The petitions, warning of worsening traffic congestion and environmental concerns, were submitted by the TTDI residents association and the Friends of Bukit Kiara. They said development could overwhelm TTDI’s roads and damage ecosystems around Bukit Kiara.

They called for the permanent closure of the club’s back exit road leading to Changkat Abang Haji Openg, as TTDI roads were already heavily congested during peak hours.

TTDI Residents’ Association chairman Abu Hafiz said the projects could lead to more than 6,000 vehicles a day using the road once completed.

Many vehicles were expected to enter and exit TTDI through Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad, the Penchala Link and Jalan Datuk Sulaiman, to avoid paying tolls on the Sprint Highway opposite Phileo Damansara.

The petitions were launched during a residents’ town hall on April 12 attended by federal territories minister Hannah Yeoh and senior DBKL representatives. Residents also urged DBKL to impose a buffer zone of 350m to 500m around Bukit Kiara to stop development near environmentally sensitive areas.

Friends of Bukit Kiara secretary Clinton Ang said the proposed development could threaten known firefly habitats in the area – “a highly unique natural phenomenon and not easily found elsewhere” whereas a condominium building could be built anywhere.

The groups also warned that future developments could increase flood, slope and drainage risks around the Bukit Kiara catchment area.

The Kuala Lumpur mayor announced on May 2 that DBKL would impose a permanent 300m buffer zone on proposed developments adjoining Bukit Kiara at Parcels A and B of KLGCC Resort. However, residents said DBKL has yet to act on their request to permanently close the golf club’s back road into TTDI.