Plenty of local malls have been getting slammed over their festival decorations recently. However, this time, Pavilion KL has earned praise from netizens after it was discovered that they actually reuse their decorations.
On 19th November, Facebook group Malaysia Shopping Mall took Pavilion KL to task, pointing out several decorations they’ve been reusing for various festivals. But, rather than earning netizens’ ire, plenty expressed their appreciation for the mall, praising their creativeness instead.
Every festival, you’ll see malls bring out their decorations for the season. But, Malaysia Shopping Mall apparently noticed Pavilion KL reusing several pieces, and weren’t too happy about it. “Haiyaa, (the) old lanterns (have been) recycled don’t know for how many festivals,” they commented, uploading photos of said hanging lanterns through Christmas, Chinese New Year and Raya.
They also made another post about a carousel that apparently makes a reappearance during Christmas. “Creatively recycle. Christmas same carousel on 2023, 2014 and 2013,” they pointed out. Photos of the carousel being used during Christmas were uploaded, with one instance of it coming out of storage during Chinese New Year.
However, netizens did not agree with the Facebook group’s view on the reused decorations. In fact, several were pleased that they were doing so. “Recycling old lanterns is good, save Mother Earth,” one comment read. Another stated: “This is very creative, using (recycled) materials to recreate a new product.” A netizen also said: “Love the idea of recycling creatively!”
Others pointed out other malls that have also reused their decorations. “KLCC’s Deepavali peacocks this year (were) also same as last year’s ones. Nothing wrong because it’s symbolic and very beautiful. In fact, grade A malls should show the way in ESG efforts,” one said. “Pavilion Bukit Jalil also recycles many decorations. It’s good to see beautiful deco being repurpose rather than discarded after one month,” another complimented.
Still, Malaysia Shopping Mall explained their issue with the reused decorations. “What if (the) same structure/items (has) been recycled (after) a decade… this is (Malaysia’s) 5-star mall… It doesn’t (present a) good image to tourists where everyone expects to see new & fresh things…” they stated. Some netizens pointed out that tourists rarely come every year, while others opined few would notice.
Someone claiming to be the owner of the carousel used in Pavilion KL’s decorations also spoke up. “I’ve spearheaded efforts to create a unique inner design that aligns with the Christmas theme. While it may seem easy to talk about, the reality is the strenuous process of thinking, designing, refurbishing, and repainting that unfolded over two months,” he said, adding that the current carousel was different from the previous model, with “a new and different design“.
Netizens have since urged the Facebook group’s admin to see things from the malls’ perspective. Others have jabbed at the admin to “sponsor” the malls for their decorations if it really got on their nerves. Or as one said: “Admin, you so creative in your criticism, you do la!”
Well, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. On our end, we certainly enjoy seeing the pretty decorations and do agree that recycling or reusing them is better for the environment. Like others, we hope they will continue to creatively reuse or recycle their decorations in the future.
