PETALING JAYA: With haze limiting outdoor activities, shopping malls are attracting people seeking indoor spaces to walk, exercise and spend time with their families.
Sunway Malls group managing director HC Chan said its malls had recorded an increase in visitor traffic, with people also spending longer periods indoors.
“With the persistent haze, enclosed malls have an advantage, as they offer a controlled environment with better climate and air quality control to make them safer and more welcoming for the public.
“The higher temperatures caused by the haze have also driven more people indoors to seek respite,” he added.
Chan said longer visits have also altered dining patterns, with people eating at malls outside conventional lunch and dinner hours.
“It is not surprising to see people having a full meal at a restaurant at 4pm,” he said.
Sub-editor Nor Aziah Mat Noh, 29, said malls offer an alternative to outdoor activities when air quality deteriorated.
“At least I can still walk around and do activities without being too exposed to the hazy air,” she said.
Aziah said she would cut back on jogging, walking in parks and exercising outdoors, opting instead to visit malls, go to the gym or stay home.
However, she said spending more time at malls does not necessarily mean spending more money.
“I might just walk around, eat or have a drink at a cafe. But if I go there too often, my spending might increase,” she said.
Private-sector employee Mohd Nasirruddin Yazid, 39, said he was concerned that prolonged haze could disrupt plans with his two children during the coming school holidays.
He said that if conditions do not improve, they might have to cancel or postpone activities such as cycling, visiting recreational parks and exploring outdoor attractions.
“I feel it is rather sad when school holidays, which should give children the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities, end up being spent indoors.
“Children can play indoors, but it is not the same as having the freedom to explore and enjoy the natural environment,” he said.
Nasirruddin said indoor outings could also strain family budgets, as parking, food and paid attractions cost more than spending time at public parks.
Property consultant Raja Amir Syarifudin Raja Hishamudin, 27, said he is also turning to indoor activities to avoid prolonged exposure to the haze.
He said he has reduced activities such as hiking and swimming in rivers, opting instead to exercise at home depending on conditions.
“If the haze continues, I will be more inclined to reduce outdoor activities,” Raja Amir Syarifudin said, adding that the situation had not affected his spending.
Singaporean visitor Nur Syafiqah Ismail, 24, said the haze had disrupted her plans to attend a relative’s wedding because she was concerned about driving in the conditions.
“I have been searching for enclosed places such as shopping malls with air-conditioning because the haze makes the outdoor temperature feel hotter.”
She added that the haze had obscured scenic views and caused her to cough and develop a runny nose.
