Myrelo, a Malaysian-based moving company, has launched a subsidiary self-storage business in Shah Alam, Malaysia. The Storage People opened in December in a converted four-story bungalow, offering 132 units targeted at businesses, homeowners and students, according to the source. The project is headed by sisters Noor Amy Ismail and Noor Isma Ismail, who conceived the idea.

The Ismails believe rising population will create increased demand for self-storage services. Shah Alam is the capital city of the state of Selangor. Population is expected to reach 10 million people in Selangor and the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur by 2020, Amy Ismail told the source.

The self-storage facility offers units from 1.1 to 45 cubic meters. Customers can select units based on floor area or volume. The Storage People offers tenants 24-hour access and employs 15 staff members as well as 20 contractual workers, the source reported. Security includes closed-circuit television, individual unit alarms and off-site monitoring using a cloud-based, self-storage management system. “Even if you forget to turn your alarm back on, our system will ensure that it gets turned on automatically for you,” Amy Ismail told the source.

Among the operator’s services is complimentary moving for new tenants. “Our experience in Myrelo has taught us that moving is one of the more stressful experiences people have to handle,” Amy Ismail said. “At The Storage People, we can make it easier for you. So there is no need to worry about how to move your stuff into self-storage because once you sign up with us, we will move you in for free.”

The business has embraced technology, claiming to be the first Malaysian self-storage facility to offer online reservations. It also gives tenants facility access through an EasyCode mobile app from PTI Security Systems. “Using advanced geo-fencing technology, EasyCode takes away the hassle of remembering gate access codes with a simple touch interface to open gates and doors,” Isma Ismail told the source. “You can also view your access history and get notifications.”

Technology is also helping the business reduce its carbon footprint. The building’s software system syncs with tenant access codes to enable zoned lighting and ventilation systems. “We only turn on what we need when you’re there and turn it off when you’re not,” Isma Ismail said.

The business received three rejected loan applications before securing financing from the Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Retail Project Fund, a program launched to encourage entrepreneurial participation in retail businesses by Perbadanan Usahawan Nasional Berhad, Malaysia’s national entrepreneurial development corporation.

Sources: