KLCC Photo Touts Fined for Operating Without Permits

Authorities in Kuala Lumpur issued RM2,000 fines to nearly 30 photo touts operating near KLCC last night for not possessing valid permits. The joint operation, involving the Royal Malaysia Police, Immigration Department, and Kuala Lumpur City Hall, followed public complaints and a recent viral incident involving a tout and a foreign tourist.

The fines were issued under By-law 3(1) of the Federal Territory Hawkers Licensing By-Laws 2016. These photographers typically offer smartphone photography services to tourists, often featuring the Petronas Twin Towers.

One anonymous photographer, fined for the first time, expressed concern about their livelihood but mentioned officers hinted at a future permit system. Kuala Lumpur Immigration Director Wan Mohammed Saupee Wan Yusoff was present during the operation. Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa has previously urged the public not to use or feel pressured into using these services.