Selangor

Selangor is one of the 13 states of Malaysia, located on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It is surrounded by several other states: Perak to the north, Pahang to the east, and Negeri Sembilan to the south. To the west lies the Strait of Malacca. The state also encircles the federal territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, which were once part of Selangor.

Selangor is known for its beautiful tropical rainforests and warm equatorial climate. The highest point in the state is Mount Semangkok, which is part of the Titiwangsa Mountains. These mountains stretch across southern Myanmar, southern Thailand, and Peninsular Malaysia.

The state capital is Shah Alam, while Klang serves as the royal capital. Petaling Jaya is the largest city by population, and Subang Jaya also holds city status. Selangor is one of only four Malaysian states with more than one official city.

Economically, Selangor is the strongest state in Malaysia. In 2022, it had the largest economy, contributing about a quarter of the country’s total GDP. The state is very developed, with good roads, transportation, and a high standard of living. It also has the largest population and the lowest poverty rate in Malaysia.

Etymology

The name Selangor might come from the Malay word langau, which means a large fly. Stories say that a warrior resting near the Selangor River was bothered by flies, so he called the place "se langau," meaning "a large blowfly."

Other ideas suggest the name could come from a tree called mentangau, or from a Tamil phrase meaning a village of the Salang people. Some even think it might mean a place where traitors were stabbed and left in the sun.

History

See also: History of Malaysia

Important ancient settlements in the area may have included Klang. Artefacts from the Bronze Age, like axes and a bronze bell from the 2nd century BC, and iron tools called "tulang mawas" ("ape bones") have been found near Klang. An old map from the Ming dynasty used by Admiral Zheng He shows places in Selangor, such as the Klang River estuary. Records from the Malay Annals say that in the 15th century, the area was controlled by the Sultanate of Malacca, though it was not one united area but made up of separate river states like Klang and Jeram.

After Malacca fell to the Portuguese in 1511, the area came under the control of the Johor Sultanate. In the 17th century, Bugis people from Sulawesi helped Johor win a war and later settled in Selangor. By 1723, many more Bugis had settled there. Raja Salehuddin, a Bugis leader, founded the Selangor Sultanate in 1766, making Kuala Selangor its capital. Selangor is unique because it was founded by the Bugis, unlike other states on the Malay Peninsula.

In the 19th century, Selangor's economy grew because of its tin reserves. Mining happened in places like Ampang, helping Kuala Lumpur grow. In 1874, Selangor agreed to let a British Resident help govern, keeping the Sultan as the ruler. Klang was the capital of British control until 1880, when it moved to Kuala Lumpur. Under British rule, Selangor prospered again. In 1896, Selangor joined with Negeri Sembilan, Perak, and Pahang to form the Federated Malay States, with Kuala Lumpur as its capital.

The Federated Malay States later became the Federation of Malaya in 1948, gaining independence in 1957. In 1963, it became Malaysia after joining with Sarawak, North Borneo, and Singapore. Kuala Lumpur served as both Malaysia’s and Selangor’s capital until 1974, when Selangor gave it to the federal government. The state capital moved to Shah Alam. Later, Putrajaya, a new administrative capital for Malaysia, was built in Selangor and became a federal territory in 2001.

Geography

Selangor is one of the 13 states of Malaysia, located on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It covers an area of about 8,000 square kilometers and is bordered by Perak to the north, Negeri Sembilan to the south, Pahang to the east, and the Strait of Malacca to the west. Selangor also surrounds the federal territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.

The land in Selangor is mostly flat near the coast but becomes hilly and mountainous toward the east. The central part of the state forms a valley known as the Klang Valley, which is a major urban area. Cities in this valley include Shah Alam, Klang, and Kuala Lumpur. Selangor is made up of nine districts, including Sabak Bernam, Kuala Selangor, and Petaling.

The state has many forests, with around 32 percent of its land protected. These forests include different types, such as peat swamp forests and mangrove forests along the coast. There are also places like Paya Indah Wetlands where birds and other animals live. However, some nature areas face threats from development and building projects.

Selangor has a tropical rainforest climate, which means it is usually warm and rainy throughout the year.

Demographics

Selangor is the most crowded state in Malaysia, with the largest city area called the Klang Valley. Its central location in Peninsular Malaysia has helped it grow quickly, becoming a key place for travel, jobs, and industry. Many people from other parts of Malaysia and nearby countries like Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Myanmar, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and China have moved there for work.

Over the past few decades, Selangor's population has grown a lot, mainly because of the development in the Klang Valley. In 1980, the population was 1,426,250. By 2000, it had grown to 3,941,316, and by 2010, it reached 5,482,141. In 2015, the population was 5,874,100, and by 2020, it had grown to 6,994,423.

The main culture in Selangor is influenced by groups such as the Bugis, Minangkabau, Mandailing, Javanese, and Banjarese, most of whom follow Islam. Javanese people are common in areas like Sabak Bernam, Kuala Selangor, Klang, Kuala Langat, and Sepang. Minangkabau people are more common in Gombak and Hulu Selangor. There are also many Chinese and Indian people living there. The Mah Meri, one of the Orang Asli groups, live on Carey Island and keep their traditions while also living in the modern world. Because of its development, Selangor has strong connections with other countries through trade, business, and education.

According to the 2020 census, most people in Selangor follow Islam (61.1%), while others follow Buddhism (21.6%), Hinduism (10.3%), Christianity (5.0%), or other religions. All Malays are required by law to follow Islam.

Government

Further information: Government of Selangor

Selangor is ruled by a hereditary monarch known as the Sultan. The current Sultan, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, has been in this role since 2001. The chief executive of the state government is called the Menteri Besar, and since June 2018, this role has been held by Amirudin Shari from the People's Justice Party.

The state has its own constitution, which is the highest law in Selangor. This constitution came into force in 1959 and describes how the state is governed. Selangor also has a legislative body called the State Assembly, where members are elected to make laws for the state. These members are elected every five years.

Main article: Sultan of Selangor

See also: Monarchies of Malaysia

The Sultan of Selangor is the official leader of the state. The constitution gives the Sultan important roles, including being the head of Islam in Selangor and having special powers. The Sultan is chosen from Selangor's royal family, and this role is passed down through generations. The current Sultan is Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, who became Sultan in 2001.

The State Executive Council helps the Sultan run the government. It includes the Menteri Besar, who leads the government, and ten other members chosen by the Sultan from elected representatives. The current Menteri Besar is Yang Amat Berhormat Dato' Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari.

See also: State legislative assemblies of Malaysia

Selangor also has a legislative group known as the State Assembly. It works like a smaller version of the national Parliament, making laws just for the state. Members of the Assembly are chosen in elections, usually at the same time as national elections. Each member serves for five years before a new election is held.

There are 12 local authorities in Selangor, including:

1. Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ)
2. Hulu Selangor Municipal Council (MPHS)
3. Kajang Municipal Council (MPKJ)
4. Klang Royal City Council (MBDK)
5. Kuala Langat Municipal Council (MPKL)
6. Kuala Selangor Municipal Council (MPKS)
7. Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ)
8. Sabak Bernam District Council (MDSB)
9. Selayang Municipal Council (MPS)
10. Sepang Municipal Council (MPSepang)
11. Shah Alam City Council (MBSA)
12. Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ)

Economy

Selangor has a strong economy with commerce and agriculture as its main parts. It is the richest state in Malaysia in terms of wealth per person. In 2005, Selangor became the first developed state in Malaysia.

Commerce, industry, and services are very important to Selangor’s economy, making up over half of its wealth. The state makes electronic goods, chemicals, and vehicles, including cars from Proton and Perodua. Cars from other companies like Toyota, Nissan, Volkswagen, and BMW Motors are also built there.

Many big companies from around the world have offices in places like Subang Jaya, Shah Alam, Klang, Kajang, Rawang, Selayang, Ampang Jaya, and Petaling Jaya. Port Klang is very busy and helps the state's industry grow a lot.

Services are also a big part of the economy, making up most of the state’s wealth.

Agriculture is another part of Selangor’s economy, though it is smaller. Important farming includes growing palm oil and rubber. In the early 1900s, Selangor was one of the first places in Malaysia to grow rubber, and by the 1930s, Malaysia was the biggest producer of rubber in the world. Later, many rubber farms changed to palm oil farms. Other crops like coconuts, coffee, star fruits, papayas, and bananas are also grown. Although Selangor does not grow much rice, there are rice fields in Kuala Selangor and Sabak Bernam.

Tourism

See also: List of tourist attractions in Selangor

Selangor has many places to visit. One popular spot is I-City in Shah Alam, which has bright lights and an indoor park. The National Zoo of Malaysia (Zoo Negara) in Ampang Jaya is the biggest zoo in Malaysia, with over 4,000 animals. You can also visit the Sepang International Circuit in Sepang, where big car and motorcycle races happen.

Other fun places include the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque, Wat Chetawan, and Sunway Lagoon in Bandar Sunway, which is one of Malaysia’s top theme parks. Don’t miss Batu Caves in Selayang, beautiful beaches like Bagan Lalang and Morib Beach, and peaceful nature spots such as the Firefly Sanctuary and Kuala Selangor Nature Park.

Transport

Selangor is connected to the rest of Malaysia by air, roads, and trains. The state has many major highways, including the North–South Expressway, which use electronic cards like Touch 'n Go and SmartTAG instead of cash for tolls.

The main airport in Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), is located in Selangor. There is also Subang Airport, which serves private planes and small flights.

Bus services link different parts of Selangor and other states. There are also free bus services called Bas Smart Selangor to encourage people to use public transport. A phone app helps people find bus routes and schedules.

The KTM Komuter trains connect towns in Selangor and link to other services at KL Sentral Station. The Rapid KL Light Rail Transit network includes lines like the Ampang Line and the Kelana Jaya Line.

MRT network

• Kajang Line

The MRT Kajang line is a train line in Selangor. It is 46 kilometres long and serves areas from Kwasa Damansara to Kajang. The line goes underground through Kuala Lumpur city centre and serves many people.

• Putrajaya Line

The MRT Putrajaya line is another train line in Selangor. It is 52.2 kilometres long and will stretch from Sungai Buloh to Putrajaya. The first part of this line opened in June 2022, with more parts coming soon.

Extensions to the LRT network

Plans were made to extend train lines to reach more suburbs. This includes extending the Kelana Jaya Line to areas like Bandar Sunway and Subang Jaya, and the Ampang Line to Puchong. A new line called the Kota Damansara-Cheras Line is also planned.

Public transport systems in Selangor

[KTM Komuter](/wiki/KTM_Komuter)

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  Kajang Line

• .jpg)

  Putrajaya Line

[Kelana Jaya Line](/wiki/Kelana_Jaya_Line)

[Ampang and Sri Petaling Lines](/wiki/Ampang_and_Sri_Petaling_Lines)

[Express Rail Link](/wiki/Express_Rail_Link)  

(Airport express to [KUL](/wiki/Kuala_Lumpur_International_Airport))

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[KTM Komuter](/wiki/KTM_Komuter) [Skypark Link](/wiki/Skypark_Link)  
(Airport express to [SZB](/wiki/Sultan_Abdul_Aziz_Shah_Airport))

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[Bandar Sunway BRT](/wiki/BRT_Sunway_Line)

Education

See also: List of schools in Selangor

Selangor is home to many places for higher learning, with most of them located in big towns and cities.

Public universities

Private universities and university colleges

International universities campus in Selangor

Infrastructures and utilities

Electricity

See also: List of power stations in Malaysia

Selangor has five main power stations. These include the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Power Station, Connaught Bridge Power Station, Putrajaya Power Station, Kuala Langat Power Plant, and Jimah Energy Ventures.

Water supply

Selangor water works gives water to Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, and Putrajaya. It is managed by Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor (SYABAS), owned by the state government. There are seven dams in Selangor, such as the Sungai Selangor Dam, Sungai Tinggi Dam, Sungai Semenyih Dam, Sungai Langat Dam, Klang Gates Dam, Sungai Batu Dam, ORS Sungai Labu Dam, and Tasik Subang Dam.

Shopping malls

Some well-known shopping malls in Selangor are:

• i-City
• IDCC Convention Centre
• Plaza Alam Sentral
• 1 Utama
• Sunway Pyramid
• The Curve
• AEON Bukit Tinggi
• The Mines
• IPC Shopping Centre
• IOI Mall Puchong
• Subang Parade
• Empire Subang
• Klang Parade
• IOI City Mall

Hospitals

Important public and private hospitals in Selangor include:

Public hospitals

• Kajang Hospital
• Serdang Hospital
• Sungai Buloh Hospital
• Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital, Klang

Private hospitals

• Assunta Hospital
• Sunway Medical Centre
• Columbia Asia Hospital

Cuisine

Selangor has special foods that come from different places like Johor, Bugis, Javanese, and Minangkabau. Two famous dishes from Klang and Shah Alam are Rojak Klang and Lontong Klang. Other popular foods in Selangor include Mee Rebus, Satay Kajang, Nasi Ambeng, Laksa Selangor, Soto (like Soto Nasi Himpit and Mee Soto), Sambal Tahun, Bakso, Ketam Darul Ehsan, Mentarang Bakar, Ikan Masak Asam Pedas, Ayam Masak Kicap, and Sayur Masak Rebung.

Media

Television

Television in Selangor has seven free stations you can watch without paying, one satellite TV network, and two internet TV services. Three of the free stations are run by Radio Televisyen Malaysia, a company owned by the government and based in Kuala Lumpur. The other four free stations are owned by Media Prima, a big media company located in Bandar Utama, Selangor. The satellite TV service is provided by Astro All Asia Networks and is available all over the country. One of the internet TV services is owned by the government of Selangor.

Radio

You can listen to radio stations in Selangor on FM and shortwave frequencies. These stations send their signals from Gunung Ulu Kali and Kajang in Selangor. There are different kinds of radio stations, including commercial stations, local community stations, government-owned stations, and special interest stations. Commercial stations are run by companies like Astro Radio, Star Media Radio Group, and Media Prima. Community stations, like UFM and Putra FM, are only available in certain areas and are made for university students.

There are nine government-owned radio stations, such as Klasik FM, Muzik FM, and Ai FM. There are also three special stations, like IKIM.fm and Salam FM. People living near the borders of Selangor can also pick up stations from nearby states.

Newspapers

Selangor has many newspapers in different languages. Some of the popular ones include Berita Harian, Utusan Malaysia, Kosmo!, Harian Metro, and Sinar Harian in Bahasa Malaysia. In English, you can read the New Straits Times, The Star, The Malay Mail, and The Sun. There are also newspapers in Mandarin, such as Nanyang Siang Pau and Sin Chew Daily, and in Tamil, such as Malaysia Nanban and Tamil Nesan. Other newspapers include Harakah, owned by the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party, and Suara Keadilan, owned by the People's Justice Party.

Main article: List of newspapers in Malaysia

Notable people

Selangor has been home to many well-known people. Mokhtar Dahari was a famous footballer who played in the 1980s. Elyana and Liza Hanim are singers and actresses loved by many. Razarudin Husain and Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani have both served as the top leader of the Royal Malaysian Police. Safee Sali was another talented footballer from the area. Hafizh Syahrin is a skilled motorcycle racer who has gained recognition in international competitions.

Image gallery

Royal Selangor Pewter

Bangladeshi workers in Pasar Borong Selayang

Boat in Pulau Ketam

Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM)

Batu Caves