The beacon that is Bukit Bintang shopping paradise

KUALA LUMPUR: Like a magnet for shoppers, the Bukit Bintang shopping area here is pulling in people from everywhere.

Hailing from Spain to Singapore, these shoppers can be seen busy perusing gifts and posing for selfies.

Tourists David and Judith Sanses, both 50, said were excited to travel back to Spain with the discounted gifts and souvenirs they had bought here for their family and friends.

The couple said they had enjoyed their 15-day stay in Malaysia and were looking forward to visiting again.

“We love the multiracial and multicultural environment in this country.

“We’re excited to come back again one day,” said David.

Singaporean native Zulkifli Zulkarnain, 23, said he loved coming to Kuala Lumpur with his friends to buy discounted goods for New Year’s Day.

“We’re only here for a few days. We plan to walk around Bukit Bintang and buy nice things,” said the army cadet member.

As for 17-year-old Leah Fallant from Petaling Jaya, she said she was glad to be spending time with family and friends during the holidays as she had been busy with school.

She said she came to Bukit Bintang with her buddies to take advantage of year-end sales for clothes and make-up.

Marketing executive Sugenya Ravasamy, 29, said she was thrilled to be buying perfume and clothes for her best friend who is of the same age and even shared the same name as her.

“It is a time to celebrate friends and family and give them gifts to enjoy,” she said.

Newly-married Muhammad Yazid Zainal Fitri and Sarimah Shima, both 28, said they would be spending their time buying household products and necessities for their new house in Petaling Jaya.

They also plan to buy gifts for one another.

“I will be buying my wife either a handbag or a pair of shoes,” said Muhammad Yazid, who is an accountant.

University student David Chan, from Penang, said he planned to buy gifts for his family before he heading back to his hometown.

“I’m looking to buy scented candles for my mother and T-shirts for my father and brother,” he said.

Tommy Tan Wei Li, who works at a cosmetics booth, said the year-end holiday was a special time to take pictures of promotional events and festivals around malls.

“It is the best time to travel around the country,” said Tan, 23.

Marketing executive Daniel Cheah said he would be celebrating New Year with his work colleagues who play an important role in his life.

“I’ll be throwing a dinner treat for all of them later in the month,” said Cheah, 30, who was spotted shooting a promotional video for one his company’s clients.

Amid the shopping frenzy, 82-year-old Daniel Lee and his family were among those who were seen wearing face masks.

Lee said that the public should not take their health for granted.

“Always prioritise your health and never neglect it just because it is the holiday season.

“I always remind my family to wear a face mask before we go out,” he added.