Business at Low Yat Plaza down by 50 per cent following brawl - MCA

MCA youth chief Chong Sin Woon said it is hoped Low Yat Plaza's management would reduce the monthly rental for traders to lighten their financial burden.

He told reporters this after a visit to the mall Wednesday.

Chong said traders complained that they had to close their business for two days since Sunday and after that the number of visitors to the plaza fell drastically causing traders to worry about their future, he said.

Apart from that, shops at the plaza also had to close early for security reasons, he added.

"They are still traumatised and fearful especially at night and many opted to close early as well," he said.

Chong said he hoped security around the area could be beefed up to ease fears of traders and visitors.

There was a brawl at the plaza on Saturday which allegedly was sparked off by a man who was unhappy after being accused of stealing a mobile phone.

The security officers at the plaza handed the man over to police and later he contacted his friends to beat the workers who caught him.'

The friends caused damage amounting to RM70,000 to the shop.

On Sunday, hundreds of people believed to be friends of the man who was detained by police gathered in front of the plaza at 8 pm before a riot broke out until early morning.

To date police have apprehended 25 individuals believed to be linked to the incidents.