KUALA LUMPUR: Residents in Bukit Jalil, Bandar Kinrara, and Taman Puncak Jalil have urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to review the proposed 17,000-unit Bandar Madani development in Bukit Jalil, citing severe traffic congestion and strained public amenities.
Protest committee chairman Zainuddin Zainal said the objection was not aimed at blocking development, but to ensure the high-density proposal was reassessed against current local conditions.
"We are not against development in the area, but we object because this high-intensity development does not take into account the current situation, particularly traffic congestion and other issues," he said.
"We want an engagement session involving Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), the government, local residents, and members of parliament so that the problems we face in this area can be addressed."
Zainuddin was speaking to reporters after the Coalition of Residents' Associations Against the Construction of 17,000 Apartments in Bukit Jalil held a peaceful demonstration outside Parliament today.
The coalition submitted a memorandum signed by 75 organisations to Seputeh MP Teresa Kok to be handed to the prime minister.
Zainuddin added that the proposed development allegedly contravened plot ratio controls under the Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2040 (PTKL2040), as the proposed ratio was significantly higher than permitted under the plan.
He noted that residents were informed that a review was being conducted on an application to amend PTKL2040 to reduce plot ratio controls at the project site.
"However, questions arise as the first phase of the project has already opened for registration while the review of the plan is allegedly still ongoing," he said.
He urged the government to take residents' concerns seriously and prioritise essential infrastructure, including schools, a government hospital, Light Rail Transit (LRT) or Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) stations, flood retention ponds, upgraded fire and police stations, and green spaces.
The planned 26-hectare development comprises 17,000 apartment units, with 10 per cent allocated for affordable housing. The project is expected to bring an influx of about 51,000 residents, potentially impacting an estimated 74,324 existing residential units housing 209,908 residents within a 3km radius.
Residents also raised concerns over a proposed vertical school containing 104 classrooms. According to PLANMalaysia urban planning guidelines, a development serving 51,000 residents requires a school capacity of 511 classrooms.
Meanwhile, Kok said she would forward the memorandum to the prime minister and urged the government to postpone apartment registrations until studies on PTKL2040 and the Bukit Jalil Micro Control Plan are completed.
She said the developer, a subsidiary under the Housing and Local Government Ministry, had failed to comply with urban planning guidelines regarding social amenities and school capacity.
Reports on Oct 9 stated that Bandar Madani Bukit Jalil would be developed as a residential area equipped with amenities, including a vertical school.
Anwar, when tabling Budget 2027, said registration for the first phase would open the following Monday.
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