KUALA LUMPUR: The maximum carrying capacity of Jalan Semantan must be determined before any new projects are allowed in Bukit Damansara here.
Persatuan Pemilik Rumah Bukit Damansara president Datuk Ahmad Sufian Abdul Majid said they are not only worried about the proposed Wisma Damansara redevelopment as several other projects are due to take place along the same road.
"More buildings will come up near the shopping centre nearby which will significantly increase the area's plot ratio and density.
"The traffic situation on Jalan Semantan is already quite dire now, with gridlock happening daily during peak hours, including the slip road near HRD Corp on Jalan Beringin.
"Our concerns go way beyond Wisma Damansara. Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) must study the maximum carrying capacity of Jalan Semantan before approving any new projects," he said during an engagement session between DBKL and Bukit Damansara residents at Bukit Damansara Community Centre today (Nov 14)
Also present were Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, who is also Segambut MP, as well as former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin and lawyer Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan.
Khairy said the gridlock on Jalan Semantan will not only affect Bukit Damansara, but also Damansara Jaya and Bangsar, as it is a popular route for motorists travelling between Petaling Jaya and Kuala Lumpur.
"The Wisma Damansara redevelopment, which carries an extremely high plot ratio of 1:9.6 if approved, could set a bad precedent."
He also urged DBKL to inform the residents clearly on its plans for Jalan Semantan.
Echoing him was Ambiga, who said residents could not provide meaningful feedback to the proposed projects without clear and transparent information.
"The traffic around Bukit Damansara is already quite messy. I work in Kompleks Pejabat Damansara in Jalan Dungun and it would take me about one hour and a half just to get out from the carpark during evening rush hour.
"All upcoming projects in the area must be reviewed and traffic impact assessment conducted.
"Areas around Bukit Damansara are not meant to be developed into another central business district in Kuala Lumpur," she added.
Yeoh urged DBKL to conduct a study to determine what are the most suitable developments for Bukit Damansara in the next 10 to 20 years.
"A similar study has been done in Kampung Sungai Penchala."
