Selangor-Kuala Lumpur Border Demarcation: A Two-Year Plan
The long-standing ambiguity over the borders between Selangor and Kuala Lumpur is set to be resolved within two years. Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari announced the update, emphasizing the importance of clear boundaries for effective governance and urban planning.
Why the Border Demarcation Matters
The Selangor-Kuala Lumpur boundary impacts several critical areas, including:
- Tax Collection: Determining which state collects property and business taxes.
- Local Authority Enforcement: Clarifying jurisdiction for law enforcement and municipal regulations.
- Utility Management: Ensuring seamless utility services without overlapping responsibilities.
Amirudin noted that current boundaries in some areas cut through private properties, complicating governance and infrastructure management.
A Collaborative Effort
The survey and mapping department is spearheading the project with precise measurements to avoid splitting buildings, such as homes or commercial premises, across state lines.
“We aim to establish borders that don’t disrupt households or businesses,” Amirudin stated during a press conference.
Complexity in Urban Areas
Unlike rural boundary agreements with Pahang and Negeri Sembilan, demarcating Selangor and Kuala Lumpur presents unique challenges:
- Dense Urban Development: Complex layouts in densely populated areas make clear divisions more challenging.
- Historical Agreements: The current boundaries are based on the 1974 agreement that ceded Kuala Lumpur to the federal government.
No Plans to Reclaim Kuala Lumpur
Addressing rumors about reclaiming Kuala Lumpur as a Selangor district, Amirudin clarified that the Selangor government respects the 1974 agreement.
“Kuala Lumpur remains a federal territory, and there are no plans to propose its reintegration unless the federal government relocates Parliament,” he explained.
Amirudin highlighted that Kuala Lumpur’s status was tied to the presence of Parliament and federal administrative institutions, making it integral to the national governance framework.
Historical Context
Selangor ceded Kuala Lumpur to the federal government in 1974, and its administrative center moved to Shah Alam in 1978. The agreement established Kuala Lumpur as Malaysia’s federal capital, housing the Parliament and serving as the country’s administrative hub.
Implications for the Greater Klang Valley
The border demarcation aligns with broader initiatives such as the Greater Klang Valley project, which seeks to enhance regional connectivity and governance. Clear borders will support better urban planning, infrastructure development, and resource allocation in the Klang Valley.
What’s Next?
- Survey and Mapping: Detailed measurements are currently underway.
- Formal Agreement: A final agreement will follow once the surveys are completed.
- Implementation: Local authorities in both states will enforce the newly defined borders.
Conclusion
The resolution of the Selangor-Kuala Lumpur border demarcation is a significant step forward for governance and urban management in the Klang Valley. By addressing ambiguities, both states can enhance service delivery, streamline administrative processes, and foster sustainable development.
