Malaysian Cinema and Luxury Leather Goods Found Rotting After 2-Month Lockdown

A Malaysian cinema and luxury leather goods are found covered in mold after being shut down for two months due to coronavirus pandemic.
The purple and red seats as well as the carpets within the cinema had been coated by a thick layer of mold and dust as shown in photos taken by a photographer in the city of Ipoh in western Perak state.

Malaysia eased movement curbs earlier this month, but retained strict restraints on some areas with new outbreaks of the COVID-19 disease. Currently, the Asian country has 6,742 cases and 109 deaths related to coronavirus.

Similarly, cleaners at Metrojaya center, a shopping mall in Sabah state in Borneo Island, have seen the impacts of these strict restrictions as luxury leather bags and shoes are covered with mold.

While cinemas can have a rigid cleaning or replacement of seats, retailers had no choice but dispose their goods, even the expensive ones. Interestingly, this news was welcomed by Malaysians. 'This is a good thing for places like cinemas. Finally, they can start a full cleanup after 10 years of disgusting filth and dust, time to say goodbye to the cockroaches,' a Twitter user exclaimed.

One of the bags pictured had a price tag of £126 ($136.81) and had been totally covered by mold. Many comments on social media said this was due to poor air conditioning and maintenance by store owners.

The staff of Metrojaya center gave the building a deep on Sunday, May 10. The damaged leather goods had been removed, according to a spokesman for the shop. On Tuesday, May 12, cleaners came in masks, and hazmat suits were seen throwing out the items and giving the store deep clean.

Designer leather goods were thrown into black bin bags. The staff was also cleaning air vents and carpets to eliminate fungal spores and mold."We take it very seriously in cleaning and disinfecting our stores to ensure a safe and healthy experience to our valued customers. Metrojaya Suria Sabah is now undergoing a thorough cleaning process," the spokesman said.

While Malaysia's movement control order has been extended until June 9, some businesses have been allowed to reopen after two-months since the lockdown started. The government urges continuing observing social distancing, proper handwashing, and other safety measures to prevent the second wave of the pandemic.

What to do when leather goes moldy?

Regardless of the price, all leather clothes, shoes, and accessories are prone to mildew and mold if the storage has high levels of moisture and heat.

To avoid this, leather should be stored at room temperature with about 40% to 60% humidity and adequate air circulation. If the temperature is too high and over 70% humidity will trigger the emergence of fungi and bacteria.

Also, it is important to avoid putting leathers in direct sunlight. It is also vital to find an area in the house with good ventilation and air circulation, which is perfect for keeping leather products.

Meanwhile, the leather must be treated with the appropriate level of fungicides during the production process.

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