In August 2025, we received a Rule 3 notice from DBKL concerning a proposed redevelopment of Wisma Damansara. I submitted formal objections together with the residents of Bukit Damansara via letter dated 15 August 2025.
I have personally conveyed my objections to the Mayor of DBKL.
On 26 August 2025, I met with the Chairman and representatives of the Bukit Damansara Home Owners’ Association to further hear their concerns.
On 29 September 2025, I met with DBKL’s newly appointed Executive Director of Planning (DBKL), En Nazri Bin Abdullah, to express my continuing concerns over the cumulative impact of over development in Segambut and once again highlighted that Bukit Damansara is now facing yet another threat. These concerns were reiterated in my follow-up letter to the Mayor dated 2 October 2025.
My objections to the proposed Wisma Damansara development are based on the following critical grounds:
1. Non-compliance with the Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2040 (PTKL 2040)
The local plan is a legally binding document. Repeated departures from it not only undermine the integrity of town planning processes, but also erode public trust. Non-compliance will certainly worsen traffic and overburden local infrastructure.
2. Severe traffic congestion
The local road network cannot absorb any more high-density developments. Even with several nearby projects still under construction, traffic in and out of Pusat Bandar Damansara is already at a standstill during peak hours.
3. Strained infrastructure
Residents continue to experience frequent water supply disruptions and service outages. Infrastructure must be upgraded before any further development is considered, not after. Approving new projects without resolving existing infrastructure challenges is simply irresponsible.
I am made to understand that the proposed Wisma Damansara project carries a plot ratio of 1:9.6, justified under “redevelopment” incentives. While the Mayor does have discretionary powers to consider such incentives, redevelopment alone is not a sufficient basis for such high-density approvals. Planning decisions must be based on a full evaluation of the area’s character, infrastructure readiness and long-term sustainability.
My Three (3) Demands to DBKL (Reiterated in my letter to DBKL dated 15 August 2025) :
1. Full compliance with the Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2040
No development should be approved if it does not strictly conform to the gazetted Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2040.
2. No new highway proposals
3. Mandatory public participation in all impact assessments
The Resident Association must be involved from the outset in preparing all Social Impact Assessments (SIA), Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and Traffic Impact Assessments (TIA).
Since taking office in 2018, I have had to push back against a series of development proposals. In 2018, serious concerns were raised regarding the high-density development in Pusat Bandar Damansara, where a Development Order (DO) was granted in 2017, justified under the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) framework. Together with Fahmi Fadzil, MP for Lembah Pantai, we lodged reports with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on 19 February 2020, calling for a thorough investigation into the project. Despite strong and repeated objections from stakeholders, the project was allowed to proceed under prior approvals granted by the previous administration. Today, residents are living with the consequences – severe traffic congestion in Pusat Bandar Damansara, made worse despite the presence of an MRT station and a heavily taxpayer-funded elevated highway.
In 2021, another high-density proposal was submitted for the Plaza Batai site. I submitted my objections via letter dated 21 January 2021. The development proposal did not proceed.
Since 2018, my position against unsustainable development in Segambut has been consistent and unwavering. I will continue to stand with the people of Segambut to ensure our voices are heard.