SHAH ALAM, July 5 — The Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) hopes the opening of the LRT3 Shah Alam Line will encourage more people to visit the royal town and experience its attractions firsthand, helping to change long-held negative perceptions of the city.
The Malay Mail reported its mayor Dato’ Abdul Hamid Hussain as saying that the improved rail connectivity, coupled with a month of free LRT3 rides announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, removes a major barrier to visiting Klang and offers an opportunity to showcase the city’s offerings.
“My message is simple: Klang has never been closer to you. For the longest time, people hesitated to visit us because of the perceived distance or the notorious traffic jams on the Federal Highway.
“Now, the commencement of the LRT Shah Alam Line completely changes the game. We are now seamlessly connected to the rest of the Klang Valley.
“You can hop on a train at Bandar Utama, skip the gridlock entirely and step off right into the heart of our historic royal city,” he said.
Abdul Hamid added that getting people to visit Klang is only part of the hurdles, where the bigger task is encouraging visitors to explore the diverse cultural and historical landscape of the city thoroughly
He said that attracting visitors to Klang is only part of the hurdle, as the greater challenge lies in encouraging them to explore a diverse cultural and historical landscape that extends far beyond the city's famous culinary association with bak kut teh.
The mayor highlighted several prominent landmarks, including Masjid Diraja Sultan Suleiman, Bangunan Sultan Suleiman, and Gedung Raja Abdullah, as Klang’s integral role in Selangor’s royal history, while Little India along Jalan Tengku Kelana offers a vibrant blend of textile stores, spice shops, and historical temples.
“As a royal city, our classic infrastructure tells the story of Malaysia’s birth.
“The beauty of Klang is that you do not have to choose. We offer a rich sensory tapestry of history, culture and food,” Abdul Hamid said.
He noted that improving connectivity is easier than changing perceptions of people. However, Klang has undergone substantial development, transitioning from its origins as an older industrial port town into an official Royal City.
“To anyone still holding onto that outdated stereotype, I say: come and see the reality for yourself.
“Old perceptions die hard, but Klang has evolved tremendously. We are no longer just an old industrial port town. We are officially a Royal City,” Abdul Hamid said.
The local authority’s efforts on surrounding urban renewal, the preservation of heritage buildings, and the upgrading of public infrastructure are complemented by the LRT3.
“Every city has its grit and its history. That is what gives a place its soul.
“But today’s Klang balances that authentic character with rapid modernisation, cleaner public spaces and highly accessible public transport like the LRT3,” he said.
The campaign to shift public perception has been gaining traction over the past few years. In February 2024, former Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain dismissed comparisons regarding the city's crime rates, clarifying that Klang did not record the highest crime statistics in the Klang Valley.
Additionally, the city's administrative status was elevated when the Sultan of Selangor proclaimed the former Klang Municipal Council as the Klang Royal City Council (MBDK), with the designation taking effect from November 23, 2023.
Abdul Hamid urged the public to take advantage of the new railway to experience Klang for themselves rather than relying on outdated online stereotypes.
“I would like to reiterate, don’t rely on old internet memes or outdated rumours.
“Take the new LRT line, walk our streets, talk to our people, and let the real Klang surprise you. You will find a city that is proud of its past, energised by its future, and incredibly welcoming,” he said.
