One of the most well-known hotels in Ipoh, Syuen, will shutter its operations on May 31 after failing to secure the funding needed to continue under the adverse business conditions caused by the movement control order (MCO).
The four-star hotel is the fourth hotel in Ipoh that would cease operations due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The hotel’s board issued a notice to all employees informing them that they were being retrenched as a result.
In the notice leaked online and which an employee confirmed receiving, director Loh Sow Chee told employees that the company had already been suffering substantial losses for the past three years.
Loh said this was worsened as the hotel could not effectively operate under the MCO, adding that the outlook for the sector was bleak in the immediate future.
“Even though, after the MCO is lifted, it would be highly unlikely that the tourism industry will recover in the very near future.
“A sharp decline in demand of hotel accommodation and our other facilities is inevitable, causing the dropped sales turnover to low, where we would not afford to stretch our financial capabilities any further to sustain our operation.
“It is with much regret that the management has to take this decision with a heavy heart, as a last resort,” Loh said
The letter also served notice of termination to the employees but assured them they would receive their May salaries along with other payments due to them.
They will also receive the benefits owed to them under the Employment Act’s stipulations for retrenchments and lay-offs.
About 155 employees will be affected due to the closure.
Among the oldest hotels in Ipoh, Syuen was officially opened on October 24, 1993. Designed in neo-classical theme, the hotel’s building is reminiscent of the best of old Ipoh architecture.
Earlier this month, it was reported that the Tower Regency Hotel and Kinta Riverfront Hotel and Suites in Ipoh would also close down its operation today (April 30).
On April 27, in a filing with Bursa Malaysia, Plenitude Bhd said it would be closing two hotels in Penang namely Mercure Penang Beach and The Gurney Resort Hotel and Residences, as well as Travelodge Ipoh here, with immediate effect.