LSHSM UNVEILS AMBITIOUS PLAN TO REVITALISE KL TOWER AS NATION'S TOP LANDMARK

By Syed Iylia Hariz Al-Qadri Syed Izman

KUALA LUMPUR, April 9 (Bernama) -- LSH Service Master Sdn Bhd (LSHSM), the new operator of Menara Kuala Lumpur (KL Tower), has laid out a bold and comprehensive plan to revitalise the 28-year-old national landmark, with a vision to elevate it as Malaysia’s number one iconic destination.

Commencing its official concession on April 1, the company aims to transform the tower into a world-class tourism, cultural and community hub while preserving its architectural heritage and enhancing its role as a telecommunications facility.

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LSHSM chief executive officer Khairil Faizal Othman said the move is part of a long-term strategy to breathe new life into KL Tower and its surrounding precinct, with improvements anchored in sustainability, inclusivity and national pride.

“We want it to continue symbolising the pride of Malaysia while adapting to modern needs and future expectations,” he told Bernama in an exclusive interview.

As part of its commitment, LSHSM is investing RM70 million over the next five years under a phased revitalisation plan, focusing on infrastructure upgrades, visitor experience, cultural spaces and environmental sustainability.

Khairil Faizal explained that among the major upgrades planned are new observation decks and skywalks at different heights around the tower structure, offering panoramic and immersive views of the city skyline and nearby Bukit Nanas rainforest.

He said that to further enhance the visitor experience, the company will introduce a new ‘Tethered Balloon’ attraction, a high-rise balloon ride that provides a unique aerial view of the tower from a new vantage point, adding a family-friendly tourism feature to the overall experience.

Khairil Faizal said the internal refurbishment of the tower will be the priority, with a special focus on the visitor journey, spatial flow and modernised aesthetics that maintain the tower’s iconic architectural elements.

The popular revolving restaurant at KL Tower is also undergoing a major transformation with its seating capacity to be expanded to 238 to accommodate more guests while maintaining the unique 360-degree dining experience, allowing diners to enjoy sweeping views of the capital city as the restaurant slowly rotates.

“The restaurant’s interior will be redesigned with a songket-inspired motif to reflect our cultural identity, creating a distinctive and elegant dining ambiance rooted in Malaysian heritage. Contrary to rumours, the surau will not be demolished,” he said.

According to Khairil Faizal, LSHSM also aims to secure halal certification for the restaurant, positioning it as a preferred destination for Muslim tourists, both locally and internationally, while also elevating the overall food and beverage offerings.

He said that apart from improvements within the tower, LSHSM is also working on a phased rejuvenation of the entire surrounding precinct, which includes the introduction of retail, food and beverage outlets, and flexible event spaces designed for both public and private gatherings.

“All upgrades will incorporate universal design principles to ensure full accessibility for the elderly, persons with disabilities and families with young children.

“We are also transforming underutilised land around the tower into spaces that will host cultural exhibitions, festive events, weddings, and recreational programmes - making KL Tower a living hub of community and celebration,” he said.

Green initiatives will take centre stage, featuring sustainable elements such as vertical gardens, green roofs, and living walls to promote biodiversity, reduce heat, and support urban ecology, while smart building technologies will be integrated throughout the tower to enhance energy efficiency, safety, and overall operational excellence.

On the telecommunications aspect, Khairil Faizal assured that the tower’s core function as a broadcasting and communications hub will continue uninterrupted, with full support from LSHSM to maintain technical infrastructure at the highest standards.

In terms of human resources, Khairil Faizal said that following termination notices issued by the previous operator in December 2024, LSHSM has prioritised employee welfare throughout the transition process by extending job offers to all 205 affected staff, including the former CEO.

In conjunction with the Hari Raya celebrations, a townhall session was also conducted yesterday, attended by LSH Capital Bhd non-executive chairman Tan Sri Lim Keng Cheng, Khairil Faizal and employees absorbed from Menara Kuala Lumpur Sdn Bhd (MKLSB) to foster engagement and reassure them of continued employment.

“To date, 95 per cent or 193 of them have accepted our offer and started employment with us from  April 1. All were offered terms no less favourable than before, with full benefits and continuity,” he said.

With the 20-year concession now in effect, LSHSM is confident that KL Tower will reach new heights not only as a telecommunications facility but also as a centre for culture, tourism, sustainability, and national identity.

The KL Tower remains government-owned, with only its management and operations changing through a public-private partnership (PPP) via an open request for proposal (RFP) process.

The RFP was conducted by the Public-Private Partnership Unit (UKAS) under the Prime Minister's Department and the successful bidder, selected based on the Cabinet’s evaluation, was announced on May 29, 2024.

-- BERNAMA