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Japanese retail giant Aeon is continuing its Malaysian expansion, entering another five states: Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, Sabah and Sarawak, reports Inside Retail Asia.

The retailer, which has 22 shopping complexes and 27 stores in Malaysia, plans to open more stores, stating it is undeterred by the impact of inflation and the nation’s rising cost of living.

“We have braved recessions before and will brave them again. When it comes to times like these, we will become more innovative in our services to the public,” managing director Nur Qamarina Chew Abdullah told the publication.

“That said, the retail business is very competitive and challenging and the way to go beyond this is to be innovative. The fact that we have been here for 30 years proves our strength in innovation and delivery to the public,” she said.

This year, Aeon plans to open two to three outlets, each costing between RM50m (US$15.2 million) and RM300m (US$91.3m), the report said.

The company, which operates retail brands including Daiso stores, said it plans to introduce more retail brands to the Malaysian market.