Shoppers, businesses wary of large group of teens at KLCC

The group of teenagers outside the Suria KLCC mall has made some patrons and business operators uneasy. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Seth Akmal, May 31, 2015.

A big group of teenagers who gather near the Suria KLCC mall at Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur on weekends is causing uneasiness among patrons and business operators.

The youths, aged between 13 and 17, gather near the fountain outside the mall and sometimes get into fights.

Business operators are worried that this will scare off patrons if nothing is done.

An assistant manager at one of the restaurants facing the fountain expressed his concern with the growing number of teens hanging out at KLCC. “I have worked at this restaurant for almost two years and I have not faced such a problem.

"These teens only started hanging out here around April and so far they have been a nuisance and bad for business.

“When a fight breaks out, it frightens off the customers. Especially on weekends, many people like to have quality family time and enjoy a quiet dinner, but when something like this happens, it leaves a bad impression and patrons do not want to return again,” he said.

He had also lodged complaints with the management, but as far as he knows, nothing much had been done to address the issue.

“If this problem persist or is left unattended, it will drive away business not only for my restaurant, but for KLCC and its image as a premier shopping centre,” he added.

The teenagers are believed to be the same group that used to hang out in front of the Pavilion shopping centre in the Golden Triangle.

Furqan Aree, a patron who frequents KLCC and its park, said: “It (the big group of teens) makes KLCC park dodgy for recreational and dining purposes.

“I fear for the safety of my belongings when I do dine here. While the presence of these teens is a nuisance, it doesn’t deter me from coming here, but it definitely makes me uncomfortable.

"I urge the authorities to handle this pressing issue expeditiously and effectively.”

The fountain and park comes under the management of the KLCC Park.

An officer with the security office of KLCC Park told The Malaysian Insider that they were taking steps to ensure nothing untoward happened.

“Usually during weekends, the police are already on standby around the park area to ensure the safety of shoppers and tourists.

"We are aware that there are teenagers hanging around the fountain and the park, if a fight does break out, we will hand them over to the police”.

- TMI