28-8-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) A picturesque backdrop, the iconic PETRONAS Twin Towers, attracts tourists like magnets. Rising 88 storeys high, these skyscrapers undoubtedly rank among the nation’s most treasured landmarks.
However, this breathtaking view has unwittingly given rise to a cadre of opportunists lurking at its base, eager to exploit unsuspecting tourists’ desire to capture the perfect shot.
Armed with smartphones, gimbals, and professional lighting gear, these individuals relentlessly hound tourists, offering their photography services for a fee, ranging from RM5 to RM20 per photograph. Once given the nod, they snap away and promptly deliver the photos via WhatsApp and various social media platforms, only to follow up with a demand for payment.
But here’s the catch: the fee rarely stops at a single photograph. They inundate their clients with a barrage of shots from various angles, each one a potential additional charge. Refusal to comply with their demands often leads to covert sabotage, as these unscrupulous photographers sneak into the background of tourists’ DIY snapshots.
These photo entrepreneurs typically congregate at popular spots around the KLCC grounds, ensuring no visitor escapes their clutches. Some take a more proactive approach, targeting tourists engrossed in taking selfies.
“Come and try first. We can take your picture. You can pay later,” one such individual offered to a reporter from The Star, posing as a tourist in the KLCC area. Payment options included cash or online transfers.
Cheng, a local tourist from the north, recounted her family outing marred by relentless photographer harassment. “We initially declined, but they insisted on taking photos for us. Eventually, they left us alone, but whenever we attempted to take our own pictures, they would reappear in the background to spoil our shots,” she lamented.
Siti Hasniza, another visitor, found herself coerced into paying RM100 for five pictures, despite only agreeing to one. “Initially, they quoted RM10 per picture. Later, they claimed that due to some necessary lighting adjustments, it was RM20 per picture. But despite our insistence on only one picture, the person sent five and demanded full payment,” she recounted.
Tourist Lee MJ, taking selfies with the Twin Towers as his backdrop, was approached and offered RM10 for three pictures, which he accepted. However, a different photographer swooped in, took more shots, and attempted to sell them, an offer Lee declined.
A recent investigation outside the PETRONAS Twin Towers last weekend revealed at least 15 such photographers stationed behind metal barricades from 2 pm to 7.30 pm. Some were well aware of the negative feedback surrounding their activities. “We’re just trying to earn a living and assist tourists in capturing great photos. Not all of us are trying to swindle tourists,” one of them defended.
Maha, another photographer, revealed that buying pictures in bulk would yield savings. “For a single photo, I charge RM5, but for three, it’s RM10. The pricing is adjusted accordingly,” he explained. He also disclosed that he had been pursuing this as a full-time occupation since 2015, having previously sold phone camera accessories but abandoned the venture due to lackluster business.
Maha lamented that they were recently prohibited from taking pictures closer to the Twin Towers, following a viral video accusing them of being touts.
Meanwhile, several auxiliary police officers confirmed they had started patrolling the area about three weeks ago in response to numerous complaints from both locals and tourists. “We are closely monitoring their activities,” one officer stated.
The management of Kuala Lumpur City Centre acknowledged the concerns and emphasized their proactive collaboration with the authorities, particularly the police, to address the issue. Their team is actively monitoring the situation, and they pledged to work hand in hand with local authorities to further mitigate the problem.
