Pet-friendly indoor mall opens in Selangor, M'sians argue about it

Sunway Square Mall, a new pet-friendly indoor mall in Selangor opened its doors to visitors in Malaysia on Dec. 12.

According to The Edge Malaysia, the four-storey shopping mall houses 130 shops, with 95 per cent already in operations. 

However, sightings of dogs within the premises have also garnered mixed reactions online among Malaysians.

Mall has "house rules" for pets

In a Dec. 11 post on Threads, user Esther Erin wrote: "Wow, is this the first pet-friendly INDOOR mall in Malaysia? We can even bring dogs inside too".

She also shared photos of a dog in a cart, as well as a signboard at the mall with instructions for pet owners.

The board listed eight "house rules" for those bringing their animal companions to the premises.

Among these rules, owners are expected to keep their pets in strollers or carriers "at all times", use designated pet lifts, maintain their pet's hygiene, keep interactions "controlled" and more.

Owners are also "fully responsible" for any injuries, damages, or incidents caused by their pets.

Malaysians divided

The post drew divided responses, with some condemning the mall's pet-friendliness.

One user described the approach as "racist", adding that the "target audience is already known" when "even dogs are allowed in".

Another user echoed the sentiment, labelling the act of bringing dogs into the mall "kiasu".

A user also asked who would "pay" if a dog bites someone.

Despite some backlash, other users appeared to respond with empathy and acceptance.

One user, who claimed to be a Muslim, said that people should "give a chance" to those who have pets to experience "walking together" in a mall, and told those "who are uncomfortable" that they "have many other options".

Others agreed, noting that it's "gonna be so much fun and full of love" and that owners will look after their pets' cleanliness.

There was also a stronger response, saying: "Not all malls are allowed (to bring pets in) like this. Just this one mall (and few others). You don't like it, can't accept it, no need to go. There are many malls in Malaysia, this is the one you want to make noise about? Allow pet owners to have a safe space to hang out and chill with their furry family laa. You go somewhere else!"

Among the mixed reactions, one user also said that they will "bring a snake".

Top photos via @ esthererin/Threads