NILAI, Nov 17 -- The Nilai 3 Business Centre, once considered a shopping haven, particularly for wedding items, home décor, and textiles, is now facing significant economic challenges as the largest commercial hub in Negeri Sembilan appears to be gradually losing its vibrancy.
Located about 30 kilometres (km) from Seremban and 45 km from Kuala Lumpur, the centre was once a popular destination for both local visitors and foreign tourists, attracted by its reasonably priced goods.
However, a recent check by Bernama found that business activity in the area has sharply declined after decades of being in operation. While many shops remain open, the area appears deserted, with few visitors.
Hassan Khan, 32, a carpet and home décor trader, said that the number of visitors to Nilai 3 has dropped by nearly 60 per cent, especially on weekdays, with most traders now relying on weekends or holiday periods when customer traffic is higher.
"Before COVID-19, we were making over RM15,000 in profit a month, but now it's difficult to even earn RM5,000. I've been working here for the past seven years, and the business in Nilai 3 is no longer as lively as it used to be. Something needs to be done to breathe new life into this area," he said.
"Customers come in droves to look but rarely buy. Our prices are mostly still the same as before, and if there is any difference, it's only about RM2 to RM3. We can't raise prices just like that, or else people won’t buy," he told Bernama.
Hassan added that the area used to be vibrant with various events, such as karaoke competitions or weekend ‘happy hour’ sales, but these activities have now disappeared due to a lack of public interest.
Ghani Rahman, 24, a worker at a carpet shop, suggested that the decline in customers might be due to increased competition from online sales.
Originally from Pakistan, he said that many vendors now sell through online platforms like TikTok and Shopee, offering prices that are cheaper than those in the physical market.
"They can afford to sell at lower prices because they don't have shops, don't pay rent, and don’t need to employ as many staff. That's why they can offer cheaper prices on TikTok or Shopee. We here in the shop have to compete with those prices," he said.
"At times, we do sell online, but we can't do it full-time because we’re tied up with other tasks, like organising goods and counting stock," he said.
State Local Government Development, Housing and Transport Committee chairman J. Arul Kumar said that the Negeri Sembilan government is actively planning developments in Nilai 3, with the aim of making it one of the key tourist destinations in Nilai.
The Nilai assemblyman added that the area is set to become a must-visit location, and Nilai 3’s revival as a famous wholesale shopping hub will happen through a more organised development plan.
"The state government, through the Seremban City Council (MBS), has already implemented improvements to basic facilities such as roads, streetlights, drains, toilets, and other infrastructure in the area. Everything has been upgraded to ensure a more comfortable experience for visitors.
"Recently, MBS, along with developers and traders in Nilai 3, have planned to build a mini 'Great Wall' in Nilai 3 to add value to the area's tourism products. This will position Nilai 3 as a symbol of modern development and further strengthen Nilai's identity as a tourist destination," he said.
He added that such initiatives reflect the state government's ongoing efforts to enhance Negeri Sembilan's appeal, attracting both local and international tourists.
-- BERNAMA
