Before Panas Express existed, there was Panas Grocer — a traditional retail store Vincent Siow ran inside LaLaport Bukit Bintang City Centre, itself built on the site of the former Pudu Jail. When Panas Grocer transformed into Panas Express, the first-ever outlet under the new unmanned concept opened at LaLaport too — relocated to the mall’s main entrance, visible to anyone walking past outside.
Where It All Started
LaLaport isn’t just another location on the map — it’s where the shift from a traditional retail store to a 24-hour unmanned concept actually happened. That first entrance-facing outlet became the model for everything that followed.
From One Entrance to Major Landmarks Nationwide
From that first LaLaport location, Panas Express has since landed inside some of Malaysia’s most recognizable properties — Top Glove Tower, KL Trillion, USIM, hospitals, and hotel lobbies among them. Each new landmark repeats the same idea that started at LaLaport’s front door: put convenience exactly where people already are.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Panas Grocer? A traditional retail store Vincent Siow ran at LaLaport Bukit Bintang City Centre, before Panas Express existed.
Where did the first Panas Express outlet open? At LaLaport Bukit Bintang City Centre, relocated to the mall’s main entrance.
What is LaLaport built on? The site of the former Pudu Jail (Penjara Pudu) in Kuala Lumpur.
What other landmarks has Panas Express since expanded to? Top Glove Tower, KL Trillion, USIM, hospitals, and hotel lobbies, among others.
Source: Confirmed directly by Vincent Siow (Panas Express founder); LaLaport BBCC official store directory; Wikipedia, Mitsui Shopping Park LaLaport Bukit Bintang City Centre (site history, former Pudu Jail).
