Perak’s retail landscape is set for a major shift with the upcoming Sunway Ipoh Mall, which aims to bring a wider array of shopping, dining and leisure options to consumers who traditionally travel out of state for variety.
The RM1bil mall, scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2027, is already 80% leased, with more than 100 of its 400 shops expected to feature brands making their debut in the state.
Sunway Malls group managing director HC Chan said the group’s market research showed that many Perak residents travelled up to three hours to the Klang Valley to access a wider range of retail offerings.
He said the new mall was intended to serve both Ipoh and the broader state population, which he described as an underserved market.
“Perak has yet to have a Tier 1 mall serving the state,” Chan said during a press conference for the Sunway Ipoh Mall Key Tenant Unveiling event at Jeffrey Cheah Performing Arts Centre (JCPAC) in Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya in Selangor.
Chan expressed confidence in the mall’s potential, citing the performance of Sunway Carnival Mall in Seberang Jaya, Penang, and limited competition in Perak.
“We are confident in Sunway Ipoh Mall’s potential, especially given our sales at Sunway Carnival Mall.
“For context, Sunway Carnival Mall recorded higher sales per square metre in 2026 compared to Sunway Pyramid (in Petaling Jaya),” he added.
Located within Sunway City Ipoh, the mall will be adjacent to Sunway Medical Centre, The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat and Lost World of Tambun.
Spanning 1.2 million sq ft of net lettable area across four floors, the development will accommodate 400 shops.
The 25 confirmed brands include seven anchor tenants, six of which are making their Perak debut – Mr DIY Plus, Parkson Elite, Sunway Ice Rink, Sunway Ipoh Exhibition Centre, Sunway Megalanes and Village Grocer – with TGV Cinemas completing the anchor lineup.
Nine other retailers opening their first stores in Perak include Muji, LC Waikiki and TopTen10.
They will join Brands Outlet, Decathlon, Estee Lauder Companies, Harvey Norman, Hooga, JD Sports, L’Oreal Group, Map Active, Neonest, Padini, Panda Eyes, Popular, Uniqlo, The Parenthood and Valiram Group.
Chan said 25% of the retail brands would be new to the state, adding that the mall would also feature local food offerings.
“We believe the development will unlock new growth for us and our business partners.”
Sunway Malls Northern Region chief executive officer Chai Wen Yew said the mall’s location within the 546ha Sunway City Ipoh would further strengthen its appeal.
He said the development was supported by an established local consumer base, steady tourism activity and continued township expansion.
Sunway City Ipoh currently holds a gross development value (GDV) of RM2bil, with a further RM4bil planned over the next 10 to 15 years, including Sunway University, a hotel and convention centre.
Sunway Malls currently owns and manages 11 shopping centres across the country with five more planned over the next three years, bringing its portfolio to 16.
Across its portfolio, Sunway Malls reported an occupancy rate of 98%, with sales rising 5% year-on-year in the first half of 2026.
The group said 435 shops covering a combined 850,000sq ft across its malls had undergone upgrades or renovations as of September.
