KUALA LUMPUR – Residents of Bukit Damansara have voiced strong objections to plans by a homeowner at Jalan Setiakasih 6 to sell alcohol, warning that they do not want their quiet residential neighbourhood to become like Bangsar, which has seen a proliferation of bars and nightlife outlets.
Dr Barkeh Hanim Jumaat, a long-time resident, said the issue only came to light when a notice from the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur Excise Licensing Board was posted on the property last Sunday.
“The house is undergoing major renovations, and now we see that a liquor licence has been applied for. This is a residential area — it is simply not appropriate,” she told Scoop when met at Pusat Komuniti Bukit Damansara yesterday.
Dr Barkeh added that the first house on the dead-end road, where the notice was posted, is currently being renovated.
“We are concerned about the impact this will have on the neighbourhood. Selling alcohol here sets a worrying precedent for other houses. DBKL should not encourage this.
“If one house is allowed to sell alcohol, others may start transforming their homes into bars to make money. It will ruin the neighbourhood and turn it into something like Bangsar. This would set a very bad example for the entire community.”
Residents have begun mobilising opposition, collecting signatures and submitting formal letters of protest to the Chairman of the Kuala Lumpur Excise Licensing Board.
Copies have also been sent to Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh and the President of the Setiakasih Residents’ Association (Perkasih), Zuhairah Ali.
Meanwhile, Perkasih president Zuhairah told Scoop that she had witnessed troubling patterns at other alcohol-selling establishments in Bukit Damansara.
“In Bangsar, young girls are going to these bars and doing a lot of things they shouldn’t be doing. It’s not just about drinking — there’s much more unwanted activities happening. We don’t want this here,” she said
She added that while authorities sometimes raid clubs and DJ spots, the operations often resume the next day.
“There’s a big underworld leadership operating there. I’m not saying the authorities or DBKL are corrupt. Some of them do their work, but they don’t have the influence to maintain control because they’re spread thin — going here, there, and everywhere.”
According to a survey done by an irate Bukit Damansara resident, about 64 establishments sell alcohol in the area.
On the house at Jalan Setiakasih 6, which residents say has previously caused disturbances due to loud music and unauthorised events, Zuhairah expressed concern over its new proposed use.
“Previously, it was used illegally for a feast. The music was too loud, and complaints were made. Now, they want to sell alcohol from the house. Even in Western countries, you can’t just operate like that illegally. Using the property unlawfully is, Allah forbid, illegal.”
“We want to know why a licence is being applied for in a residential area, whether the house has been rezoned for commercial use, and if there are plans to operate a bar here. The community is determined to protect the character and identity of the neighbourhood,” she added. – November 15, 2025