SELANGOR Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari (pic) is mooting the concept of a Greater Klang Valley, or a metropolitan area comprising four cities in Selangor within less than 10 years.
“These four cities are Petaling Jaya, Subang Jaya, Shah Alam, and hopefully, within the next one or two years, Klang (which is a municipality currently),” he said.
“This concept is based on the clusterisation of the economy, focusing on the best and uniqueness of each locality. It is also the first of its kind in Malaysia, with four connected cities within one state.
“However, there will be a need to organise a common platform in terms of administration and implementing certain coordination among the cities’ services.”
Amirudin likened the Greater Klang Valley idea as more of a conurbation rather than a metropolis, as the four cities in Selangor combined did not meet the population size and other requirements of a metropolis.
“There are some challenges that the Klang municipality has to improve on (before it can become a city). Some parts of Klang still comprise traditional villages and there is a need for improvement of facilities and services for those areas,” he said.
“It would also be good if Kuala Lumpur could join this network, to better uplift and promote the entire Klang Valley as an attractive and vibrant area.”
The Sungai Tua assemblyman added that at least six to seven years were needed for the Greater Klang Valley concept to materialise.
Amirudin was speaking after attending the Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) Vibrant Community Awards 2022 ceremony held at Sunway Resort Hotel and Spa on Sunday (Jan 15) evening.
The event served as a sign of appreciation and encouragement for the work and commitment by the 24 Residents’ Representative Councils (MPP) under the council.
The Subang Jaya Smart Vibrant Community Grants (SJSVCG) 2023 were also launched at the event, offering RM3mil in grants for community initiatives within MBSJ.
The application deadline for SJSVCG 2023 is July 31. For details, visit www.mbsj.gov.my.