1BORNEO DENIES SMS RUMOUR

KOTA KINABALU: The management of 1Borneo Hypermall, has refuted the SMS (Short Messaging Service) being circulated warning people not to visit Sabah’s newest shopping mall claiming that it was unsafe.

At a press conference held here yesterday, group director, Tan Tiang Lai said it had not received a single complaint or report from a customer or victim of robbery.

“We get more than 70,000 patrons every weekend because we have secured more than 50 per cent of the market share,” he said.

Tan believed it was the malicious work of rivals or irresponsible individuals made against the company because of the increasing traffic in the vicinity of the mall.

1Borneo has lodged a police report and investigations are being made to determine the culprit or culprits responsible for tarnishing its image.

The SMS read: “Breaking News! Don’t go to 1Borneo, many robbery cases happen at car park and also break into your car, management did not report it…”

“There are RELA teams and policemen stationed at our mall during the weekends. On weekdays, we have 150 security officers on duty,” added Tan.

Closed circuit televisions (CCTVs) are placed at all access points to enable security personnel to respond quickly during emergencies or a potential conflict.

For the convenience of customers, there are more than 30 car jockeys at a charge of RM5 and 1Borneo is the only shopping mall to offer such a service.

Tan assured that the safety of customers and retailers was a priority for the company.

“The real situation is far different from what is being spread by the SMS. It has become quite serious because some state Ministers have informed us that even they received it,” he added.

He advised anyone receiving the SMS to call and verify with the 1Borneo Centre Management office at 088-448000.