Rm2 000 Fine For Unlicensed Street Photographers At Klcc

---

 
REMEMBER the nuisance caused by freelance photographers who decided it was compulsory to use their service if tourists wanted their photos taken with the backdrop of the twin towers? 
Well it appears the authorities have finally answered the clarion call to bust them for good.
A recent video on X showed the police officers in action, carting the offenders off besides handing them a hefty fine of RM2,000.
Is that the right step towards restoring the image of Malaysia in the eyes of the international community? It is the first, and hopefully not the last.

Netizens, however, were divided over the action of the municipal council, with some saying that it was rather heavy handed.
“If actions are not taken, they will rein unchecked and affect the image of the country when it is Visit Malaysia 2026,” said @MohamadYusofBi6. Another netizen said, “Power to DBKL.”

So was @Pokokpangkal who suggested they spot check the place everyday.
But @budaknakal779 believed only a small number of these people had bad behaviour, and that they had ruined everyone.
“I had some friends who once provided photography services at KLCC and the price was affordable,” he added. 

Also, netizen @khairishith shrugged off the fine, stating that it was alright if they profited at about RM5,000 to RM10,000.

The brief video provided little detail about the scene, but news portal The New Straits Times said around 30 freelance street photographers were issued compound notices on Sunday night while offering instant photo services to visitors at KLCC.
According to the authorities, the individuals were operating without proper permits in a public area.
This enforcement action came in response to a series of public complaints, as well as a recent incident involving some of the photographers that gained attention on social media.
These freelancers are commonly seen at popular tourist destinations, providing quick smartphone photography services to both locals and international tourists, said the news portal. 
Authorities have since indicated that they are exploring the possibility of introducing a formal licensing system to better regulate freelance photography in public spaces. —  Focus Malaysia

---