Complex operating without CF or business permit
04/10/2006 The Star By Lee Yuk Peng

MALACCA: Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall – the latest, and touted as the largest, shopping centre in the state – has been operating without a business licence since it opened late last month.

The Malacca City Council, saying it cannot accept any development that is without a certificate of fitness, has been issuing summonses – carrying a fine of RM250 – for the alleged offence daily since Sept 25.

SITE VISIT: Mohd Ali (third from left) inspecting Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall on Monday. Flanking him are Tan (left) and Kesidang state assemblyman Koh Nai Kwong.
Without the certificate, mall developer Lianbang Ventures Sdn Bhd cannot proceed to apply for the business licence.

Mayor Datuk Zaini Md Nor has refused to issue the certificate, stating that work on the external features of the mall – staircases, wiring, piping and landscaping – were still not complete.

“I will continue to fine the developer until work on the external features are completed,” he said.

Built on 7.7ha of leasehold land along Jalan Merdeka, the centre comprises single- and five-storey shopping areas, with more than 600 retail lots.

The mall takes its name from Dataran Pahlawan, a public square with nearby bazaars, open walkways and shopping zones. More than 30 shoplots have opened so far.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam, who visited the mall on Monday, said he was satisfied with the progress of the work there.

Asked to comment on the mall not having a certificate of fitness, Mohd Ali said he had referred the matter to the mayor to handle.

Lianbang Ventures business adviser Datuk Eric Tan said the company would comply with all regulations and would settle all the summonses issued by the city council.