KUALA LUMPUR – KK Supermart & Superstore Sdn Bhd has committed to deploying security guards at its Bangsar outlets to address incidents caused by intoxicated individuals, according to Lembah Pantai MP Fahmi Fadzil.
Fahmi, who is also Communications Minister, was responding to complaints from Telawi residents, who have expressed frustration over an increase in disruptive behaviour in recent years.
This also follows a recent report from Scoop which highlighted issues such as late-night noise, vandalism, extortion attempts, and violent altercations that have reportedly become frequent, negatively impacting the area’s quality of life.
In the report, Bukit Bandaraya Residents’ Association advisor, Datuk M. Ali, attributed some of these problems to the extended operating hours of bars and pubs in the Telawi vicinity.
However, Bangsar Restaurant Bar Owners Association president, Joshua Devarajoo, who is the owner of Bilique Bangsar, told Scoop that convenience stores selling alcohol after hours are to blame for the disturbances.
Yesterday evening, Fahmi addressed the matter in a social media post, saying he would convene with Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), and local residents to find solutions.
“I met (Bangsar Baru Residents’ Association president) Datuk George (Joseph) and Datuk Seri Dr KK Chai Kee Kan (KK Mart founder) to discuss the issues raised by Bangsar residents — including incidents of shop customers drinking alcohol in front of the premises until the early hours of the morning.
“So far, KK Mart has agreed to add security guards to prevent any untoward incidents.
“I will meet all parties, including residents, PDRM, DBKL, and bar and pub operators, in the near future to ensure the harmony and well-being of the local community are maintained,” Fahmi said in his post.
The sale of hard liquor at convenience stores, grocery shops, and Chinese medicinal outlets was banned in November 2021. However, beer sales remain permitted between 7am and 9pm.
Licensed establishments such as bars, pubs, lounges, and restaurants may sell alcohol from 10am until midnight, with extensions until 2am available upon application.
Concerns over safety in Bangsar are not new. In 2021, a man was killed, and his friends were injured in a violent brawl involving armed assailants on Jalan Telawi.
Following the incident, Fahmi, who also serves as Communications Minister, visited the area and shared his concerns on X (formerly Twitter).
Last year, a 78-year-old woman suffered severe injuries in a snatch theft on Jalan Limau Manis, further spotlighting the neighbourhood’s safety issues. – November 27, 2024