PENANG’S home-grown iconic supermarket, Gama made its entry into the Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) for being the ‘Oldest Supermarket & Departmental Store’ in the country.
Gama chief executive officer Ng Yee Mai said the supermarket was launched in 1967 with the name ‘Pulau Pinang Supermarket’ at the Chowrasta Market in Penang Road.
Later in 1980, the supermarket shifted to its current premises in Jalan Datuk Keramat.
“This year, Gama turns 55 years old and today we are celebrating the entry of Gama into the Malaysia Book of Records which is an enormous achievement.
“The younger generation might not know that it was Gama that spearheaded a new dimension in the Malaysian retail industry and pioneered the concept of a supermarket cum departmental store way back in 1967.
“Our current location in Jalan Datuk Keramat is even more strategic and accessible to our customers as we continue to serve them with the best products at affordable prices,” Ng said during the MBR award presentation today at the Gama supermarket.
Meanwhile, MBR chief operating officer Christopher Wong Hong Wai said the MBR certificate was supposed to be presented to Gama in 2020.
“This long-overdue certificate presentation was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I have been to Penang many times to present various MBR awards as Penang is a place where many national records are achieved and broken,” he added.
Gama director Andre Lim conveyed his appreciation to the state government and the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) for their continuous support.
“I would also like to thank our management and old staff members for their support as well,” he added.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who witnessed the presentation, congratulated Gama for its achievement.
“For many Penangites, Gama is an iconic supermarket as it has been serving the community for decades as well as has been a prominent landmark.
“Some of us have beautiful memories as young Penangites hanging out at Gama.
“Apart from that, Gama is our local brand that has grown and expanded.
“My appreciation also goes to the MBR for its continuous efforts in recognising the outstanding achievements of our fellow Malaysians including those from Penang as well as the extraordinary happenings in the country,” Chow said during his speech.
Chow hoped that Gama, which is known for its long service and retail contribution to the Penang community and economy, would continue its tradition of offering quality products at affordable prices.
“I hope that this recognition given to Gama by MBR today will serve as an impetus for all of us, especially Penangites, to persevere and to achieve our respective goals and to overcome all challenges for the betterment of our beloved Penang,” he added.
Also present were MBPP mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang and Gama group executive chairman Datuk Andrew Lim Tatt Keong.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis
Video by Ahmad Adil Muhamad