Damansara Jaya
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The Damansara Jaya township consists of Sections SS22 and SS22A of the town of Petaling Jaya in Selangor, Malaysia.
The township consists of almost 2000 residential dwellings consisting of 1538 units of link houses, 179 semi-detached housing units and 42 bungalows along with a single commercial area (around 3° 7'38.35"N 101°36'58.87"E). It is also home to KDU College (previously known as Kolej Damansara Utama) (3° 7'39.40"N 101°37'21.95"E).
Damansara Jaya which was developed by Paramount Garden, then part of the See Hoy Chan group in the mid-seventies originally encompassed just Section SS22 of Petaling Jaya. Section SS22A which mainly consists of bungalows and semi-detached homes was later added to Damansara Jaya. Construction commenced in 1975 and the early residents of Damansara Jaya first occupied their newly completed double storey terraced homes in 1978. They had purchased these houses from See Hoy Chan at prices just below 60,000 Ringgit. By 2006 these homes could fetch a market value in excess of 400,000 Ringgit.
The latest addition to Damansara Jaya is some 14 units of semi-detached three-storey houses forming what is known today as the Damansara Residensi. These homes were constructed during 2005 and 2006 by Genting Citra on a piece of land which was formerly secondary jungle behind the Jalan SS22/37 cul-de-sac. This new development is a gated community and is located on the Jalan SS22/47A cul-de-sac which joins the original Jalan SS22/47 behind the Damansara Jaya Primary School. It is understood that these homes were sold for approximately 1.2 million Ringgit.
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[edit] Commerce
The main commercial development in Damansara Jaya, now known as The Atria, commenced life in the mid-eighties as the Kimisawa and Printemps departmental stores. During their prime days (mainly 1984/85) traffic jams were not uncommon in Damansara Jaya, mostly during weekends when these Japanese and French stores had sales promotions. They were then seen as the "must visit" shopping complexes in Petaling jaya, the "less attractive" alternatives being the likes of Asia Jaya, Thrifty Supermarket or Jaya Shopping Complex. The economic recession of the late eighties saw the eventual closing down of these two establishments.
The Lion Group took over ownership whereupon Kimisawa became Parkson Grand and Printemps became the Atria Shopping Complex. In the first few years of the 21st century, the Parkson supermarket was taken over, first by Tops and later, in 2005, by Giant. It was also during 2005 that the Parkson Grand here ceased operations. At about the same time, Parkson commenced operations at 1-Utama. The decision by the new owners that more space is required for redevelopment meant that many long established tenants of mini-shoplots (such as Sweet Florist) on the ground floor near the supermarket had to re-locate.
By 2005, it was very evident that the Atria was very far from the league of the newer and larger complexes nearby such as 1-Utama, Ikano Power Centre and the Curve. The main anchor tenant on Level 3, the Popular Bookstore decided to terminate its presence at the Atria. In its place is now the Big Bookshop. Popular Bookstore had by then established its flagship store at the newly opened Ikano Power Centre and in addition a smaller branch at 1-Utama. Nevertheless, the Atria continues to be a popular destination amongst the residents of Damansara Jaya; the main attractions probably being the convenience in access and the general ease in obtaining a parking space. During most weekends, the Atria thus remains an attractive choice in comparison to having to endure the traffic jams and parking inconveniences of the larger complexes. The Big Bookshop frequently holds book warehouse sales at the 1st Floor space formerly occupied by the Parkson Grand department store.
As for shoplots, Damansara Jaya residents can choose amongst the shops surrounding The Atria or amongst the older Mewah shops, i.e. those behind the KDU. More upmarket establishments such as banks (Maybank, RHB Bank and Public Bank), restaurants, pharmacies and clubs are found at the former whereas more traditional businesses such as coffee shops, sundry shops and hardware shops are located at the latter.
Haircare services are provided by various saloons located at the external Atria or Mewah shops or within the Atria Complex. At the latter, HairAsia, a new hair saloon operating on the fixed price, pay-before-service concept commenced business in 2006. This business concept is modelled after that practiced by some Japanese franchised hair saloons.
A Ban Loong tyre shop commenced operations in early 2005 at the Jalan SS22/25 corner shoplot formerly occupied by the Lubroil Travel Agency. This is in addition to the existing tyre shops located at Jalan SS22/23 and Jalan SS22/21. Car repair and car airconditioning shops are mainly found at the Mewah shops area.
By 2006, Reliance at Jalan SS22/19 remained as the sole travel agency located in Damanasara Jaya.
Popular betting shops such as Toto, Magnum and Damacai also operate at Damansara Jaya.
The 24-hour 7-11 convenience store operates at a shoplot on Jalan SS22/19.
[edit] Restaurants
The once popular Teo Chew Restaurant struggled to survive during the years following the 1997/98 economic downturn. After several months of renovation, the Public Bank commenced operations in 2004 at the shoplots formerly occupied by the Teo Chew Restaurant. The Hooi Loong restaurant is now operating at the Jalan SS22/19 premises which was formerly occupied by the Chef Rasa Sayang restaurant. Other Chinese restaurants include the Magic Wok on Jalan SS22/25 and Esquire Kitchen located within the Atria Complex.
Excellent Nyonya food is available from the upmarket Ma Ma's restaurant located on Jalan SS22/25 or from the smaller Nyonya Foodland restaurant located on the 3rd floor of the Atria Complex. The former offers Penang style Nyonya cooking and is reputed to be a favourite of the late Datin Paduka Seri Endon Mahmood, wife of Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi. The nyonya fish head curry was one dish she had particularly liked.
Traditional coffee shops can be found at both the Mewah as well as the Atria shops. A modern "Kopi Tiam" version is located on the ground floor of the Atria Complex. Koon Kee, located adjacent to the Jalan SS22/25 car park is reputed for its claypot chicken rice. Restoran Busy Corner at the Mewah shops is reputed for its selection of claypot rice. Customers may choose from traditional chicken to prawn, fish or beef. Both Koon Kee and Busy Corner also serve varieties of steamed soups. The Hot Stove Cafe opened in late 2006 on Jalan SS22/23. This coffe-shop styled restaurant features home-style dishes from Semenyih village.
KFC, Kentucky Fried Chicken operates the sole American fast food restaurant in Damansara Jaya. It is located on the ground floor at the main entrance of the Atria Complex, at the space originally occupied by A&W. Both Pizza Hut and Domino's operate pizza delivery centres at the Atria shops. South African Nando's Peri-Peri chicken can be found within the Atria Complex.
The Lotus Penang Nasi Kandar restaurant is located adjacent to the Jalan SS22/25 car park. Syed Abu, an Indian Muslim restaurant are found on Jalan SS22/19. Both Lotus and Syed Abu operate on a 24 hours basis.
The most interesting restaurant is perhaps the Carnaval Churrascaria located at a corner of Jalan SS22/19. Meat lovers will likely adore their Brazilian barbecue.
A Vietnamese restaurant is located on Jalan SS22/25.
Along the same row as the Public Bank on Jalan SS22/23, there is also a choice of a Thai/Italian as well a Japanese restaurant. Towards the other end of Jalan SS22/23 can be found a halal Hainanese Chicken Rice restaurant.
In March 2007 the corner shoplots formerly occupied by a bathroom accessories company near the RHB Bank on Jalan SS22/25 was being renovated to be the Hong Kee Tim Sum restaurant. This restaurant is expected to be open for business in April 2007.
Basic fare including Malay and Chinese mixed rice are available from the 2 hawker centres located adjacent to the Jalan SS22/19 and SS22/25 car parks.
[edit] Healthcare
Residents of Damansara Jaya can easily access to general practitioners, child specialist (Dr Kwan) and dental care (Lim Dental) within this township. Within a stone's throw is the Damansara Specialist Hospital, located in adjacent Damansara Utama.
The ALLin and Sibu pharmacies are located at the Atria shops whereas Guardian and Smart Care pharmacies are located within the Atria Complex.
Foh Peng serves as the sole Chinese medical shop for Damansara Jaya. It is located adjacent to the Public Bank on Jalan SS22/23. Just like most other modern medical shops, Foh Peng also carries a fair selection of sundry goods.
Pet healthcare is available from Veterinary Clinics located at the Atria as well as Mewah shops.
[edit] Education
A variety of educational establishments are located in Damansara Jaya, including kindergartens, primary and secondary public schools, tuition centres, art and music schools and the KDU college.
SMK Damansara Jaya, or Damansara Jaya Secondary School, is very popular among residents of Damansara Jaya and its surrounding areas, such as Bandar Utama, Taman Megah, and Taman SEA. Not only does it excel academically, it has also built a strong name for itself in co-curricular activities. A very prominent product of SMK Damansara Jaya is its debate team which, to date, has won eight national inter-school debating titles in the last seven years. These tournaments include the prestigious national Tan Sri Datuk Wira Abdul Rahman Arshad Cup (2001 and 2003), Taylor’s College Annual Inter-School Debate competition (2000, 2002, 2005, 2006) and HELP University College’s Tan Sri Paduka Dr Saleha Debate Cup (2004 and 2006).
In early 2007, the Itqan Integrated Islamic School commenced operations at a once long "abandoned" bungalow located at Lorong SS22/32A.
[edit] Petrol Stations
Damansara Jaya motorists are served by a BHP as well as two Petronas petrol stations, one located along the LDP, the other adjacent to the Mewah shops. The former is also a main supplier of gas for NGV taxis. The BHP petrol station commenced operations in 2006 when Boustead Holdings took over the operations of stations from British Petroleum. BP's once familiar green based colours were replaced by BHP's orange-yellow. Alternatively residents may choose to patronise the nearby Projet station.
[edit] Transportation
Damansara Jaya has excellent access to expressways such as the LDP, Sprint and the NKVE. Public bus services are provided by RapidKL. This includes the feeder bus for connection to the Taman Bahagia LRT train station.
[edit] Other Amenities
Petaling Jaya's only Indian cemetery is situated in Damansara Jaya, next to KDU College.
[edit] Resident Association
DJROA or The Damansara Jaya Residents and Owners Association which was formed in 1994 represents the interest of residents in this township. DJROA's community centre is located on a piece of land on Jalan SS22/30. This community centre was officially opened on 15 December 2005 by Dato' Seri Ong Ka Ting. Activities such as line dancing and Wai Dan Gong are regularly conducted at the DJROA community centre.
DJROA has participated in the UN sponsored Local Agenda 21 programme under the auspices of MBPJ (Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya) or in English, the Petaling Jaya City Council.
[edit] Prominent Business Offices
Gamuda Berhad, a KLSE First Board listed company has its corporate office located on Jalan SS22/21 in Damansara Jaya. Gamuda is principally involved in engineering and construction, infrastructure and township developments. The LDP or Lebuhraya Damansara Puchong was constructed by Gamuda. More recently Gamuda also constructed the SMART road tunnel, a project undertaken to help alleviate potential flood situations at Kuala Lumpur.
Utusan Pearl & Dean a well known advertisement agency has offices located at Jalan SS22/25.
[edit] Political Representatives
- Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun - Member of Parliament, Petaling Jaya Utara
- Datuk Lim Choon Kin - Selangor State Assembyman, Damansara Utama
[edit] Famous residents
- Dato' Seri Ong Ka Ting (Chinese: 黃家定; pinyin: Huáng Jiādìng) - Malaysian Housing and Local Government Minister, current MCA president
- Datuk Seri Bakri Omar - former Malaysian Inspector-General of Police
