Lockdown ruins leather products in Malaysian mall as mould covers them

COVID-19 has greatly affected people and businesses across the world. Malaysia’s lockdown has been extended till June 9 and leather goods retailers in malls have taken a hit.  

Goods in departmental stores in Malaysia are exposed to conditions that are unlike what has been experienced when there are people around to ensure a basic level of maintenance.

Goods in departmental stores in Malaysia are exposed to conditions that are unlike what has been experienced when there are people around to ensure a basic level of maintenance.

Not only have business takings fallen to zero, leather products have been ruined by mould after being left untouched in a Malaysian mall which had to close down two months ago due to the coronavirus. 

Not only have business takings fallen to zero, leather products have been ruined by mould after being left untouched in a Malaysian mall which had to close down two months ago due to the coronavirus. 

A stand of leather and faux leather items was found covered in mould after employees returned to the store in Malaysia after a two-month lockdown due to coronavirus.

A stand of leather and faux leather items was found covered in mould after employees returned to the store in Malaysia after a two-month lockdown due to coronavirus.

The startling images of ruined products were taken as the country prepares to enter its third month of coronavirus lockdown.

The startling images of ruined products were taken as the country prepares to enter its third month of coronavirus lockdown.

Loafers fell victim to the mould at this store in Malaysia after they shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic. A pair of shoes has turned yellow due to the mould.

Loafers fell victim to the mould at this store in Malaysia after they shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic. A pair of shoes has turned yellow due to the mould.

In the images, which have been shared over 44,000 times on social media, leather products on display including shoes, bags and belts can be seen covered in mould.

In the images, which have been shared over 44,000 times on social media, leather products on display including shoes, bags and belts can be seen covered in mould.

Leather bags began to be studded with mould after employees shut shop due to the coronavirus crisis two months ago.

Leather bags began to be studded with mould after employees shut shop due to the coronavirus crisis two months ago.

The photos showed the extent of fungal growth on some leather or faux-leather products in a departmental store that has not seen patrons for several weeks now.

The photos showed the extent of fungal growth on some leather or faux-leather products in a departmental store that has not seen patrons for several weeks now.

One reason could be due to the increase in humidity assuming that the air-conditioner has been turned off and the lack of handling of the products that has allowed the mould to accumulate.

One reason could be due to the increase in humidity assuming that the air-conditioner has been turned off and the lack of handling of the products that has allowed the mould to accumulate.

These images are likely to have been taken from Metrojaya Suria Sabah.

These images are likely to have been taken from Metrojaya Suria Sabah.