KUALA LUMPUR - Individuals near the KLCC Twin Towers allegedly charge up to RM30 per photo, taking advantage of locals and tourists.
A social media user's post warning about the "scammers" at KLCC has gone viral, with many sharing their experiences of being deceived by those offering the service and charged with hidden and unreasonable fees.
At press time, the 13-second video has been viewed by at least 1.9 million social media users.
A victim identified as Ha_5650 said she had to pay up to RM110 after being tricked by a man who offered to take her picture during an incident two weeks ago.
"He initially offered to take pictures for just RM10. After taking around eight photos, he asked me which ones I wanted. I said I wanted all of them. Then, after he sent the pictures to my husband's phone, he asked for RM80.
"Later, he conned my sister into paying RM30 for a single picture... he made quite a profit that day, but I had to pay it all. I didn't want to complicate things; I ended up paying a total of RM110," she said.
Ha_5650 added that the photographer charged foreign tourists RM30.
"They're already milking us Malaysians, let alone foreign tourists," she said.
Some users also expressed their displeasure with the surge of photographers who were reported to be rude to visitors and seemed to dominate the area.
"We brought some tourists. And this photographer got angry that we took our own pictures and didn't use their service.
"It's as if they've rented the place, and we can't disturb them. Luckily, many of us just acted like we didn't care and left after taking pictures because it was uncomfortable to stay there for long," expressed Stallobello.
Other users claimed that this activity was carried out by foreigners pretending to be locals to avoid authorities.
"He said he's from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, but stuttered when asked about Sabah, so I suspect he's not really from there.
"He got scared when my husband identified himself as a policeman and didn't argue about the payment. He was scammed instead because my husband isn't a policeman but a lecturer. So, everyone, be cautious," Asna Khalid expressed.
Users also requested that authorities take action and monitor this activity, fearing it could tarnish Malaysia's reputation.
"KLCC management needs to step in. They even reprimand people for eating or cycling near the fountains, so why not warn these photo pests too?" wrote Ixora Johan.
"Where are the authorities? Why are they letting this happen? This is a free spot for both local and foreign tourists. Why are they letting them take over?" questioned Qis Sajat.