Malaysia, Penang — Hotel Equatorial Penang will cease operations effective 31 March 2021 due to “adverse business conditions” caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to an internal memo that has been circulating on social media, the five-star hotel said that the closure was a “sad and difficult decision”.
“The last day of business to the public has yet to be decided but it will be before March 31, 2021. Until we officially cease operations, all of you shall remain as employees of the hotel and we remain committed to upkeep the strong heritage and name of Hotel Equatorial Penang,” read the memo.
Despite having suffered “huge losses”, the hotel assured that it will pay severance benefits to its employees, details of which will be announced at a later date.
The memo was signed by the hotel’s general manager, Alan Ong.
Located in the south of Penang island, the hotel accommodates 413 guestrooms and suites, and is able to cater up to 2,600 people for meetings and events.
According to The Star, a total of three hotels in Penang have been shut down since the pandemic started last year.