200,000 residents oppose 17,000-unit Bukit Jalil apartment project
BUKIT JALIL: More than 200,000 residents from three housing areas here are opposing the proposed construction of 17,000 apartment units, citing concerns over worsening congestion and inadequate infrastructure.
Over 200,000 residents in Bukit Jalil, Bandar Kinrara and Taman Puncak Jalil are vehemently opposing the planned construction of 17,000 apartment units. These residents fear that the high-density development would exacerbate congestion and strain the existing infrastructure. Bukit Jalil currently houses 209,000 people, with an additional 51,000 expected if the project proceeds.
The planned development spans 26 hectares and will include around 10% affordable homes, priced at over RM360,000. The initial plan to commence the project in June was delayed as the developer failed to secure approval from Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) due to resident opposition.
Zainuddin Zainal, chairman of the protest committee, emphasized that the opposition is unanimous among the affected residents. They demand that the government prioritize infrastructure development, such as schools, hospitals, and Light Rail Transit (LRT) or Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) stations, over the apartment project. Protesters gathered in front of the project site on January 15, with around 300 residents voicing their concerns.
Resident Che Mazenah Che Omar, 58, expressed particular concern over worsening traffic congestion, which reaches paralyzing levels during peak hours. She recounted how early morning traffic forces residents to leave home early to avoid being stuck in traffic for nearly two hours. The resident also highlighted the shortage of schools in Bukit Jalil, with existing schools unable to accommodate the growing student population.
Many residents are compelled to send their children to schools located in Taman OUG and Bandar Kinrara.
Furthermore, residents face difficulties accessing medical care at Klinik Muhibah, Bukit Jalil due to the overwhelming number of patients. Those requiring treatment are then referred to Klinik Sungai Besi. In light of these issues, residents are advocating for basic facilities to be addressed first, before any large-scale development is undertaken.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
