7 Malls in Klang Valley That Once Had Very Different Names

With the abundance of malls, did you know that some of these shopping centres were once known by completely different names?

Here are seven malls in Klang Valley that had different names than the ones we known them for today.

1. Fahrenheit 88

Before 2010, Fahrenheit 88 was known as KL Plaza. The well-known shopping centre underwent a renovation which cost a whopping RM100 million with the aim to attract a younger and trendier demographic.

According to a report, the name ‘Fahrenheit 88’ was chosen, as it represents the average temperature of Malaysia, which is about 31.1 degrees Celsius (88 degrees Fahrenheit).

2. IOI Mall Damansara

Earlier this year, Tropicana Gardens Mall in Petaling Jaya was officially rebranded as IOI Mall Damansara.

IOI Properties Group Berhad had previously acquired Tropicana Gardens Mall for RM680 million in July 2024. It is understood that the rebranding is part of IOI Properties Group's strategy to bring all of their malls under one umbrella, which is ‘IOI Mall’.

Despite the rebranding, there aren't many changes in terms of vendors at the mall. However, pets are no longer allowed inside the mall following a significant policy update. Nevertheless, the lifts near the Just Pets Megastore remain accessible for pet-related activities.

3. Setapak Central

Before its rebranding in 2015, Setapak Central was known as KL Festival City Mall.

Previously developed by Parkson Holdings Bhd, KL Festival City Mall was sold to Festiva Mall Sdn Bhd in 2014 for approximately RM349 million. According to a report, the sale was made as Parkson deemed KL Festival City Mall too small to drive the group's expansion plans.

Following the sale, KL Festival City Mall was rebranded with a new name that we know to this day.

4. Cheras Sentral Shopping Mall

Unless you are familiar with the Cheras area, you've probably never heard of Cheras Sentral Shopping Mall.

Located at Jalan Cheras, near MRT Jalan Connaught, this mall has been a familiar sight to people who lived in Cheras for more than 15 years. The mall, previously known as Plaza Phoenix, was opened to the public in 1994.

However, due to accessibility and management problems, the mall was closed down in 2005 before it was bought by a new management. In an effort to revitalise the mall, Plaza Phoenix was renamed to Cheras Sentral Shopping Mall in 2012 with new tenants.

5. 3 Damansara

Before this mall was known with its new name, 3 Damansara's original name was actually Tropicana City Mall.

Located strategically between two major highways, SPRINT and Lebuhraya Damansara Puchong (LPD), the name change happened in June 2018 following a renovation aimed to improve the outlets and enhance the quality for a better retail experience.

6. Sunway Putra Mall

Back in the day, Sunway Putra Mall was known by a different name, which was The Mall. The shopping centre in Kuala Lumpur was first opened in 1987 by the fourth Prime Minister at the time, Mahathir Mohamad. The Mall was also the largest shopping centre in the country. At the time, the shopping centre also housed the Yaohan outlet, a popular Japanese retail store, before its bankruptcy around 1997 in Japan.

After Putra Place (an area which included The Mall, Legend Hotel and an office block) was acquired by Sunway REIT in 2011 for RM513.9 million, The Mall was rebranded as Sunway Putra Mall. Interestingly, Legend Hotel also experienced a name change following the rebranding, and it's now known as Sunway Putra Hotel.

7. Sunway 163 Mall

If you frequented the Mont Kiara area, you've probably noticed that 163 Retail Park has now changed its name to Sunway 163 Mall.