Cops keep watch on abandoned mall in Johor Baru

14/05/2008 The Star By Farik Zolkepli

JOHOR BARU: Police have beefed up patrols around the abandoned Pacific Mall near Bukit Cagar after 32 escalators were reported stolen from the building.

Johor CID chief Senior Asst Comm II Amer Awal acknowledged that police had received complaints from the public over the theft and investigations were underway.

Eyesore: The poor condition of the abandoned Pacific Mall.

“We are investigating the case from all angles and have stepped up patrols near the mall to prevent other similar cases,” he said, assuring the public that police did not take the matter lightly.

SAC II Amer appealed to residents living near the mall to report suspicious incidents to enable prompt police action.

He urged those with information to contact the police hotline at 07-221 2999 or the nearest police station.

The Star had earlier reported that the RM300mil building near Bukit Cagar was not only an eyesore, but also the scene of the bizarre theft.

Huge mess: Ceiling boards missing at the mall.

Owners who bought individual lots at the shopping centre were crying foul over their loss as they were servicing bank loans for the failed project.

The mall, located between Jalan Storey and Bukit Cagar, comprises a five-level podium and a 24-storey office tower.

The building, which was 90% complete, was abandoned in 1997 due to recession.

Meanwhile, Johor Baru MP Datuk Shahrir Samad, who took up the case, said the buyers' plights had gained the attention of the state and the Iskandar Region Development Authority (IRDA).

“The state has asked IRDA to look into resolving the issue which involves the buyers and banks,” he said.