File picture shows Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob (second right) visiting a kiosk during the opening of the Mara Digital mall in Kuala Lumpur, December 8, 2015. ― Picture by Yusof Mat Isa

GOMBAK, Jan 22 — Traders at the MARA IT Digital Mall who are currently enjoying free rental until May might have to start paying for their spaces if the country’s economy worsens, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said today.

The rural and regional development minister told reporters that the government will consider a stop on the free rental scheme but will only do so after carefully discussing with stakeholders.

“Yes, we are aware the economy is not looking too good and if there is a need to start charging the traders (for rent), we will but it will be done on a case-by-case basis,” he said after meeting villagers here.

In a move to attract customers to the mall, which was previously touted as “Low Yat 2”, Ismail Sabri had announced that rentals will be waived for six months, in hopes that traders would sell electronic items for a much cheaper price.

“Sales in the mall is picking up and that is a good a sign,” he said when asked about the latest development of the mall.

Ismail Sabri reiterated that another two IT malls, with a similar business model, will be opened in Kota Damansara and Shah Alam by June.

The MARA Digital Mall is situated at the third and second floor of the MARA-owned Atrium Busana mall on Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman here.

36 vendors have been given the opportunity to set up their businesses here, with telecommunication giants like Apple, Samsung and Oppo all slated to open their shops by this month’s end

Computer firms like Hewlett Packard and Acer have already begun their operation there.