Valu$ Opens First Outlet in Malaysia & The Prices Surprised Malaysians

Over time, three very iconic entities have become synonymous with Singapore’s culture: The Merlion, the Badge Lady and the ever-affordable Valu$ store.

Ah yes, in case you didn’t know, the omnipotent Valu$ brand is homegrown. Singapore boleh.

With a whopping number of locations islandwide, it’s only a matter of time before the ambitious chain stretches its reach overseas, and it seems that time is now.

Though considering the chain’s all-time motto, their overseas prices may leave more to be desired.

Valu$ Opens First Outlet in Malaysia & The Prices Surprised Malaysians

Malaysians can now savour the incomprehensible concept that’s Valu$, as the chain has opened an outlet at Ninso Plentong. For travel dorks like me, Ninso Plentong can be found in Johor Bahru, near Jalan Johor Jaya.

The news first came to our shores when the brand’s Malaysia-exclusive Facebook page unveiled the news.

Nothing significantly different from its counterparts across the causeway, with opening hours running from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The items also look just as delectable as the ones we have grown to love.

And naturally, Malaysians were absolutely stoked to see its arrival. After all, deals are highly appreciated on either side of the causeway.

Devastating News

For the lost souls who’ve never had the opportunity to frequent the Valu$ franchise, here’s one thing you should know about it:

It’s cheap, dirt cheap. So cheap. Only good thing about it is that it’s cheap. 

Yet, it seems that the chain’s Malaysian branch is doing things a little differently.

RM18.90 for a bag of chocolates? SGD5.48 for a bag of chocolates?

It may be prevalent and absolutely normal in most supermarket outlets, but in a Valu$ store? That’s nothing short of blasphemy.

Also, it’s interesting how the iconic, ironically permanent fire sale slogans have made a comeback over there.

Plus check out this offensive picture down below:

Since when did Valu$ turn into a generic local supermarket chain? Or is this the infamous tourist effect, where local attractions jack up prices by at least 3x to unsuspecting tourists?

Malaysians Were Taken Aback

Unsurprisingly, Malaysians were not satisfied with the prices.

Translation: “Might as well shop at AEON or Giant. Singapore’s Valu$ is worth it because it’s genuinely cheap.”

“Not even cheap,” another netizen commented. “Singapore’s is cheap.”

Nevertheless, it seems that the prices have not deterred ravenous consumers.

Translation: “Just went, so many humans I nearly died. No place to park, a lot of people parked roadside. So crowded inside that it was hard to walk, restricted airflow because of it. Items were all swept off the shelves.”

It should be noted that many were complaining about the distance as well. Demand for a possible second outlet in the near future, perhaps?

Location: 1, Jalan Johor Jaya, Taman Perindustrian Plentong, 81750 Johor Bahru, Johor

Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily

Radha Exports

The Valu$ chain is owned by DD Private Limited, which was founded by Radha Exports in 2005.

Radha Exports also owns the discount store chain ABC Bargain Centre, which was founded in 1995.

Interestingly, the Valu$ chain sources products from all over the world.

Radha Exports intends to have 300 retail stores, a mix of ABC and Valu$, all over Singapore.

From the looks of it, the Malaysian branch may just be the start.