PETALING JAYA: Continuous warnings have been given to photography touts in the vicinity of the PETRONAS Twin Towers, alongside monitoring measures, says Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).
However, DBKL stressed that it did not have the authority to take enforcement measures against these individuals due to the nature of their “business”.
“This is because their business transactions are not physical but through services. This makes it difficult to produce evidence if brought to court for prosecution.
“DBKL will, however, take action if there are items sold without the necessary permits,” it said in a statement to The Star on Monday.
DBKL’s response comes after The Star highlighted the issue of many individuals preying on tourists in the vicinity of the PETRONAS Twin Towers, with these individuals showing persistence in wanting to take photographs of those who appear to be tourists.
Armed with cellphones, gimbals and lighting devices, these individuals would pester tourists to have their shots taken, offering between RM5 and RM20 per photograph.
After getting the go-ahead, they would snap away and then transfer the photos via WhatsApp or other forms of social media to the tourist concerned, and then demand payment.
In most cases, these touts will send more than just the particular photo that the tourist requested so that they can ask for more money.
Tourists who decline to use the services of these touts will be inconvenienced or harassed by these operators, who will then try their best to ruin the photos taken by the tourists by “photo bombing”, which is done by sneaking into the background to ruin the photo when the tourists try to shoot their own photos.
These touts usually gather in popular spots around the KLCC Park, making sure no one gets away from their dragnet.
Some also roam around, pouncing on tourists taking selfies.
To this, DBKL said the public had every right to reject the services offered by the touts.
“Touting wouldn’t happen if the public remained cautious and rejected the services.
“The public or victims can also request help from the police if they feel threatened,” it added.
The Kuala Lumpur City Centre management said it was fully aware of the concerns.
“We adopt a proactive approach through ongoing collaboration with the authorities, especially the police to ensure the issue is addressed,” it added.
