Selangor

1978 FDC dedicated to the new state capital Shah Alam

The stamp issue shown here commemorates the inauguration of Shah Alam as the Capital of Selangor in 1978.

The capital of Selangor used to be in Klang where the sultan resided. In 1880 capital was moved to Kuala Lumpur, then a budding supply base for the upriver tin mining concessions. Previously built of wood, the charismatic Chinese Headman Yap Ah Loy had decreed it should be rebuilt in brick. His friendly attitude towards the British made KL a natural choice as capital when the Federated Malay States were created in 1895, despite Perak being the more 'senior' state.

In 1972 the decision was taken to move the State Administration of Selangor to a separate location in order to maintain the identity of the State. In keeping with the spirit of the times, the capital would be located at new town located at Mile 3/Sungai Renggam). Accordingly, Kuala Lumpur was made into a stand-alone Federal Territory in 1974. The State Government of Selangor moved to Shah Alam in April 1978.