Malaysia's movement control order has led to an unforeseen mouldy situation.

On May 10, photos of leather or faux-leather products covered in white fungal substance went viral online.

Mouldy products thrown away, stores cleaned and disinfected

It has since been confirmed that the pictures were taken in a department store in Metrojaya Suria Sabah Mall.

In a May 11 Facebook post, the mall shared videos of its staff throwing the mouldy products into a trash bag.

The videos also showed the staff, dressed in full personal protective equipment (PPE), cleaning and disinfecting the rest of the stores.

Possibly caused by high humidity and warm moist environment

According to Sin Chew Daily, most of the products featured in the photos belonged to Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club.

The brand explained that the the mould growth was probably due to high humidity and a warm, moist environment.

Here's the full statement from Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club via Sin Chew Daily.

"Dear valued media & customers,

We are writing in relation to Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club shoes that turned moldy (sic) photos that have gone viral in social media. Our reaction is same like all of you, shock and surprise, because we are not able to enter the building yet. We received notice from Metrojaya that Suria KK branch will resume business on 13 May 2020 and unaware how the photos are taken.

Lockdown for Covid-19 is unprecedented, and it was beyond our expectation to have the mall closed for more than 45 days. Such high humidity, and warm moist environment has caused mold to land and grow on surfaces like leather shoes. These fungal spores can be airborne, mold growth is relatively common on shoes and clothing. With the proper steps, the mold can be removed if they are not rooted.

Our staffs are required to do cleaning and disinfection before the store is opened, and shoe display like the picture shown where mold is rooted will be cut and dispose off or thrown away. The safety of the customers is always our priority, rest assured we will handle it professionally. However, all these measures can only be taken when our staffs are allowed to enter the building.

Thank you for your understanding & support.

Yours Truly,

Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club Shoes Licensee."

Top images from Metrojaya/FB & Nex Nezeum/FB.