Fahmi, the communications minister, said these works must be carried out before the iconic skyscraper can be reopened to the public.
He said a team from his ministry recently visited the tower and found it in poor condition. He added that similar complaints had been received from the public.
“Based on videos and pictures, much of the equipment, including at the revolving restaurant and in its kitchen, is not in good or pleasant condition for visitors.
“In fact, there are some railings at the upper decks that were lowered. To me, this is very concerning.
“For the safety of visitors, we are asking the new company (operating the tower) to carry out immediate maintenance and repairs,” he said during a press conference here.
Fahmi added that the government would update the public once the tower was safe to reopen.
“We found that several (safety) measures must be carried out after the previous company moved out with their assets and equipment. The new company will ensure the safety and wellbeing of KL Tower’s visitors.”
Yesterday, the government ordered the temporary closure of KL Tower, saying its previous operator, Menara Kuala Lumpur Sdn Bhd (MKLSB), had been operating without government authorisation.
The communications ministry said two eviction notices dated April 3 and 9 had been issued to MKLSB by the federal lands commissioner.
LSH Service Master Sdn Bhd was supposed to take over the tower’s management on April 1, but a stand-off occurred after MKLSB and its parent company, Hydroshoppe Sdn Bhd, initiated a lawsuit against the award of the concession, alleging contractual breaches and misconduct.
The High Court dismissed Hydroshoppe and MKLSB’s attempt to prevent LSH Service Master from taking over as the operator. However, Hydroshoppe and MKLSB insisted they would continue operating the tower.
The communications ministry previously said MKLSB’s management contract had expired on March 31, and that LSH Service Master, which is controlled by Lim Seong Hai Capital Bhd (LSH Capital), was awarded a 20-year concession in May 2024.
MKLSB and Hydroshoppe are seeking RM20.13 million in losses and damages, as well as the transfer of the concession back to them.
LSH Capital has said it will defend the suit and continue to fulfil its obligations under the 20-year agreement.