SHAH ALAM, July 13 — The LRT3 is expected to encourage more visitors who would typically roam within Kuala Lumpur to explore Selangor instead, with Shah Alam and Klang poised to emerge as major tourism beneficiaries due to their improved rail connectivity, said Tourism Selangor.
It said the new rail line reflects a significant shift for the state’s tourism industry by making destinations that were once largely dependent on private vehicles accessible to both international backpackers and domestic travellers.
“The LRT3 is a massive game-changer for Selangor’s domestic and cultural tourism.
“Historically, exploring deep into Shah Alam or Klang required a private vehicle, which heavily deterred international backpackers and car-free locals,” it said in a response to Media Selangor.
The state agency said rail access would help disperse visitor spending beyond Kuala Lumpur’s established tourism hotspots, creating new opportunities for businesses across Selangor.
“Instead of concentrating visitors in traditional Kuala Lumpur hotspots such as Bukit Bintang and KLCC, LRT3 provides easier access to attractions in Shah Alam and Klang,” it added.
Among the destinations expected to benefit are Klang’s Royal Heritage District, including the Sultan Suleiman Building, Royal Mosque Sultan Suleiman, Gedung Raja Abdullah, and Little India, as well as Shah Alam attractions such as the Shah Alam Sports Complex, Stadium Malawati, and AEON Mall Shah Alam.
Tourism Selangor also said the LRT3 improves access to retail destinations such as 1 Utama Shopping Centre in Bandar Utama and AEON Bukit Tinggi in Klang with integrated public transport links.
Increased visitor movement would provide an economic boost for local traders, it added.
“The influx of foot traffic is already benefiting small businesses, heritage markets and local eateries that were previously hidden away in car-centric neighbourhoods,” it said.
According to Tourism Selangor, several LRT3 stations are identified to be likely to experience the strongest tourism growth: Jambatan Kota in Klang, which puts tourists within walking distance of the city’s historic quarter that houses Little India and Pasar Jawa; and Dato’ Menteri, which is the gateway to cultural attractions including the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Mosque, SACC Mall, PKNS Complex and Aneka Walk.
Tourism Selangor added that the Stadium Shah Alam station has strong long-term tourism potential once surrounding pedestrian infrastructure is completed, as it would cater to sports fans, concertgoers and visitors heading to the Seksyen 13 commercial area, AEON Mall Shah Alam and nearby convention centres.
It also highlighted Bandar Utama station as a key interchange that is expected to become one of the busiest entry points into the LRT3 corridor.
“Visitors from Kuala Lumpur, Bukit Bintang, TRX and Kajang can transfer directly to the LRT3, making Shah Alam and Klang far more accessible.
“Bandar Utama for retail and connectivity, Klang for heritage and food, and Shah Alam for culture, leisure and events, allowing LRT3 to distribute visitor activity more evenly across the state,” Tourism Selangor said.
