LSH Capital non-executive chairman Lim Keng Cheng said his vision for KL Tower was grounded in compassion and continuity, particularly in safeguarding the livelihoods of the existing staff.
A leading figure in Malaysia’s construction and property development sector for more than 40 years, Lim said he made it clear that staff welfare was non-negotiable when discussions were held about taking over KL Tower’s operations.
“We are not here to cut people off. We are here to build together,” he said in an interview with Bernama.
“These people have been working at the tower for many years (and) 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 be replaced?”
As of Monday, 95% of Menara Kuala Lumpur Sdn Bhd’s (MKLSB) staff – 193 people – had accepted LSH Capital’s offer. They officially started employment with the company on April 1.
Lim said that plans for new upgrades were being discussed, including enhancing the terrace area, introducing a retractable roof for a new ballroom, and adding lighting features that highlight the structure without blocking the iconic view of KL Tower.
“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 said.
Last month, LSH Capital subsidiary LSH Service Master Sdn Bhd (LSHSM) signed a lease agreement with the federal lands commissioner for a 20-year concession to operate KL Tower and its surrounding areas.
The lease agreement aligns with the concession granted by the government which covers the management, operation, and maintenance of KL Tower and its surroundings.
LSHSM was supposed to take over the landmark tower on April 1, but a stand-off occurred after former operator Menara Kuala Lumpur Sdn Bhd (MKLSB) and its parent company, Hydroshoppe Sdn Bhd, initiated a lawsuit against the award of the concession, alleging contractual breaches and misconduct.
MKLSB and Hydroshoppe – which have refused to vacate the premises and continue to operate the tower – are seeking RM20.13 million in losses and damages and a transfer of the concession to them.
LSH Capital has said it will defend the suit and continue to fulfil its obligations under the 20-year agreement.
The communications ministry previously said that MKLSB’s management contract had expired on March 31.
The Kuala Lumpur High Court yesterday dismissed an application by MKLSB and Hydroshoppe for a temporary interim injunction to halt the award of the tower to LSHSM.