hypermarket chain opened its 20th outlet in Jalan Baru, here, yesterday.

Mydin managing director Datuk Dr Ameer Ali Mydin said they are happy to return to Penang once again where his grandfather first started the business several decades ago.

“The new Mydin Mall, which cost more than RM284 million and has a built-up area of 1.13 million square feet, is the largest outlet among our chain of hypermarkets in the country,” he told a press conference.

Ameer said the mall would be a boon to those living or working in Bukit Mertajam, Seberang Perai and the northern region.

He added that Mydin is planning to invest more than RM1.03 billion to open six more new outlets next year in Pulau Subang in Malacca, Samariang and Vista Tunku in Kuching, Jengka in Pahang, Mutiara Rini in Johor, Taman Batik, Sungai Petani and Mergong in Kedah. 

He said their approach was not about customers coming to the outlets, but more of the outlets being easily accessible and convenient for the customers, as during such tough and trying times of an economic slowdown, people are more cost-conscious, noting that people enjoy coming to Mydin as they feel their shopping experience yields savings that is value for money.

“If one buys a basketful of goods at any Mydin hypermarket, I would say that it is between 15 per cent and 20 per cent cheaper compared with competitors in the market, although I will not say that our prices are the lowest, as we do not want to compromise on the quality of our goods and products just to boast having the lowest prices. But I will say that we sell our goods and products at some of the lowest prices in the market,” he said.

He added that the new outlet could cater to more than 400,000 people who live in a five-kilometer radius, which is close enough to the Penang Bridge that people on the island could also visit to do their shopping.

The mall also has two multi-purpose exhibition halls for activities such as weddings, shows, exhibitions, conferences and conventions.