Holding placards with the words “Save Bukit Damansara” and “No to Skyscrapers”, residents warned that the project would turn Jalan Semantan into a permanent traffic jam, overwhelm infrastructure and erase the neighbourhood’s identity.
Nazir said while he supported development, the project was “monstrous”.
“You can build, but don’t build two 60-storey buildings and destroy our environment,” he said during the protest.
Sheila, who has lived there since the 1970s, said Bukit Damansara was once a peaceful, green haven.
“There was fresh air, camaraderie and privacy. I remember cycling and reading comic books for free. Everyone knew everyone,” she said.
“Now we have high-rise buildings, ugly elevated systems and chaotic traffic causing stress (along Jalan Semantan). We are not against development, but when our quality of life is affected, we need to speak up.”
Khairy, a long-time resident, said Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) must explain if it had conducted a traffic impact study.
“I believe the Datuk Bandar, who is a town planner at heart, does not want 60-storey buildings here,” he said.
“If this goes ahead, are we going to leave (Bukit) Damansara? No, we are not going anywhere.
“But the last thing we want is to see this place turn into another KLCC.”
It was reported that 300 households in Bukit Damansara had submitted official letters objecting to the project.
Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh had also objected to the plan and urged DBKL to comply with the Kuala Lumpur Local Plan (KLLP) 2040. She said constant departures from the plan “undermine town planning and erode public trust”.
Bukit Damansara Homeowners’ Association president Sufian Majid said residents only learnt of the project via a newspaper notice on Aug 1, which revealed approval for a plot ratio of 1:9.6 – 60% higher than the 1:6 cap in KLLP 2040.
“Jalan Semantan is already choked during peak hours due to SPRINT Highway pass-through traffic. Office workers already park illegally on residential roads, choking neighbourhoods,” he said.
Ambiga said the protest was about protecting the right to live in a sustainable community.
“We are not talking about buildings, these are our homes. Development must be sustainable.
“That is the human right of residents and we must never give up,” she said.