Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia COUNTRY

7,996,830 CITY POPULATION

Democratic Republic GOVERNMENT TYPE

Introduction

Kuala Lumpur City is the national capital of Malaysia. It is located in West-central peninsular Malaysia. It is the largest city in Malaysia, which covers an area of 243 sq km. The estimated population of the city is 1.73 million (as in 2016). Greater Kuala Lumpur is an urban assortment of 7.25 million (as in 2017), which is also called Klang Valley. It has been described as “a horizon featured with minarets, skyscrapers and Mughal fashioned domes, swarming street markets bounded by lively food stalls is the city of Kuala Lumpur.”

The city of Kuala Lumpur is the cultural and economic center of Malaysia. It is one of the rapidly flourishing metropolitan regions of Southeast Asia in population as well as economic development. It is the official residence of the Malaysian King and Parliament of Malaysia is also located there. It is among the famous cities in the world for shopping and tourism. Three of the top ten largest shopping malls in the world are in Kuala Lumpur.

Data and Facts

The population of the federal territory and city was 1790000 and the Estimated metropolitan population accounted for 7.25 million in 2017.
It has a population density of 6,696 inhabitants per sq km and is the most densely populated city of Malaysia.
According to census 2010, the population of Kuala Lumpur comprised 46.4% Muslims, 35.7% Buddhist, 8.5% Hindus, 5.8% Christians, 1.4% of unknown annexures, 1.1% Chinese adherents, 0.6% other religion followers, and 0.5% non-religious.
The GDP of Kuala Lumpur in 2015 was RM160,388 million, about 15.1% of the total GDP of Malaysia. The per capita GDP in 2015 was RM94,722.
The Human Development Index (HDI) as in 2017 was 0.857.
Market Capitalisation of Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange noted at 1,747,910 MR in Apr 2019.
Residents of the city are collectively called as KLites.

Administration

Kuala Lumpur became the independent capital of the Federation of Malaya in 1957, whereas it became the capital of Malaysia entirely in 1963. Because of population growth, congestion escalated due to which administration hindered the Malaysian government offices, dispersed across the city. Therefore, many federal offices were shifted to the novel city of Putrajaya, about 25 km south of Kuala Lumpur, at the dawn of the 21st century. Thereafter, Putrajaya became an administrative center of the country and Kuala Lumpur persisted as the capital of Malaysia.

The local administration is executed by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall, under the Federal Territories of the Ministry of Malaysia. Total of 11 districts of the city function as the administration subdivisions under the Kuala Lumpur City Hall authority. The Parliament of Malaysia is also situated in Kuala Lumpur. It comprises of Dewan Negara (Upper house) and Dewan Rakyat (Lower house).

Economy

Kuala Lumpur is the economic and business hub of the country. It is at the forefront of the finance, real estate, and insurance industries. Bursa Malaysia or Malaysian Exchange is located in the city and casts one of its key economic activities. The service sectors involve finance, insurance, real estate, business services, government services, wholesale and retail trade, etc. amounting to 83% of total GDP and rest 17% comes from manufacturing and construction.

The GDP accounted to be RM160,388 million, which represents 15.1% of GDP of entire Malaysia. The average monthly household income is RM9073 as in 2016, with a growth rate of approx. 6% yearly.

Business Environment

Kuala Lumpur earns significantly from tourism. 66 shopping malls are there alone in Kuala Lumpur. Shopping accounts for RM 7.7 billion (US$ 2.6 billion). Apart from this, the city has numerous markets for locally manufactured products such as handicrafts, textiles, and fabrics.

The business-friendly policies of Malaysia and good fiscal packages by the government made it the easiest place to start business globally. The strategic location of the city renders huge correspondence with booming Asian markets. Liberal equity policy and tax incentives by the government supports commercial activities. Establishment of InvestKL in 2011, facilitate foreign direct investment in the region. Securing 15th global rank of the World Bank's Doing Business Index shows Malaysian business environment is becoming competitive.

Infrastructure

Exclusive rail networks such as Kuala Lumpur-Singapore high-speed rail (targeted completion by 2026), the high-class international airport (KLIA) and 12th world's bustling seaport- Port Klang provides transportation connectivity amidst Kuala Lumpur and the rest of the world.

Kuala Lumpur has a broad road network. Unified Public transport networks like Light rail transit also provide intercity connectivity. The city is equipped with advanced telecommunications infrastructure including WiFi and high-speed broadband services.

Technology

Kuala Lumpur has been an abode to important research centers for technological innovations for years, such as the Institute of Medical Research, Rubber research institute of Malaysia, Forest Research Institute of Malaysia, etc.

The Technology Park Malaysia (TPM) is situated in Kuala Lumpur to innovate advanced technologies. Malaysia is striving for technology-based economic growth.

Social Wellness and Human Resources

Education and Health are among important economic activities. Kuala Lumpur has various educational institutions providing a wide range of courses. It is home to the University of Malaya and various others. Numerous medical institutes, state clinics, and hospitals offer health services and treatments in the city.

It is a religiously diverse city, yet Islam is primarily practiced by Malays. Kuala Lumpur hosts various cultural fests. Tourism also plays a pivotal role, National Museum, Islamic Arts Museum and PETRONAS Twin tower are main attractions. Apart from this, the city has the National Art Gallery, National library, National Zoo, and Aquarium. The city encompasses various parks like the Lake park and three forest reserves. In the south of the city, is the National Sports Complex and National stadium.

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