Petaling Jaya, commonly known as PJ, is a major Malaysian city located in the state of Selangor, just south of the capital city of Kuala Lumpur. It is one of the most populous cities in Malaysia, with an estimated population of over 1.8 million in 2020. The city is known for its vibrant culture, lively nightlife, and diverse shopping districts, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
Petaling Jaya has a long and rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. It was originally established as a satellite town of Kuala Lumpur in the 1950s, and has since grown into a major city in its own right. The city is home to numerous historical sites, including the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque, the oldest mosque in the city, and the Petaling Jaya Heritage Trail, a network of trails and monuments that trace the city’s history.
History
The history of Petaling Jaya dates back to the early 19th century, when the area was part of the state of Selangor. The area was originally part of a larger settlement known as Sungai Besi, which was established in the 1820s. The area was largely rural and undeveloped, but it soon became a hub for tin mining and rubber production.
In the 1950s, the Malaysian government began to develop the area as a satellite town of Kuala Lumpur. The first development project was the construction of the Petaling Jaya New Town, which was completed in 1954. The project included the construction of a network of roads and housing, as well as the establishment of the Petaling Jaya Municipal Council.
The city continued to grow and develop over the next few decades, and by the 1970s, it had become a major urban center. The city was officially declared a city in 2006, and it has since become one of the most important cities in Malaysia.
Today, Petaling Jaya is a vibrant and diverse city that is home to a variety of cultures and ethnicities. It is a popular destination for tourists, with its numerous shopping districts, lively nightlife, and cultural attractions. The city is also home to numerous historical sites, including the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque, the oldest mosque in the city, and the Petaling Jaya Heritage Trail, a network of trails and monuments that trace the city’s history.