Original article by Syed Iylia Hariz Al-Qadri Syed Izman (Bernama)
KUALA LUMPUR – Lim Seong Hai Capital Bhd (LSH Capital) non-executive chairman Tan Sri Lim Keng Cheng has dismissed rumours that existing staff at Menara Kuala Lumpur (KL Tower) would be replaced following the company’s takeover of the landmark’s operations.
Lim stressed that staff welfare was a priority from the outset, adding that he had insisted on continuity during the transition process.
“These people have been working at the tower for many years. As the company overseeing operations now, I don’t believe in replacing people simply because there’s a change.
“If they haven’t made any serious mistakes, why should they go?” he told Bernama in an exclusive interview.
“I told them, just give me the list of names. No other terms. We are not here to cut people off. We are here to build together,” he said.
As of April 7, a total of 95% – or 193 individuals – from Menara Kuala Lumpur Sdn Bhd (MKLSB) have officially joined the new operating company under LSH Capital, with employment commencing on April 1. The terms offered are on par with their previous conditions, including full continuity of benefits and service.
Lim, a veteran of Malaysia’s construction and property development industry, said his approach is grounded in empathy, shaped by personal hardships in his early life.
“I was seven when my father had kidney failure. My mother had to bring him to the General Hospital three times a week and also ran a small sundry shop to feed us. That experience taught me how tough life can be for ordinary people,” he said.
“Many say I’m lucky. I said no, I’m not lucky. I’ve been through hardship, and because of that, I always try to help people. I believe if we take care of others, the rest will fall into place.”
Under LSH Capital’s stewardship, Lim said the company aims to manage KL Tower with professionalism, integrity, and a people-first ethos, Bernama reported.
While speculation swirled over possible job cuts, Lim reiterated that such talk was baseless, stressing that the new management is committed to stability and growth.
On the positioning of KL Tower within Kuala Lumpur’s skyline, Lim said he views neighbouring skyscrapers like KLCC and TRX as complementary rather than competition.
“If you go up to KLCC, you won’t see KLCC, but when you’re at KL Tower, you can see everything – we are the best vantage point.
“When more towers are built around us, it only makes the view better. We become even more valuable to photographers, tourists, and city lovers,” he said.
Planned upgrades under LSH Capital’s vision include improvements to the terrace area, a retractable roof for a new ballroom, and new lighting installations that preserve the tower’s iconic silhouette.
“The tower is part of the city’s soul. Even if other towers rise around us, we are still the one you look up to,” Lim said, hinting at upcoming collaborations with nearby hotels and properties to create a holistic 360-degree city experience.
LSH Capital has secured a 20-year lease agreement to manage and modernise KL Tower and its surrounding areas. The agreement was signed by LSH Service Master Sdn Bhd, a joint venture between LSH BEST Builders Sdn Bhd and Service Master (M) Sdn Bhd, with LSH BEST Builders holding a 70% per cent stake and Service Master the remaining 30%.
The lease, effective April 1, was granted by the federal lands commissioner and covers approximately 10 acres, including the KL Tower site, Tower Terrace, and surrounding areas.
The KL Tower remains government-owned. However, its management and operations have been transferred through a public-private partnership model via an open request for proposal process conducted by the Public-Private Partnership Unit under the Prime Minister’s Department.
LSH Capital was announced as the successful bidder on May 29, 2024. – April 9, 2025