Bukit Damansara Residents Protest Against Wisma Damansara Redevelopment
- Erik & Aya
- Oct 9
- 3 min read
Image for illustration purposes only
Residents, lawmakers, and prominent figures in Kuala Lumpur’s Bukit Damansara are voicing strong opposition to the planned redevelopment of Wisma Damansara. The project includes the construction of a mixed residential and commercial complex featuring two 60-storey towers.
Residents’ Protest
On October 4, 2025, around 200 residents and community leaders gathered to protest, holding placards and banners.
They voiced concerns over worsening traffic congestion, excessive strain on infrastructure, and the potential impact on the area’s historical character and atmosphere.
The Bukit Damansara House Owners Association proposed refurbishing and reusing the existing building instead.
Notable Participants
Khairy Jamaluddin, former Minister of Youth and Sports:“A 60-storey building would destroy the living environment of the area. The existing structure should be utilized instead.”
Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A Bhd:“Building multi-storey towers in an area already suffering from heavy traffic is excessive. The scale should be reduced.”
Ahmad Sufian, President of the Bukit Damansara House Owners Association:“Why must everything be high-rise? Reusing Wisma Damansara would be more than sufficient.”
M. Ali, Chairman of the Save Kuala Lumpur (SKL) coalition group:“If this project proceeds, it will worsen traffic congestion and affect residents’ quality of life.”
Lawmakers’ Warning
Hannah Yeoh, Member of Parliament for Segambut, warned that the redevelopment would place excessive strain on local infrastructure and traffic systems.
She pointed out that the proposed plot ratio of 1:9.6 is excessively high and cited past cases where high-density developments had worsened congestion.
Yeoh called for a review of the project that incorporates residents’ feedback and a comprehensive impact assessment.
Current Status and Procedures
Wisma Damansara, a 16-storey office building constructed in the 1970s, currently stands vacant.
More than 340 objections have been submitted by local residents, and a petition on Change.org is still ongoing.
The Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) is currently reviewing the proposal and has stated that residents’ feedback will be taken into consideration before a final decision is made.
Architectural Significance of Wisma Damansara
Some residents and architectural experts regard Wisma Damansara as a notable example of Brutalist architecture.
Its defining features include bold, linear designs that highlight the raw texture of concrete, as well as strong influences from 1970s modernist architecture.
💡 What Is Brutalist Architecture?
Brutalism is an architectural style that flourished between the 1950s and 1970s, characterized by exposed concrete surfaces and bold, unembellished linear forms.
Its design emphasizes materiality and strength, elements that continue to influence contemporary architecture.
Among residents and architecture enthusiasts, these very qualities of Wisma Damansara have drawn attention as reasons to preserve and repurpose the building rather than redevelop it.
There is strong public concern that the Wisma Damansara redevelopment project could worsen traffic congestion, strain infrastructure, and compromise the area’s historical value.
Residents, public figures, and lawmakers have united in their opposition.
Attention now turns to how DBKL (Kuala Lumpur City Hall) will decide on the matter in the coming stages.
👉 At Tabiniko, we provide comprehensive support for living in Malaysia — from real estate investment to relocation, education migration, and visa assistance. Please feel free to contact us.
📚 Sources The Star-"KJ, AirAsia boss Fernandes among Bukit D’sara residents protest against Wisma Damansara redevelopment "(Oct 4,2025)
New Straits Times-"Residents protest high-rise project on Jalan Semantan "(Oct 4, 2025) https://www.nst.com.my/news/regional/2025/10/1287113/residents-protest-high-rise-project-jalan-semantan
New Straits Times-"Wisma Damansara redevelopment risks worsening congestion, straining infrastructure"(Oct 3, 2025)
