The RM100 million mall, which covers 12 hectares, features 40 shops, a 32-lane bowling alley, four futsal and squash courts and a multipurpose hall which can accommodate 800 people.

The single-storey mall, located in Kerteh, has three cineplexes which are scheduled to open by year-end and would be the first in the state.

State Rural Development, Entrepreneurs and Cooperative chairman Datuk Mohamed Awang Tera said the construction of the mall, to be managed by Suria KLCC Sdn Bhd, came following the success of the oil and gas industry established in the district.

The mall, which is part of a masterplan to turn the area into a petrol-chemical hub, will also provide 600 jobs.

"People here now have the purchasing power for high-end items.

"If we are slow in building a mall to capture the spending power, they might move out of the area to spend," he said after opening the mall yesterday.

"I believe it will create a new dimension in the way of life here, as well as act as an eye opener for a better lifestyle. It will be able to retain the expenditure of people here.

"Now locals won't need to go to Kuala Terengganu or Kuantan as this mall is an alternative, especially for the oil and gas community."

Mohamed said the small medium enterprises need not feel threatened as the mall had also allocated space for SME, especially for push cart entrepreneurs.

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