Malaysia
Singapore
Thailand
After years of back-and-forth updates and plenty of “is it happening or not?” chatter, Singapore’s iconic 24-hour shopping destination, Mustafa Centre, is finally edging closer to opening its first JB outlet.
The megastore is set to open at Capital City Mall, marking its first full-scale department store in Malaysia. Known for its massive selection, Mustafa Centre brings together electronics, jewellery, groceries, fashion, cosmetics and more under one roof — often operating around the clock.
Plans for its Johor expansion first surfaced in 2023, with an initial target to open within the same year. Since then, delays have pushed the timeline back.
Much of this comes down to the mall’s own challenges, along with the complexity of securing and consolidating retail space within a strata-titled property where multiple owners are involved.
Capital City Mall itself has had a rocky run. It opened in 2018 but closed 2 years later due to financial issues, with reopening plans repeatedly postponed. While part of a larger integrated development in Tampoi, much of the project remains incomplete.
Mustafa Centre is said to be aiming for a multi-floor setup to replicate its Singapore flagship experience. However, negotiations with individual unit owners have slowed progress, as each space requires separate agreements. Despite this, the project is still in motion.
The timing of this entry aligns with a shifting retail landscape in Johor Bahru. Competition is intensifying, and shoppers are leaning towards more experience-driven destinations. Mustafa Centre stands out for its scale, accessibility and value, offering something that resonates with both locals and cross-border visitors.
With major developments like the RTS link and Visit Malaysia 2026 that are expected to boost traffic, Johor Bahru’s retail scene is set for further growth. In a market where stronger concepts tend to win, Mustafa Centre’s long-awaited opening in JB could add a new layer to the city’s shopping mix.
