KUALA LUMPUR — About 200 residents, activists, and politicians gathered in Bukit Damansara this morning to urge Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to reject a proposed redevelopment of Wisma Damansara into two 60-storey towers.
The peaceful demonstration along Jalan Semantan 2, heavily guarded by police and Rela personnel, was described by residents as the largest “T20 protest” the city has seen, reflecting the area’s reputation as an affluent suburb.
Former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin, a local resident, delivered a fiery speech, warning that the mega-project would worsen traffic and destroy the neighbourhood’s residential character.
“Enough is enough! We are telling the Mayor this is a no-go. This is not political. This is about Bukit Damansara,” Khairy declared.
“Our suburb is not KLCC. We moved here for a quiet neighbourhood, not to live under skyscrapers.”
Khairy urged Kuala Lumpur mayor, Datuk Seri Maimunah Sharif, to apply her international expertise in sustainable urban planning.
“She was once executive director of UN-Habitat, a town planner by profession. In her heart, she knows a 60-storey tower here makes no sense,” he said.
The project, proposed by BRDB Developments, has drawn objections from over 300 households concerned about congestion along Jalan Semantan and Jalan Tuanku Abdul Halim.
Critics argue the proposed plot ratio of 1:9.6 exceeds the 1:6 limit set in the Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2040.
Former Malaysian Bar president Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan called on DBKL to prioritise sustainable development.
“We are not against development, but it must be sustainable. DBKL is the mediator… do your job!” she said to loud cheers.
Tan Sri Nazir Razak, chairman of the Asean Business Advisory Council, echoed her call.
“Some of us have sold our lands for development. But when it’s a monstrosity like this, we must stand up. Repurpose Wisma Damansara, add a few floors if you must — but we don’t need two 60-floor towers.”
Khairy also accused DBKL of quietly removing Bukit Damansara from height restriction zones near the National Palace.
“An old gazetted map had clear height restrictions. Suddenly, like a magic trick, it’s gone. Who allowed it? This is mad work,” he said.
The protest drew a broad line-up of political and public figures, including opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, AirAsia founder Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, singer Datuk Sheila Majid, and former MP and lawyer Datuk Dominic Puthucheary.
Bukit Damansara Residents Association president Datuk Sufian Abdul Majid said the group would continue gathering signatures to present to DBKL.
“We are not against development, but we are asking for sense. Review this plan. Repurpose, don’t replace,” he said.
The dispute highlights broader tensions over Kuala Lumpur’s rapid vertical expansion, often approved under redevelopment incentives critics say prioritise profit over liveability.
Segambut MP and Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh has also voiced opposition, warning that repeated departures from the city’s local plan risk undermining public trust.
“Infrastructure must be upgraded before further development, not after,” she said recently.
For Bukit Damansara, the battle has become a symbol of community resistance, as residents, politicians, and public figures demand sustainable urban planning in a city racing skyward. — October 4, 2025