[Photo by: Muhd Muzzammil Sabri]
Long ago, Shah Alam was known as Sungai Renggam and
is known only as an oil palm estate. Later, the same area was identified
as Batu Tiga prior to Malaysian independence, and has been a centre of
palm oil trade for centuries.
In 1978,
it replaced Kuala Lumpur as the capital city of the state of Selangor
due to Kuala Lumpur's incorporation into a Federal Territory. Today, Shah Alam is most famous for its
spectacular masjid (mosque). A racing circuit near the city was used for
Grand Prix motorcycle racing and was named the 'Shah Alam Motor
Paradise', but was demolished in 2003.
Today, the city has a similar urban
layout as Petaling Jaya with housing areas occupying most of the city
areas (55.2 sq. km.) and commercial centres scattered around the
different 'Seksyen' (sections) areas. It has become a showpiece city of
the future, free from the inherent problems of haphazard development and
shanty towns found in other major growth centers.
Shah Alam is proud to
be home to the world’s only agro-forestry park, is a showpiece city and
its careful planning is evident everywhere. Which is the green park of
Bukit Cahaya. Cultural attractions and several new hotels round out the
appeal and attraction of Shah Alam. This city also has a lovely
landscaped recreational park with an idyllic lakeside setting and even a
“floating” restaurant in the vicinity. Shah Alam also possesses a
world-class stadium and sports complex and an international standard
racing track. Hailed as one of the most well-planned cities, Shah Alam
has most of its residential area on one side of the Federal Highway and
industrial zones on the other. Hence, Shah Alam has been constructed
according to a blueprint drawn up with the environment at the
forethought of the planners.
Tour at Shah Alam
- Sultan Salahuhddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque
Selangor's new capital is dominated by the enormous
minarets and gleaming blue dome of the State Mosque, Masjid Sultan
Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah. The enormous aluminium dome is reputed to be among of the largest in the Islamic world. The mosque sits alongside
the city's manmade central lake, which is also adjoined by Urban Shah
Alam, a beautifully landscaped recreational park.
When visiting the city, you will
certainly be impressed by the beautiful architectural design of the
State Mosque, the Masjid Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah. Dominating the entire state capital,
this is truly one of the finest mosques to be found anywhere in the
world. Completed in 1988, its minarets, at 142.3 meters, are the tallest
in the world. Its graceful blue dome is also one of the biggest of its
kind.
Decorative Islamic calligraphy enhances the dome and main prayer
hall, while the overall architecture integrates Malay and Moorish design
elements. The mosque's pulpit has been executed in carved timber, a
masterpiece of local craftsmen from the state of Kelantan. This breathtaking mosque is an awesome sight; you can
spot its blue dome - said to be the largest in the world - from quite a
distance away.
For relaxation, head for the Shah Alam Lake Gardens. It
is the site of annual events such as the International Boat Show and the
Selangor Orchid Exhibition. A delightful system of man-made lakes
graces the town center. Picnic area dot this well-kept parkland and a
floating seafood restaurant stands on the fringes of the lakes.
- State Monument & State Secretariat Building
On a landscaped hill overlooking the town center is the
towering 24-story Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah building. Built with
elements of traditional Bugis design, it houses the state secretariat
and administrative offices of the state government. Just before this is
the serene and lovely State Monument with a sweeping arch, reflecting
pools and gold inscriptions on gray Selangor granite. Because of its
picturesque settings, the State Monument is a favorite location for
shutterbugs and tourists.
- Bukit Cahaya Seri Alam Agricultural Park
Better known as the Malaysia Agricultural Park, this is
the only agro-forestry in this part of the world. The park is designed
in such a way that it affords visitors a glimpse of the country's
agricultural resources such as oil palms, padi fields, rubber trees,
coconut trees and other fruit trees. All these are set within a luscious
tropical rainforest in a scenic 1,290 hectare site, just 1km from Shah
Alam town center. Its planner has in mind an open-air university for the
dual purpose of recreation and education. Here is a place to learn all
about trees by their names!
Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM and
formerly known as Institut Teknologi MARA or ITM) which is known as
Malaysia's affirmative action symbol is located in the state capital.
The city also boasts the huge and modern Shah Alam Stadium
with a capacity of 81, 000 and 5,500 parking lots where many fairs were
held and the stadium is where the Selangor state team plays its
football. However, the stadium has fallen into disuse as the standard of
the country's football league floundered and the turnout at local
matches fell to a mere 1,000 spectators at best.
[Source: http://www.malaxi.com/about_shah_alam.html]
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