AUTHORITIES in Kuala Lumpur have arrested 18 men in connection with a violent altercation that left two men injured outside the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) last Sunday evening.
The incident reportedly involved street photographers, known locally as “ulat foto,” and escalated into a coordinated attack.
Dang Wangi District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Sazalee Adam, said the confrontation began around 9 p.m. when a group of street photographers allegedly assaulted an Indian tourist at the location.
"A local man who tried to intervene also became a victim after being attacked from behind with a weapon believed to be a kerambit knife," Sazalee said.
"He was then beaten by several individuals, sparking further chaos when about 30 associates of the suspects joined in the assault."
Police said the suspects, aged between 17 and 45, were apprehended near the scene on Monday. Investigations revealed that all individuals admitted being present and working as street photographers around the KLCC area.
"Initial identification by witnesses confirmed that two of the suspects were directly involved in the attack," Sazalee added. The case is being investigated under Section 148 of the Penal Code for rioting with weapons.
The incident has drawn attention on social media. On Wednesday, influencer and former teacher Mohd Fadli Saleh posted on Facebook that the assault resulted in head injuries for two victims, one requiring seven stitches and the other two, after being struck from behind.
"Two people suffered head injuries. One received seven stitches and the other two. They were attacked from behind, even had a water bottle smashed on them," he said.
The attack underscores rising concerns over public safety and unchecked street violence in central Kuala Lumpur, particularly involving groups of freelance photographers who operate around tourist hotspots. - March 27, 2026
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