An Introduction to Selangor

‘Gold Mine’

‘Gold Mine’

Selangor is the gold mine of the Federal Government, garnering the highest GDP in the country. It is also the most populous, most developed and has the highest growth rate of all states in Malaysia. Parts of the state, together with the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur (KL), form what is known as the Klang Valley – a fast-growing mega city in Malaysia.

The Klang Valley central urban spread is about 30 miles (Ulu Klang to Port Klang) by 30 miles (Rawang to Kajang). It is the centre of commerce, entertainment and culture in Malaysia and attracts growing numbers of migrants from other states and other countries. The population is fast exploding making huge demands on housing and social infrastructure.

Although there are plans to separate the Klang Valley into Greater Kuala Lumpur and the rest of Klang Valley, a plan conceived out of political differences between the ruling coalition government which controls Kuala Lumpur, and the Opposition-ruled Selangor, the plan remains just a plan for the time being.

Most Developed State

Respected property researchers such as Ho Chin Soon has as far back as 1996 (The Edge December 9, 1996) identified the State New Town in Petaling Jaya as the Locational Centre of Gravity – a measure of hot spot ranking. Being right in the centre of the Klang Valley, the State New Town still holds the coveted position as the centre of hot spots in Malaysia 14 years since. Ho predicted that the next hot spot will be Puchong, also in the state of Selangor.

Due to the many ready infrastructure and established commerce setup, Klang Valley continues to attract 80 per cent of all resources, investments and people. Compared to other states, Selangor has the most developed transportation and infrastructure facilities, making it the natural gateway to Malaysia.

The iconic Moorish-styled Kota Darul Ehsan Arch along the Federal Highway, once a controversial structure due to its costs, is the state’s most distinguishing marker of the boundary between Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. It was erected to mark the ceding of Kuala Lumpur to the Federal Government in 1974.

Geography

Selangor is located on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, covering an area of 7,960 , making it the 9th largest state in Malaysia. It is bordered by Perak to the north, Pahang to the East, Negeri Sembilan to the south, and the Straits of Malacca to the west. It completely surrounds the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya (the current administrative centre).

Selangor abounds with natural vegetation which varies from coastal mangroves to lush tropical rainforests.

With more than 5 million residents, Selangor has the highest population in Malaysia. Malays comprise more than half of the population at 53%, followed by 27.8% Chinese, 13.3% Indians, and 6% other ethnic groups.

Selangor’s capital is Shah Alam, which has the distinction of being a well-planned township which harmonizes nature with modernity. Here, residential areas and commercial centres are set amidst lush landscapes and a sprawling lake. Many property developers, realizing the potential of Shah Alam, have embarked on many planned townships developments in the area. At the border of Meru town in Klang right up to Bukit Jelutong, there are at least 30 projects under construction to date.

Other districts in Selangor are Sabak Bernam (997.14 ), Kuala Selangor (1,178.44 ), Klang (626.78 ), Kuala Langat (857.75 ), Petaling (484.32 ), Sepang (599.66 ), Hulu Langat (826.20 ), Gombak (650.08 ) and Hulu Selangor (1,740.47 ).

Economy

Selangor’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2008 totalled RM116,883 million, representing 22.1%, and contributing the highest amount to of Malaysia’s GDP. Its GDP Per Capita income is RM 28,323, the 4th highest in the country after the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Sarawak and Penang.

Services is the main contributor to the GDP at 56% followed by manufacturing at 34.32%., Agriculture (1.52%), Mining (0.13%) and Construction (4.49%).

Accessibility

Realizing the perils of Kuala Lumpur’s organic growth which contributed to the daily traffic snarls in the capital, Selangor proceeded with caution and a lot of planning. As a result, Petaling Jaya (initially conceived as KL’s satellite town) and Shah Alam emerged as planned townships with much better traffic controls and living environment.

There is an extensive network of highways and expressways (toll) in the state, making all parts of Selangor easily accessible. The North-South Highway which connects to Thailand and Singapore was much praised when it was first commissioned. However, due to the explosive growth of vehicles during the boom years, the number of vehicles has risen to such an extent that during festive seasons, the highway is choked with vehicles at various points.

Its rail system which goes northwards to Thailand and southwards to Singapore provides a good alternative during peak periods when the highways become congested. However, one must book early to ensure a confirmed seating.

Taxis are everywhere with a flag fare of RM3. However, be prepared for exorbitant fares at bus stations catering to outstation buses and at certain tourist locations in the city such as Chinatown (Petaling Street). Taxis are also known not to pick up passengers during peak period and whenever there is heavy rain!

Attractions

Selangor dazzles with a fascinating array of attractions. Its urban centres, such as Petaling Jaya, Subang Jaya, Sunway, Klang and Mutiara Damansara abound with huge shopping malls and recreational centres.

Away from the urban centres, scenes of rural villages, refreshing coastlines and seas of padi fields begin to unveil. History lovers will be captivated by Selangor's colourful past, with political intrigue and drama weaved into the story.

For the tourists and expatriates, the National Zoo, Sunway Lagoon, Batu Caves, and the Firefly Park in Kuala Selangor are must-sees. Templer’s Park, a forest reserve, has several waterfalls and is popular with locals.

Located in Hulu Kelang, the National Zoo hosts 4,000 animals from over 400 species including birds, fish, mammals and reptiles.

Sunway Lagoon, located in Bandar Sunway in Petaling Jaya is part of an integrated themed resort, consisting of the Sunway Lagoon Resort, a 5-star hotel; and the huge Sunway Pyramid shopping mall which is built like a pyramid.

Other huge shopping malls include 1 Utama in Bandar Utama; The Curve in Mutiara Damansara; Tropicana City Mall in Damansara Utama; Mines Wonderland in Seri Kembangan; Subang Parade, Empire Shopping Gallery and Summit USJ in Subang Jaya; IOI Mall in Puchong; ÆON Bukit Tinggi Shopping Centre; Bukit Raja Shopping Centre in Klang; and Plaza Alam Sentral and SACC Mall in Shah Alam.

In Petaling Jaya, Jaya One and Jaya 33 are newer malls that attract a smaller crowd who prefer a quieter shopping experience.

Sports

Selangor has many facilities for sports enthusiasts. They include the Shah Alam Stadium, Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya Stadium, Majlis Perbandaran Selayang Stadium and Melawati Indoor Stadium.

The Sepang International Circuit is also located in Selangor, and it caters to motor sports fans, including the internationally acclaimed Formula 1 Grand Prix series and the F1 Powerboat World Championship.

If you are a golf enthusiast, check out the many golf courses and country clubs located in various places in the state.

Education

Selangor has many tertiary institutions catering to both local and foreign students. They include International Islamic University (IIU), Monash University in Sunway, Taylor’s University in Subang Jaya, Multimedia University in Cyberjaya and University Kebangsaan in Bangi.

In Shah Alam, there are many institutions of higher learning as well, catering to a mostly local student population.

In Subang Jaya and Ampang, there are many international schools to cater to the expatriate communities congregated there.

Medical Centres

Selangor has several good quality hospitals, which provide affordable healthcare. They have public and private hospitals, such as Ampang Hospital, Gleneagles Medical Centre, Ampang Puteri Hospital, Sungai Buloh Hospital, Sime Darby Medical Centre Subang Jaya, Tropicana Medical Centre and and Damansara Specialist Hospital.

Industrial & Residential Developments

Selangor is the manufacturing hub of Malaysia, contributing RM 40,125 million to its GDP. The many industrial parks in the state house manufacturing concerns that range from multinational corporations (MNCs), and Small Medium Industries (SMI). Cyberjaya, the nucleus of ICT activities in the country is home to many IT-related MNCs such as Dell, Motorola, IBM, and HP.

The parks are located at various spots in the state - Pulau Indah Industrial Park; Selangor Science Park 2, Bukit Baja; Port Klang Free Zone, Port Klang; Zurah Industrial Area, Hulu Selangor; Selangor Halal Hub, UPM-MTDC and I-City, Shah Alam.

Each township development usually has a small industrial area as well.

Well-developed residential areas are located in Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam, Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya, Mutiara Damansara and Bandar Utama, where landed properties still dominate followed increasingly by high-rise condos especially in Subang Jaya and Mutiara Damansara. View more

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