KUALA LUMPUR: The operator of the revolving restaurant at Kuala Lumpur Tower was temporarily closed due to a legal dispute between the company and its landlord, Menara Kuala Lumpur Sdn Bhd (MKLSB).
In clarifying media reports on the matter, MKLSB said the conflict arose from the expiry of the tenancy agreement between MKLSB and Asian Kitchen (M) Sdn Bhd (AKSB) on Dec 13 last year.
It said a temporary extension was granted until June 30 this year, and it confirmed that AKSB was informed that no further extensions would be granted after that date.
"AKSB was fully aware that at the expiry of the tenancy on June 30, 2023, it must move out of the premises at KL Tower, and there will be no more extension or renewal of the tenancy.
"On June 9, 2023, AKSB commenced a suit at the High Court of Kuala Lumpur against MKLSB and sought injunction against MKLSB to prevent MKLSB from enforcing its right as the landlord to get vacant possession of the premises from AKSB after the expiry of the tenancy on June 30, 2023. The High Court dismissed AKSB's injunction application on June 27, 2023," MKLSB said in a statement today.
It said MKLSB had issued notices, letters and memos to the restaurant operator to vacate the premises, but these efforts were "to no avail."
MKLSB said it then applied for summary judgment at the High Court to get vacant possession of the premises from AKSB, which was granted in favour of MKLSB on Sept 4 this year.
The court order stated that AKSB had been unlawfully holding the premises since July 1, and it needed to pay double its rental to MKLSB from that date until it hands over the premises.
It said that AKSB filed a stay of execution of the High Court Order, but it was dismissed by the High Court on 23 Nov 23, 2023.
"In the interim, MKLSB continues to inform and request that AKSB obey the High Court Order and to hand over vacant possession of the premises along with payment of money adjudged by the High Court to MKLSB, again to no avail.
"On 23 Nov 23, 2023, the High Court granted leave for MKLSB to issue a Writ of Possession to get back vacant possession of the premises from AKSB.
"MKLSB then filed both the Writ of Possession and Writ of Seizure and Sale at the High Court to execute the High Court Order."
It said that Dec 21 this year, the bailiffs of the High Court came to KL Tower to execute both the Writ of Possession and Writ of Seizure and Sale against AKSB to execute the High Court Order.
MKLSB said despite AKSB's unlawful and illegal holding over the premises since July 1, MKLSB never interfered with the restaurant's operations and management of Atmosphere 360 and Café 360.
" MKLSB would also emphasize that all steps taken by MKLSB in resolving the above tenancy issue with AKSB are in compliance with the laws and procedures of Malaysia.
"As the court bailiffs have issued the Writ of Possession and Writ of Seizure and Sale against AKSB at the premises, the premises are currently under the supervision and control of the Court, and consequent to that, Atmosphere 360 and Café 360 are currently not operational.
"To enhance the dining experience, the revolving restaurant will be temporarily closed for comprehensive upgrades."
MKLSB said it deeply regrets the incident on Dec 21 which caused inconvenience to local and foreign visitors, and stressed that the rest of KL Tower was still operational.
It was earlier reported today that the famed revolving restaurant in KL Tower had been closed following a vacate order issued by the High Court.