BORDERS Malaysia shutters operations in the nation

American bookstore chain BORDERS will cease operations in Malaysia on 31 August 2023 under a directive from the Berjaya Group, as confirmed to A+M by a spokesperson from the bookstore.

Berjaya Books, which operates BORDERS Malaysia, thanked its customers for supporting the bookstore through the years, according to a notice that was put up in one of its Malaysia stores and that was posted on its official Instagram page. 

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"We want to express our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support throughout the years. We are truly grateful for the trust and loyalty you have shown us and we would not have been able to come this far without you," it read. 

It noted that although its journey is coming to an end, its commitment to its customers remains unchanged and that it will ensure that customers receive the best customer service "until the very end."

"Even though BORDERS is ceasing operations now, the brand still belongs to Berjaya Group. So, there is a possibility that it may re-open in the future depending on the discretion of Berjaya Group," said a BORDERS spokesperson. 

The closure dates of its remaining stores include Pantai Hospital KL on 30 June 2023, Bangsar Village 2 on 31 July, Gleneagles Hospital KL on 15 August and BORDERS Junior at Quill City Mall on 31 August this year.

Checks by A+M revealed that the BORDERS online store has been closed since 31 May

“We would like to say thank you for all your support throughout these years, it has been a pleasure,” a statement on the site read.

BORDERS is currently running a promotion to clear existing stock where books will be sold for RM5 and below at all bookstores along with discounts on selected items.

The news comes shortly after it was revealed that Panasonic Manufacturing Malaysia would be shuttering most of its operations in the country, as confirmed by CFM Holdings, its cleanroom equipment supplier in a statement. 

As seen in a filing by CFM Holdings Group, of which Panasonic Manufacturing is a key customer, the group stated that it had not received any notification from the latter on the cessation of its operations in Malaysia.

Additionally, the group clarified that it will be in communication with Panasonic Manufacturing to assess the impact of the closure of its plants on the group’s financial performance and position for the financial year.

"The group will make further announcements on any material developments in relation to the aforesaid matters as and when appropriate," it stated.

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