UNLICENSED photographers continue to operate brazenly around Petronas Twin Towers despite enforcement action, raising fresh concerns about tourist safety and the country’s international image.
A visit to the busy Persiaran KLCC area revealed individuals actively approaching and photographing foreign visitors while offering unauthorised services, underscoring the persistence of the so-called “photo tout” problem at one of Malaysia’s most recognisable landmarks.
Members of the public have warned that failure to curb the activity could undermine the tourism sector, with some alleging that tourists are being pressured into using such services.
Private sector worker Ahmad Zulfikar Mohamed, 33, told Harian Metro that the situation remains troubling and risks escalating if left unchecked.
"What is illegal remains illegal. It pains my eyes to see such activities.
"I feel sorry for tourists because of what these individuals are doing.
"They will feel threatened because some of these ‘photo touts’ follow foreign tourists until their services are used," he said.
He urged authorities, including the Royal Malaysia Police and Kuala Lumpur City Hall, to maintain a visible presence in hotspot areas to deter offenders.
"Only then will they be afraid and we will see change (in these ‘photo tout’ activities)," he said.
Ahmad Zulfikar also called on the public to play a role by exposing such activities online, arguing that social media pressure could be an effective deterrent.
"In today’s world, everything goes viral. Keep posting content such as photos or news.
"When it goes viral, it becomes a threat to them. If the police arrest them, they will just come back and do it again.
"These activities need to be exposed online — that is our weapon to eliminate them," he said.
Another private sector employee, Nur Azwa Aris, 30, said stricter laws and heavier penalties are needed to address the issue more effectively.
"One of the measures that can be taken is to increase the fines imposed on these ‘photo touts’.
"It is possible that the fines are too low, which is why they are not deterred from continuing these activities.
"The government should take this matter seriously because such activities also hinder the country’s tourism economy.
"Foreign tourists may feel afraid to visit the country again based on their experiences with these ‘photo touts’," she said. - April 11, 2026
