KUALA LUMPUR – Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) will take enforcement action against unlicensed kite vendors at Taman Tasik Metropolitan Kepong after a motorcyclist was nearly strangled by a kite string that became entangled around his neck.
Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif said the incident, which went viral on social media, had triggered a surge of complaints to the local authority.
“This matter is being treated very seriously. Numerous complaints were lodged since the video circulated this morning,” she said when contacted by Scoop.
“Checks have revealed several illegal kite vendors operating in the area without licences, and action will be taken against them immediately.
“Measures are also being put in place to prevent similar incidents in future. Kite-flying will be restricted to designated zones around the lake and kept away from major roads.”
Maimunah added that DBKL will step up patrols at the park and take firm action against unlicensed vendors to protect public safety.
The near-miss incident, which occurred earlier today, involved a motorcyclist whose neck became caught in a low-hanging kite string. In a 53-second video that has since gone viral, the visibly shaken rider showed abrasions on his neck and described the terrifying moment.
“Please take action — the kites are crossing over onto the main road. What hurts the most is this (the wound on my neck). Luckily, I was wearing a scarf — otherwise, my neck would have been severed.
“I got tangled in the string… my shirt tore, my bag tore, all because of the kite string that came from Tasik Metropolitan Kepong onto the road,” he said.
He also warned that the kite strings, often nearly invisible, pose a deadly risk to motorcyclists.
The video has sparked renewed concerns about the use of “gelasan” strings — abrasive-coated lines commonly used in competitive kite flying to sever opponents’ kites — which can cause serious injuries to people and damage to vehicles.
Meanwhile, Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng criticised the authorities for their delayed response, noting that kite-flying near the busy MRR2 highway had long been a safety concern.
“Apart from endangering road users, kite flying is a healthy activity. It just needs a proper open area, not by the roadside. Kite-flying next to the MRR2 highway has been going on for more than a decade,” he said.
“DBKL has offices nearby, and the PPA1M Metropolitan Kepong condominium next to the park houses at least 200 DBKL officers. I believe they witness these activities every weekend.
“Yet it took a viral video to prompt action. This morning alone, I received two WhatsApp messages and more than 10 forwards of the same footage.
“I’m not pointing fingers only at DBKL. All government agencies should take a proactive approach. If you’re a civil servant, your duty is to serve the people.
“These kite vendors must be stopped. I’m not even sure they have permits. They should not be allowed to sell kites next to the MRR2. Move them elsewhere.” – July 21, 2025