FORMER premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today recalled the story of the arrival of JUSCO (Japan United Stores Company) to Malaysia, saying he wished the Japanese investors would continue coming to the country.
In a post on his ChedetOfficial account on social media, the former UMNO leader said he met with Takuya Okada, one of the founders of JUSCO again during his current visit to Japan.
“Yesterday (May 24), I met again with Takuya Okada in Tokyo. We are at the same age. I wish him good health and hope to see him again in Japan,” he wrote.
He said back in 1983, he met with Takuya and thought that he should bring that kind of supermarket into Malaysia.
When JUSCO accepted the government’s invitation to help modernise the country’s retail industry, they decided to set up a supermarket – JAYA JUSCO Stores Sdn Bhd in the basement of Dayabumi.
Dr Mahathir said this was a very successful venture and from there they expanded, set up more supermarkets, and set up shopping complexes.
“Today as you can see, JUSCO or now known as AEON is all over Malaysia. It is one of the most successful shopping complexes in Malaysia. They contributed much towards the retail business in Malaysia.”
Moreover, he hopes that AEON will continue to expand in Malaysia and investors from Japan will continue to give Malaysia their full attention and full expanse in Malaysia. – May 25, 2024
