The engagement session organised by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) at Bukit Damansara Community Centre. — SAMUEL ONG/The Star
Greater effort is needed to promote public transport around Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur, stakeholders say, reacting to objection by residents against the proposed redevelopment of Wisma Damansara.
Malaysian Land Public Transport Fans chairman Zac Cheong said the issue was not the development itself, but where the extra population density was placed.
“Wisma Damansara’s location near the Semantan MRT station could encourage more people to use public transport due to its close proximity,” he said.
“Improving bus frequency as well as first- and last-mile infrastructure will ensure the nearby Semantan MRT station remains a vibrant hub,” he added.
Urban design consultant Ernest Wong said residents should advocate for higher public transport usage if they wished to reduce traffic congestion.
“The Semantan MRT station is only about 400m from Wisma Damansara, though the walkability in the area needs improvement.
“Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) could mandate the developer to enhance the connectivity as part of the project’s requirements,” said Wong, a regular public transport user.
A check on Google Maps found that to walk safely from Wisma Damansara to the Semantan MRT station would require taking a route of about 1.1km.
Jalan Semantan is the main road that directly connects both locations.
Former Health minister Khairy Jamaluddin, who is also a Bukit Damansara resident, said the existing public transport system around Bukit Damansara was inadequate.
It would play a limited role in addressing the possibly worsening traffic after the redevelopment, he said at an engagement session between DBKL and Bukit Damansara residents about proposed developments at the Bukit Damansara Community Centre on Nov 14.
Persatuan Pemilik Rumah Bukit Damansara deputy president Ravi Markandu said the existing bus system around Bukit Damansara had been disrupted by previous development projects.
“Pusat Bandar Damansara used to be the main bus depot around the area, until newer developments disrupted the system,” he said.
“Buses were rerouted to Jalan Dungun, causing major gridlock there during peak hours.”
In a media statement, BRDB Developments Sdn Bhd developer of the proposed project, said it was still awaiting final approval from DBKL.
“We are committed to sustainable and community-focused redevelopment initiatives.”
BRDB said the designs marked a conscious step toward creating a city that is walkable, well-connected by public transport, with green public spaces that are enjoyed by visitors and residents alike.
“Our goal for the redevelopment blends heritage with modern urban design – creating shared spaces that connect and enliven transit zones.
“The aim is to reduce reliance on car usage while providing a safer, more seamless pedestrian experience that benefits not only the immediate community but also commuters and visitors who frequent the Jalan Semantan and Jalan Dungun areas for work, study and leisure,” it added.
StarMetro had previously reported on the plan to turn Wisma Damansara into a residential and commercial retail hub with multi-storey towers.
The 16-storey Wisma Damansara, built in 1970 by Selangor Properties, was the first commercial office building in Bukit Damansara but has been vacant for several years.
