LIM Seong Hai Capital Bhd (LSH Capital) non-executive chairman Tan Sri Lim Keng Cheng has firmly quashed rumours suggesting that the new management of Menara Kuala Lumpur (KL Tower) plans to replace existing staff.
In an exclusive interview with Bernama, Lim emphasised his company’s people-first philosophy and its dedication to protecting the livelihoods of all employees working at the landmark.
“These people have been working at the tower for many years. As the company overseeing operations now, I don’t believe in replacing people simply because there’s a change. If they haven’t made any serious mistakes, why should they go?” Lim said, underscoring that the vision for the tower is rooted in compassion, continuity, and mutual respect.
A seasoned figure in Malaysia’s construction and property development industry, Lim’s approach to leadership is heavily influenced by his personal experiences. Growing up in a modest household, he has long championed shared responsibility and care for others.
Recalling a challenging time in his youth, Lim shared, “I was seven when my father had kidney failure. My mother had to bring him to the General Hospital three times a week and also ran a small sundry shop to feed us. That experience taught me how tough life can be for ordinary people.”
Reflecting on his career, Lim rejected the notion of luck, instead attributing his success to overcoming hardships. “Many say I’m lucky. I said no, I’m not lucky. I’ve been through hardship, and because of that, I always try to help people. I believe if we take care of others, the rest will fall into place,” he said.
When discussions about LSH Capital’s takeover of KL Tower’s operations took place, Lim made it clear that staff welfare would be a priority.
“I told them, just give me the list of names. No other terms. We are not here to cut people off. We are here to build together,” he explained, reaffirming his belief in empathy and kindness as guiding principles in both his personal and professional decisions.
As of April 7, nearly all of the 193 staff members from Menara Kuala Lumpur Sdn Bhd (MKLSB) have accepted employment with LSH Capital since April 1, with 95 per cent of employees transitioning to the new management.
Lim assured that the terms offered to the staff are no less favourable than their previous conditions, preserving their benefits and service continuity.
Despite unfounded rumours suggesting widespread staff changes, Lim has remained resolute in his stance. “We don’t want to start by making people suffer. We want to build with them. That’s the right way to do it,” he said.
On the subject of competition, Lim downplayed any rivalry with other high-rise developments in Kuala Lumpur, such as KLCC or TRX, framing them as complementary additions to the city's skyline rather than direct competitors.
“If you go up to KLCC, you won’t see KLCC, but when you’re at KL Tower, you can see everything; we are the best vantage point. When more towers are built around us, it only makes the view better. We become even more valuable to photographers, tourists, and city lovers,” he said.
Looking to the future, LSH Capital is already planning several enhancements to KL Tower, including upgrading the terrace area, introducing a retractable roof for a new ballroom, and adding lighting features to highlight the tower’s structure without obstructing its iconic views.
Lim’s vision for the tower is not just about physical improvements but also about reinforcing its position as a key part of Kuala Lumpur’s identity.
“The tower is part of the city’s soul. Even if other towers rise around us, we are still the one you look up to,” he remarked, suggesting potential collaborations with nearby hotels and properties to create a unified, 360-degree skyline experience.
LSH Capital has secured a 20-year lease agreement with the federal lands commissioner to modernise and manage KL Tower, effective from April 1. The agreement grants LSH Service Master Sdn Bhd, a joint venture between LSH BEST Builders Sdn Bhd and Service Master (M) Sdn Bhd, the rights to oversee the tower and its surrounding areas, which span approximately 10 acres.
Though the KL Tower remains government-owned, this public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement will see the operations, management, and maintenance of the tower handled by LSH Capital.
The successful bidder was selected through an open request for proposal (RFP) process conducted by the Public-Private Partnership Unit (UKAS) under the Prime Minister's Department. The concession was formally granted on May 29, 2024. – April 9, 2025
.jpg)
.jpeg)
