Petaling Jaya

Petaling Jaya was officially established as a township on October 1, 1954. It was developed during the British colonial period in Malaya to address the overpopulation of Kuala Lumpur. Initially, it was planned as a satellite town with a series of planned residential neighborhoods and a central industrial area. The town grew rapidly due to its strategic location near Kuala Lumpur and good infrastructure.

In 1964, Petaling Jaya was declared a town, a major milestone in its development. This change marked its transformation from a satellite township to a recognized urban area with formal municipal governance. The status upgrade allowed for more structured and organized urban planning, propelling the town toward becoming a significant urban center in its own right.

Petaling Jaya was accorded the status of a municipality in September 1977. This change reflected its rapid growth and increasing importance as an economic and commercial hub. Municipal status provided the city with greater administrative autonomy and resources, enabling comprehensive urban development and public services for its residents.

The iconic Sunway Pyramid shopping mall in Petaling Jaya was officially opened on June 16, 1996. Known for its Egyptian-themed design and a massive pyramid structure with an imposing lion statue, Sunway Pyramid quickly became a landmark in Petaling Jaya. It offers a unique shopping experience with diverse retail outlets, entertainment options, and dining facilities.

On July 3, 2004, Petaling Jaya was officially declared a city. This status was granted following rapid urbanization and significant population growth, recognizing its critical role as a major city in the Klang Valley area. The city status underscored Petaling Jaya's commercial importance and enhanced its profile both nationally and internationally.

The Kelana Jaya LRT line, part of Kuala Lumpur's Light Rail Transit system, extended its services to Petaling Jaya in 2007. This significantly improved public transportation accessibility, linking Petaling Jaya to other parts of the Greater Kuala Lumpur area. The LRT extension was a boon to commuters and helped alleviate traffic congestion in the city.

The Petaling Jaya Museum was inaugurated on August 10, 2012. The museum serves as an important cultural and historical repository for the city, chronicling the journey from its establishment to its growth as a major urban center. It houses a variety of exhibits that highlight the city's rich heritage and vibrant community life.

On March 29, 2014, KidZania Kuala Lumpur was opened in Petaling Jaya, offering a unique educational theme park experience for children. This indoor park provides a safe and interactive environment where children can role-play adult jobs and activities, fostering both learning and entertainment. It became a popular family destination in the city.

Petaling Jaya hosted the ICAEW ASEAN Regional Awards on September 16, 2018. This was a significant event for the region, showcasing the importance of Petaling Jaya as a hub for international business and finance events. The awards ceremony brought together professionals from across the ASEAN region, highlighting excellence in accountancy and financial disciplines.

On May 3, 2019, Petaling Jaya launched its Green City initiative, aiming to transform the city into an environmentally sustainable urban area. This initiative includes efforts to increase green spaces, reduce pollution, and promote renewable energy. The city has implemented various programs to encourage sustainable practices among residents and businesses.

Starting on March 18, 2020, Petaling Jaya, along with the rest of Malaysia, was placed under a Movement Control Order (MCO) to curb the spread of COVID-19. This resulted in a significant disruption of daily life, with residents required to stay at home, businesses closing temporarily, and educational institutions shifting to online learning. The city faced a challenging period adapting to the new normal.