BATU KAWAN: With the interstate travel ban lifted on Monday, a steady stream of people had a great time hunting for bargains at shopping malls, while some enjoyed a splashing good time by the beach.

       Most of them were from Kedah, who took an extra day off from work yesterday to swarm Penang for a much-needed getaway. (Kedah observes Friday and Saturday as the weekend.)

       Pharmacist Rahimi Mohd Arif, from Alor Setar, brought his wife and their four children to Ikea Batu Kawan on the mainland for some shopping, before checking into a beach resort on the island.

       “There’s good quality stuff at Ikea which is priced affordably.

       “But more importantly, I get to spend quality time with my family as we browse the store. We had been here a few times before the movement restrictions,” said the 34-year-old before they headed to a hotel in Batu Feringghi.

       Although it was a working day yesterday, a check by The Star showed that many cars with Kedah and Perak number plates were spotted at the 44,000sq m Ikea outpost in Batu Kawan.

       Located only about a 30-minute drive away from several parts of Kedah and Perak, the superstore became a sure draw for shoppers delighted to be able to cross over to Penang for some long-delayed shopping.

       Ikea Batu Kawan store manager Pathmalingam Arumugam said they were thrilled to finally welcome fully vaccinated shoppers including those from the neighbouring states.

       “Over the past few months, while customers continued to shop online, we knew that many had been missing the unique and familiar Ikea in-store shopping experience that sparks home furnishing inspirations,” he said.

       “For a safe working and shopping experience, we will continue to adhere to the SOP set by the authorities.”

       At another outlet mall nearby, civil servant Shuhaiful Anuar Azizan, 40, was shopping for a gift for his daughter whose birthday falls this weekend.

       “It’s sort of a short trip for us after being cooped up at home in Alor Setar for more than three months.

       “We are so glad to be here as there are up to 80% discounts for some items.

       “After this, we will be going to Batu Feringghi to enjoy the beach,” he said when met at Design Village Outlet Mall yesterday.

       Lecturer Fauzi Audzir, 50, drove from Alor Setar for an outing at the mall with his family.

       “We decided to come out for fresh air after seeing a reduction in Covid-19 cases. The discounts for many items at the mall are another reason why we are here,” he said.

       Situated in the Batu Kawan new township, the mall is only a half-hour drive from Parit Buntar, Perak, and about a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Alor Setar.

       Design Village Outlet Mall assistant marketing manager Suly Ooi said the management welcomed all low-risk shoppers and hoped they adhered strictly to the SOP to prevent Covid-19 infections.

       “We expect the crowd to be back, about 10,000 shoppers, at the mall over the weekend.

       “Next week, there will be many attractive discounted items on offer by participating outlets,” she said.