In Malaysia, unlicensed street photography becomes focus of crackdown

Kuala Lumpur authorities have seized photographic equipment from five foreigners since a warning in early April

Following an early April warning about unlicensed street photography, city authorities in Kuala Lumpur, the country’s capital, have confiscated equipment from six people, five of them non-Malaysians, pending payment of fines levied under street hawking regulations.

According to local media reports, Kuala Lumpur City Hall said enforcement would be carried out from time to time because unauthorised photography breaches hawking rules and could pose a safety risk to visitors and drivers.

Street photographers at Kuala Lumpur landmarks have often offered tourists a more professional alternative to a selfie for a fee.

Malaysia is one of the world’s most popular holiday destinations, with government statistics showing 42 million arrivals in 2025.

Source: News - South China Morning Post