC) in a statement yesterday said it was still in negotiation with SESB on the settlement plan for the outstanding bill and reconnection of the power supply.
It said 1Borneo Hypermall might be forced to close should it fail to reach an agreement with the utility company.