KUALA LUMPUR: The KL Tower requires repairs before it can be reopened to the public due to its present condition, says Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
The Communications Minister said a team from his ministry and members of the public recently visited the KL Tower and saw that the building is in bad shape.
“Based on the videos and pictures, a lot of equipment, the kitchen and also the revolving restaurant are not conducive for visitors.
“We have asked the new company to quickly carry out maintenance and repairs, especially on the safety aspect,” he said during his weekly briefing at Angkasapuri Media City yesterday.
Fahmi said the KL Tower is wholly owned by the Federal Government and that the previous concessionaire, Menara Kuala Lumpur Sdn Bhd, was evicted because its contract ended on March 31. However, it refused to vacate the premises.
“The Federal Land Commissioner has looked into the issue and based on Section 425 of the National Land Code, there is a basis.
“We have gone through the process to let the commissioner enter the premises and also allow the new company to operate there,” he said, adding that some issues must be immediately addressed.
Fahmi also said the new date for the reopening of the KL Tower would be announced after the repairs and maintenance works are carried out.
He added that 193 out of 205 staff members of the former concessionaire have accepted an offer by the new concessionaire, LSH Service Masters Sdn Bhd (LSHSM).
“The new company also offered them salaries that are on par with their previous pay,” said Fahmi.
LSHSM has been awarded a 20-year concession, beginning April 1, to manage the KL Tower.