When a Mall Loses Its Pulse — The Curious Case of Cheras Central
Recently, I came across several videos on Facebook featuring old properties in Kuala Lumpur — buildings that have aged, fallen behind in upkeep, or simply failed to stay relevant. I enjoy this type of content because beyond nostalgia, these creators highlight how renewal, design, and environmental alignment can directly improve people’s lives. This resonates deeply with my passion for property and Feng Shui.
One video that stood out was about Cheras Central Mall, previously known as Phoenix Plaza. Today, it has become practically a dead mall. Parking costs only RM6 per day, and ironically, the mall sits right beside an LRT station, a prime location for anyone working in KL. Intrigued, I visited the site myself to examine its Feng Shui dynamics and understand why a place with so much potential ended up silent.
From my research, Phoenix Plaza was originally built in Period 7 in the late 1990s. It was later refurbished, expanded with a new hotel, and reopened in 2013 during Period 8. Despite the timing and the advantage of a train station next to it, the revival didn’t last. It eventually declined again. The mall faces North 2, which on paper should have been favourable.
In the Flying Stars system, both the P7 and P8 charts show prosperous sitting and facing stars. Yet the external environment activated several critical negative stars, a subtle but powerful combination that contributed to long-term decline.​
​From a landform perspective, the site looks almost textbook perfect. The Dragon side is higher, the Tiger side is lower, the Phoenix in front forms a stable tabletop, and the Tortoise at the back provides solid support. However, standing there personally and reviewing the site from Google Maps, you can clearly see a strong Crossbow Sha Qi (煞气) pointing directly at the mall, a destructive force that slowly erodes prosperity.
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Interestingly, Sunway Pyramid Mall, which also faces North 2, was built in the same Period 7 and later revitalised in Period 8. Yet it continues to thrive, even without such ideal textbook landform formations.
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So what truly caused Cheras Central Mall’s energy to collapse? Was it the surrounding environment, the timing of change, or the way Qi interacts with human movement and modern design?
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Perhaps this is a reminder that Feng Shui is never just theory. Whatever we learn from books must be tested against real environments, real people, and the living Qi that flows within a space.
Educational Disclaimer
This article is shared purely for educational discussion.
All Feng Shui observations and insights expressed here are based on traditional principles and professional interpretation. They do not represent any official evaluation of the developers, architects, or management of the mentioned properties.
All names, places, and trademarks remain the property of their respective owners.
DRACO LIN
Chinese Metaphysics Expert with
14+ Years of Professional Experience.
Draco Lin is recognized for his skill in simplifying complex Chinese Metaphysics concepts into straightforward, actionable strategies that anyone, including beginners, can grasp. He also excels at connecting these teachings to make them relevant and applicable in the 21st Century.
With a deep interest in Chinese Metaphysics, Draco began his learning journey at a age. He has since dedicated himself to honing his expertise across various areas of Chinese Metaphysics, including I Ching, QiMenDunJia, Bazi, San Yuan/San He Fengshui, and ZiWeiDouShu.
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