Shah Alam

Shah Alam replaced Kuala Lumpur as the state capital of Selangor on 7 December 1978. This change was a significant development for the city, which had been undergoing rapid development and industrialization as part of Malaysia's New Economic Policy aimed at improving living standards and economic balance among different races in Malaysia. The move established Shah Alam as a major administrative and commercial hub in Malaysia.

The Shah Alam Stadium was officially opened to the public on 1 January 1993. This stadium, with its distinctive architecture and a seating capacity of over 80,000, quickly became a key venue for major sports events in Malaysia. The stadium hosted many international and local sporting events, bringing increased attention and visitors to the city of Shah Alam and boosting its profile as a regional center for sports.

On 22 June 2000, Shah Alam was awarded city status, elevating its position in the Malaysian administrative hierarchy. This achievement marked the culmination of decades of development and urbanization efforts, transforming Shah Alam from a planned city into a vibrant and significant metropolitan area. The city status paved the way for further infrastructural development and investment opportunities in Shah Alam.

i-City, a planned township spanning over 72 acres, was launched on 5 February 2001. This mixed-use development project is known for its advanced information technology-focused economy and is often dubbed the 'City of Digital Lights'. It has become one of Shah Alam's most distinctive modern landmarks and a significant contributor to local tourism and tech industry sectors.

The Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, was fully completed and opened to the public on 1 January 2011. It is one of the largest mosques in Southeast Asia and a architectural marvel with its magnificent blue and silver dome. The mosque is a central religious site and an iconic symbol of Shah Alam, attracting visitors from around the world.

The Shah Alam Expressway underwent a major upgrade, with improvements completed by 1 November 2017. These improvements included additional lanes, improved access points, and enhanced safety measures, significantly reducing travel time and congestion in the region. The expressway upgrade was pivotal in improving transportation and logistics in Shah Alam, facilitating economic growth.

The inaugural Selangor Aviation Show was launched on 25 September 2020 at the SkyPark Regional Aviation Centre in Shah Alam. The event brought together aviation industry leaders and stakeholders from across the ASEAN region to discuss advancements and opportunities in the aerospace industry. The show helped position Shah Alam as a key location for the aviation sector in Malaysia.

In December 2021, Shah Alam experienced severe flooding due to unprecedented rainfall, with water levels rising rapidly and causing extensive damage to homes and infrastructure. The floods affected thousands of residents and required substantial rescue and relief efforts. This disaster highlighted the vulnerability of urban areas to extreme weather events and the need for enhanced disaster preparedness and response strategies.

The Shah Alam Community Forest, a community-led initiative, was officially opened on 12 February 2022. This urban forest serves as a green lung for the city, providing residents with a natural environment for recreation and education. The initiative emphasizes the importance of preserving green spaces amidst rapid urban development and offers a sanctuary for biodiversity conservation.

Shah Alam implemented a smart traffic management system on 15 April 2023 to address traffic congestion issues. The system utilizes real-time data and AI technologies to optimize traffic flow and reduce travel times across major intersections. This initiative is part of Shah Alam's broader smart city strategy, aiming to enhance urban living standards and efficiency through technological innovation.