Enough is enough: Bangsar folks demand action as ‘rowdy’ nightlife crowd fuel safety concerns

KUALA LUMPUR – Fear and frustration are rising in Bangsar as residents prepare to file a formal complaint with the Brickfields district police headquarters, frustrated by the growing “chaos” that has disrupted their once peaceful neighbourhood.

The residents say disturbances caused by intoxicated individuals, especially in the Telawi area, have spiralled out of control, with late-night noise, vandalism, attempted extortion, and violent brawls becoming a near-weekly occurrence.

They now say they no longer feel safe in their own homes, as the area, known for its vibrant nightlife, is increasingly overrun by unruly crowds.

Speaking to Scoop, Bukit Bandaraya Residents’ Association advisor Datuk M. Ali highlighted the growing dissatisfaction with the operating hours of some bars and pubs in the area, which residents believe are contributing to the ongoing issues.

Ali said that numerous complaints have been made to the authorities, including Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), over the past few months, but no action has been taken.

“Since the 1990s, when Tan Sri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil was the MP for Lembah Pantai, we have raised concerns about the issues residents face due to the presence of bars and pubs in the neighbourhood. While some residents have no issues with food and beverage outlets, the presence of bars and pubs has caused significant problems for many.

“We receive complaints on a weekly and monthly basis, yet when we bring these issues to DBKL or even to the Federal Territories Ministry, it often falls on deaf ears.

“A few months ago, we received a complaint that a group of young men threw beer cans at residents near KK Mart after dining at Q Bistro, simply because the residents had asked them to lower their music and voices. This incident occurred right in front of the Bangsar Baru police booth.

“We recently engaged with Brickfields OCPD, Assistant Commissioner Ku Mashariman Ku Mahmood, to discuss these ongoing issues caused by intoxicated individuals, and we will be sending a formal letter to him this week, as well as to the FT Ministry. I find the behaviour of these drunkards both appalling and unacceptable. This behaviour must stop, as there have even been instances of individuals found sleeping right outside residents’ homes,” said Ali when contacted.

Ali’s accounts align with the experiences of other residents in Bangsar, with many saying that they no longer feel safe due to the nuisance of drunkards in the area.

“I have lived here my whole life, and it’s disappointing to see my neighbourhood taken over by these unruly crowds. Drunken fights seem to be a weekly occurrence now, and it’s distressing. The loud music doesn’t stop, even past midnight. Our children can’t sleep, and we’re constantly stressed, wondering if tonight’s going to be another sleepless one.

“I’ve had people argue with me outside my own home about parking, as if it’s their right to use our spaces after coming from nearby bars and clubs. I worry about my family’s safety; a few months ago, a group of unknown drinkers tried to intimidate us into paying them to ‘protect’ our area. They demanded RM200, and it’s disturbing,” said Priya Menon, a business owner, when met.

Sarah Lim, a housewife and resident in Bangsar for over two decades, shared that her daughter nearly became a victim of extortion.

“My daughter works in a call centre, and once, when she returned home, a few men tried to extort her by grabbing her hand. If not for my husband and eldest son intervening, things could have turned out very differently, and who knows what might have happened to our daughter.

“After that incident, we were afraid to lodge a report, as the drunkards were not from Bangsar, and they appeared to be outsiders. We feared they might target my daughter and try to assault her again. This incident happened about two years ago, and thankfully, everything is okay now. We just hope that the police can be more effective in their work by patrolling here on a regular basis,” said Sarah.

Similarly, Thomas Lee, who has lived in Bangsar for five years, described how the growing crowds have affected daily life.

“On weekends, it’s almost impossible to get delivery or ride-share drivers to pick us up from our homes due to the congestion and rowdy crowds. I’ve even seen people urinating on the walls outside my home,” said Lee, adding that he sometimes considers confronting the offenders but worries about his family’s safety.

In 2021, it was reported that a man was killed in a brawl, and his friends were injured when they were attacked by a group of armed men using helmets, knives, and beer bottles while walking to a parking area to head home after having drinks on Jalan Telawi.

In the wake of the murder and other complaints, Communications Minister and Lembah Pantai MP Fahmi Fadzil visited the Telawi area, expressing his concerns on Twitter.

Bangsar is not what it used to be. Rowdy pub, club patrons spill onto the streets. We have seen fights, even death. Overcrowded spaces are a COVID-19 threat. This must stop.

Tonight, together with PDRM, I visited some premises which I believe flout the law. Action must be taken. pic.twitter.com/IObYwqBm5Q

— Fahmi Fadzil 🇲🇾 (@fahmi_fadzil) April 8, 2022

“Bangsar is not what it used to be. Rowdy pub, club patrons spill onto the streets. We have seen fights, even death. Overcrowded spaces are a Covid-19 threat. This must stop,” he said following the visit with police in April 2022.

Recent reports also indicated that a 78-year-old woman was seriously injured in a snatch theft on Jalan Limau Manis last year. – November 13, 2024