10 | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER . 2023

Malakat Mall building . Malakat Mall VR sets .

Malakat Mall lobby .

Interior of Casa De Madani .

BY DANIAL FAUZI

Adzhar Mohd Noor

Situated in Cyberjaya , approximately 30 minutes from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport ( KLIA ), Malakat Mall , owned by Malakat Eco Group , offers a unique shopping destination . Its proximity to KLIA makes it an ideal stopover for tourists upon arrival or before departure .

Malakat Mall offers a range of amenities , including budget-friendly grocery stores , halal fine dining options , gadget shops , and more . What distinguishes Malakat Mall is its unique role as more than just a typical shopping centre . It serves as a dedicated hub for ethical businesses , providing entrepreneurs with a platform to nurture their brands and businesses .

“ When you walk in Malakat Mall , you will feel it is different from other malls . Everybody will have that experience . People here will give you salam , people will smile and make you feel welcome ,” said Malakat Eco Group Executive Director and Senior Vice President Adzhar Mohd Noor .

He explained that ‘ Malakat ’ was a term used by some Arab traders to describe the location now known as Melaka ( Malacca ). ‘ Malakat ’ is synonymous with Melaka , signifying a gathering place for global traders . This historical reference reflects the significant role Melaka played in international trade during that era .

EMPHASISING TRANSPARENCY AND ISLAMIC VALUES

As a mall committed to Islamic values , Malakat Mall has gone out of its way to guarantee that its offerings adhere to halal and toyyiban principles . This was made feasible through Malakat Eco Group ’ s establishment of a restaurant and hotel in Turkiye , which facilitated the importation of affordable halal and toyyiban products from Turkiye to be available at its Malakat Grocer . This distinctive approach not only appeals to Muslim customers but also attracts non-Muslim customers who prioritise the purity of halal products .

Adzhar also emphasised that Malakat Eco Group has made additional efforts

to ensure that locally sourced products maintain the highest halal standards .

Taking meat sourcing as an example , Adzhar explained : “ To ensure that it is halal and toyyiban , we will look at their slaughterhouse and interview their staff along with observing their work ethic and conduct .”

“ We will sign a contract with them if everything is up to standard . This is why when people visit the mall , they would not even read the label when buying our products because we have built a trust with them .”

To further uphold Islamic values and practices , Malakat Mall has also prepared a prayer area in the centre of the mall ’ s lobby for daily prayers and congregations for easy accessibility to all within the mall . With a seven-minute prayer break for their

staff , the mall ’ s staff and their customers can perform their prayers on time whilst also enjoying their shopping experience .

“ Occasionally , we would also have various Islamic scholars preach in the mall and recite verses from the Holy Quran in the prayer area ,” Adzhar added .

GOING BEYOND FOOD AND ENVIRONMENT

One of the highlights at Malakat Mall is Casa De Madani , its halal fine dining restaurant , where every dish comes with a unique story , offering a fusion of Modern European cuisine tailored to Malaysian preferences . It provides an opportunity to savour a multisensory gastronomic experience crafted by award-winning Muslim chefs in an inviting and luxurious ambience catering to locals and Muslim travellers .

The mall recently introduced four sets of virtual reality ( VR ) gear for visitors to explore , offering an immersive 8D experience that allows them to virtually journey through significant events in the life of Prophet Muhammad ( PBUH ). These four captivating stories include Mecca , the Hijrah ( the Prophet ’ s migration ), Maulid ( the Prophet ’ s birth ), and Isra ’ and Mi ’ raj .

Adzhar also revealed plans for a forthcoming mall renovation in November , which will include the construction of a Mecca and Madinah museum . This museum aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of the history of Mecca and Madinah , as well as knowledge about Islam and the life of the Prophet Muhammad ( PBUH ). These unique attractions are set to become must-visit destinations for Muslims seeking a profound and immersive experience .

“ We plan to work closely with the Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ). We must ensure that our mall will be among the first to receive Muslim-friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition ( MFAR ). That ’ s our target . We also aim to bring more local products to Malakat Mall to cater to Muslim tourists , as we ’ ve noticed that we are very close to the airport , only about 30 minutes away .” — R & R