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Subang Jaya

Subang Jaya

A city that, much like an insistent echo, firmly establishes itself within the Petaling District of Selangor, Malaysia. Subang Jaya occupies the southern third of the aforementioned Petaling expanse. It is a sprawling urban tapestry woven from distinct threads, encompassing residential enclaves from SS12 to SS19, the expansive UEP Subang Jaya (more commonly known as USJ), the somewhat elevated tranquility of Putra Heights, the industrial grit of Batu Tiga, and specific sectors of Bandar Sunway—PJS7, PJS9, and PJS11—segments of which, in a bureaucratic quirk, fall under the jurisdiction of Petaling Jaya and its MBPJ. The civic affairs of this considerable urban entity are managed by the Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ), an administrative body whose reach extends beyond the core city to govern other significant areas within the Petaling District, including the bustling townships of Puchong and Seri Kembangan. According to the Subang Jaya City Council's own census in 2020, the city boasted a population of 968,930 inhabitants, a figure that, for those who appreciate such details, positions it as the sixth largest city in Malaysia by population. One might argue that such a density of humanity is less a statistic and more a profound statement on the relentless march of urbanisation.

City of Subang Jaya

Bandaraya Subang Jaya (Malay)

From top, left to right: Subang Jaya City Centre (SJCC) at SS16, Sunway Pyramid, Sunway Lagoon, Bandar Sunway skyline, Putra Heights, and Subang Parade

[[File:Subang Jaya City Council logo.png|100px|Seal]] Seal

Motto: Gemilang Bersama (in Malay) "Glorious Together"

[[File:Subang Jaya location.svg|Interactive map of Subang Jaya]] Interactive map of Subang Jaya

Subang Jaya

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Subang Jaya

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Subang Jaya

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Subang Jaya

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Coordinates: 3°3′52″N 101°35′37″E / 3.06444°N 101.59361°E / 3.06444; 101.59361 Country  Malaysia State Selangor District Petaling Establishment 1974 Establishment of the district council 1 January 1977 Municipality status 1 January 1997 City status 20 October 2020

Government  • Type City council  • Body Subang Jaya City Council  • Mayor Mohd Fauzi bin Mohd Yatim

Area  • Total 70.41 km 2 (27.19 sq mi)

Population  • Total 771,687  • Density 10,960/km 2 (28,390/sq mi)

Time zone UTC+8 (MST) Postcode 47500, 47600, 47610, 47620, 47630 Area codes +603-56, +603-80 Website portal.mbsj.gov.my

History

Before the relentless march of concrete and commerce, the land that now constitutes Subang Jaya was a vast, verdant expanse known as Seafield Estate—a rubber plantation. Originally, this territory was an unassuming part of Klang District, a historical footnote before it was eventually ceded to the expanding municipality of Petaling Jaya. Such is the way of things; one entity's quiet existence becomes another's foundation.

The genesis of modern Subang Jaya can be traced back to the ambitious vision of Sime UEP Properties Berhad, the property development arm of the formidable Malaysian conglomerate, Sime Darby. Construction efforts were formally initiated on 21 February 1976, a date now etched into the city's timeline. The initial phase of development was rather modest, comprising a mere 342 units of terrace houses and shophouses, laying the groundwork for what would become a formidable urban center. Sime UEP Properties Berhad, with a methodical efficiency that borders on the unsettling, brought all residential developments within the original township to completion by June 1988. Yet, the work was far from over; commercial development continued its slow, persistent creep, transforming the landscape. Simultaneously, Sime UEP Properties Berhad began the arduous task of clearing land for the subsequent development of USJ, an acronym that would soon become synonymous with urban sprawl. By 1999, the developers had turned their attention to the southern reaches of Subang Jaya, commencing the development of Putra Heights, a project whose origins, one might note, are conspicuously lacking a formal citation. One is left to assume it simply appeared.

In 1988, amidst these burgeoning developments, the population of Subang Jaya was estimated to hover somewhere between 55,000 and 70,000 souls—a number that, in retrospect, seems almost quaint compared to its present density.

A significant milestone in the city's administrative evolution arrived in 1997 when Subang Jaya was officially granted the coveted status of a municipality. This elevation transformed the erstwhile Petaling District Council into the more authoritative Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ). This new municipal entity inherited the administrative responsibilities for areas previously managed by the former Petaling District Council, while also absorbing additional territories from its neighbors: Petaling Jaya, Puchong, and Shah Alam. Consequently, the MPSJ municipal authority extended its governance not only over the core Subang Jaya city center but also over the expansive regions of USJ, Putra Heights, Batu Tiga, Bandar Sunway, Puchong, Bandar Kinrara, Seri Kembangan, and Balakong. In terms of parliamentary representation, the municipal area of Subang Jaya comprehensively covers the entirety of the Puchong and Subang federal constituencies, along with portions of Kota Raja, predominantly encompassing Putra Heights. To the west, the Batu Tiga state constituency includes areas such as Subang Hi-Tech Industrial Park, Taman Mutiara Subang, Taman Subang Mas, and Tropicana Metropark. The central Subang Jaya city itself falls within the Subang constituency, while Seri Kembangan and Puchong are situated within the Puchong constituency. The culmination of this administrative journey was announced in December 2019, when, after a protracted five-year wait following MPSJ's initial application in 2014, it was officially declared that Subang Jaya's municipality would finally be upgraded to the more prestigious status of a city council. One can only imagine the sighs of relief, or perhaps just mild indifference, from those involved.

Governance

Since the electoral cycle of 2013, the Dewan Rakyat parliamentary constituency designated as Subang (P104), which was previously known as Kelana Jaya, has been represented by Wong Chen from the Pakatan Harapan-People's Justice Party (PKR). This reflects the dynamic and often predictable shifts in political landscapes. Concurrently, the state assembly seat for Subang Jaya within the Selangor State Assembly is held by Michelle Ng Mei Sze, a representative hailing from the Pakatan Harapan-Democratic Action Party (DAP). Such political structures are, of course, essential for the illusion of order.

Demographics

As of the last update in 2020, Subang Jaya was home to a substantial population of 902,086 residents, a figure that firmly positioned it as Malaysia's fourth most populous city. This demographic weight is not merely confined to the core of Subang Jaya itself; its broader urban agglomeration, which forms the core city, incorporates major towns such as Puchong, Seri Kembangan, and Seri Serdang. The diverse tapestry of its inhabitants is predominantly composed of Chinese individuals, who form the largest ethnic group, followed closely by Malays, then Indians, and finally a scattering of other ethnic groups. The precise percentages, for those who find comfort in numerical precision, are as follows:

These figures paint a picture of a truly multicultural urban environment, a testament to the confluence of various communities that comprise this bustling city. One might wonder how such disparate elements manage to coexist, or perhaps, simply tolerate each other in the pursuit of daily existence.

Commerce

The commercial pulse of Subang Jaya beats with a rhythm of consumerism, largely orchestrated by a series of prominent shopping complexes. Subang Parade, Empire Subang, Sunway Pyramid, Aeon Big Subang, and SS15 Courtyard collectively serve as the primary retail attractions within and around the central areas of Subang Jaya. Each offers its own particular brand of retail therapy, catering to the seemingly insatiable desires of the populace. In the adjacent township of Bandar Sunway, a notable landmark emerges: Sunway Lagoon, an amusement and water theme park that has, for better or worse, attained the status of a national tourist attraction. It provides a brief, if artificial, escape from the mundane.

The commercial district of SS15, a veritable hive of activity, functions as Subang Jaya's central hub for both entertainment and business. Within its bustling confines, one discovers an almost overwhelming abundance of international food and beverage outlets, trendy cafes, an array of dining restaurants, a scattering of boutique shops, and the ubiquitous presence of banks, all catering to the urban dweller's every need, real or imagined. This area is further punctuated by a multitude of high-rise office buildings and serviced residences, testament to the relentless vertical growth of the city.

Moving further into USJ, the retail landscape continues its expansion, offering even more choices. Shopping malls such as Da Men, Main Place, One City, The Summit, The 19 USJ City Mall, Giant USJ, and Mydin USJ stand ready to absorb surplus income and leisure time. The primary commercial nerve center of the USJ township is USJ Taipan, a perpetually bustling area where business transactions and casual encounters intertwine. Beyond these larger centers, numerous smaller-scale commercial pockets are strategically dispersed throughout the neighborhoods of USJ, ensuring that amenities and conveniences are never truly out of reach, a convenience one might argue is both a blessing and a curse.

Recreation

For those who seek respite from the concrete jungle, or at least a slightly greener version of it, Subang Jaya offers a few options, though perhaps with varying degrees of success. The largest designated recreation area is the Subang Ria Park, conveniently situated near the Sime Darby Medical Centre in SS12. In its supposed "heyday" of the 1990s, this park was a vibrant hub, reportedly offering boating facilities, tennis courts, and even the dubious thrills of paintball and go-karting arenas. However, by 2015, the park had, perhaps predictably, fallen into a state of disrepair, with its facilities deteriorating after years of visible neglect. It primarily served as a space for jogging, a rather solitary pursuit. Fortunately, or perhaps inevitably, 2023 saw the Subang Ria Park undergo a significant upgrade, with improved facilities attempting to restore some semblance of its former glory.

For a more curated urban park experience, one can turn to Tropicana Metropark. This development features a 9.2-acre (3.7 ha) central park, meticulously designed with a human-made lake equipped with a bio-filtration system—presumably to thwart the perennial mosquito menace—a pedestrian promenade for leisurely strolls, and a food-and-beverage strip for alfresco indulgence. It is, in essence, nature, but with all the inconvenient bits carefully engineered out.

Economy

The economic engine of Subang Jaya hums with the presence of significant corporate entities. The Malaysia headquarters of Proton Holdings, known as the Centre of Excellence, stands as a testament to national automotive ambition. Alongside it, the prestigious Lotus Cars, the meticulous Faber-Castell, and a host of other major international companies have chosen to anchor their operations within the Sime UEP Industrial Park. This concentration of diverse industries underscores Subang Jaya's role as a vital economic contributor to the region, a place where things are not just consumed, but also, occasionally, produced.

  • [[File:Nu Empire Shopping Gallery in Subang Jaya.jpg|thumb|Nu Empire Shopping Gallery in Subang Jaya]] Nu Empire Shopping Gallery in Subang Jaya
  • [[File:Jalan Kemajuan Subang facing Northwest at the three-way intersection near Subang Parade.jpg|thumb|Jalan Kemajuan Subang facing Northwest at the three-way intersection near Subang Parade]] Jalan Kemajuan Subang facing Northwest at the three-way intersection near Subang Parade
  • [[File:AEON BiG Subang Jaya in 2022.jpg|thumb|AEON BiG Subang Jaya in 2022]] AEON BiG Subang Jaya in 2022
  • [[File:SS15 commercial area.jpg|thumb|SS15 commercial area]] SS15 commercial area

Education

One might observe that Subang Jaya, in its relentless pursuit of urban completeness, has also become a veritable crucible of learning. This list, as noted, is incomplete, a testament to the sheer volume of institutions that call this city home. It is a hub for numerous large international private colleges and universities, drawing students from far and wide, or at least from the surrounding districts. Beyond higher education, the city also boasts an impressive roster of over 30 primary and secondary schools, encompassing local public institutions, private academies, and international schools, catering to every conceivable educational philosophy and parental aspiration.

Primary schools

The foundations of knowledge are laid in an extensive network of primary schools:

  • At-tamimi International Islamic School
  • Fairview International School
  • GEMS International School
  • Kingsley International School
  • Sekolah Kebangsaan Sri Subang Jaya (SS14)
  • Sekolah Kebangsaan Seri Selangor (USJ4)
  • Sekolah Kebangsaan Subang Jaya (SS14)
  • Sekolah Wawasan (USJ 15)
  • Sekolah Kebangsaan Bandar Sunway
  • Sekolah Kebangsaan Dato Onn Jaafar
  • Sekolah Cina Tun Tan Cheng Lock
  • Sekolah Tamil Tun Sambathan
  • Sekolah Kebangsaan Seafield 3
  • Sekolah Kebangsaan USJ 12
  • Sekolah Kebangsaan Perdana Jaya SS19
  • Sekolah Kebangsaan SS19
  • Sekolah Tamil Seafield
  • Sekolah Kebangsaan Seafield (USJ 6)
  • Sekolah Kebangsaan USJ 2
  • Sekolah Cina Chee Wen (USJ 1)
  • Sekolah Cina Lick Hung (SS19)
  • Sekolah Kebangsaan USJ 20
  • Sekolah Rendah Islam Integrasi Masjid Darul Ehsan (SS15)
  • UCSI International School
  • Sri UCSI (Primary)
  • Sri Kuala Lumpur Primary School
  • Sunway International School

Secondary schools

As students progress, Subang Jaya offers a similarly comprehensive array of secondary institutions to guide them through the tumultuous teenage years:

Higher education

For those seeking to delay the inevitable entry into the workforce, Subang Jaya presents itself as a significant regional hub for tertiary education, boasting a remarkable concentration of colleges and universities:

Healthcare

The provision of healthcare in Subang Jaya is primarily facilitated by two prominent private medical institutions. These are the Sime Darby Medical Centre Subang Jaya, which was formerly and perhaps more simply known as Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC) in SS12, and the equally significant Sunway Medical Centre located within the expansive confines of Bandar Sunway. These facilities cater to those who can afford the premium for private care, or perhaps, for those who simply prefer it.

Under the auspices of the 9th Malaysian Plan, Subang Jaya also saw the establishment of its inaugural public health clinic, aptly named 1 Malaysia Healthcare. Situated in the Taman Subang Mewah area of USJ 1, its stated primary objective is to offer more affordable healthcare services to the lower and middle-income segments of the population, a noble, if often challenging, endeavor.

Development

The landscape of Subang Jaya is in a perpetual state of flux, constantly being reshaped by ambitious development projects, a testament to the relentless human desire for "progress." Currently, the Subang Jaya City Council oversees three substantial mixed commercial developments: SJCC Subang, SJ7 Trans-City, and Tropicana Metropark. SJCC Subang and SJ7 Trans-City, both spearheaded by Sime Darby, are envisioned as large-scale, integrated mixed developments, designed to seamlessly connect with highly advanced public transportation networks—a necessity, one might argue, given the sheer number of people they are expected to attract.

Further contributing to this urban tapestry are Da Men and Empire Remix, both strategically located in USJ 1. Da Men is a mixed commercial development sprawling across 8.6 acres (3.5 ha) of what is optimistically termed "prime land." It comprises two blocks of serviced apartments, a multitude of retail lots, and a six-story shopping podium—a self-contained ecosystem of living and consumption. Empire Remix, on the other hand, also presents itself as a mixed commercial development, featuring several blocks of office buildings, more serviced apartments, and yet another shopping mall, catering to the ever-present demand for both work and retail therapy.

Tropicana Metropark, an expansive 88.5-acre (35.8 ha) development, is designed to house over ten high-rise buildings. This includes a varied mix of office suites, SOHO (Small Office, Home Office) units, towering office blocks, business suites, villas (for those who prefer horizontal living amidst the vertical), shopfronts, and, of course, a shopping mall. It is strategically positioned near the more upscale neighborhoods of USJ Heights and Subang Heights, offering convenient access directly from the Federal Highway. To alleviate the inevitable traffic congestion, a new direct access from the Federal Highway was slated for completion by 2016, a small concession to the urban reality. Moreover, Bandar Raya Developments Bhd (BRDB) is contributing to this relentless expansion with its own RM2 billion integrated mixed development project, covering 24 acres in the same vicinity. One can only hope the infrastructure keeps pace with the ambition.

Transportation

Subang Jaya, in its characteristic fashion, is not merely a collection of buildings but a highly interconnected nexus, seamlessly linked to the vibrant cities of Kuala Lumpur and Shah Alam, as well as to the various townships of Petaling Jaya, including Ara Damansara, Kota Damansara, Bandar Utama, Damansara Utama, and Mutiara Damansara. This impressive connectivity is achieved through a dense network of major highways, a testament to the Malaysian penchant for asphalt: the venerable Federal Highway, the Shah Alam Expressway (KESAS), the New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE), the New Pantai Expressway (NPE), the North–South Expressway Central Link, and the Damansara–Puchong Expressway (LDP). Access from the Federal Highway into Subang Jaya is provided by three distinct exits: the two primary routes via exit 17.9 km through Persiaran Kewajipan and exit 18.2 km through Persiaran Tujuan, with an alternative exit offered via Persiaran Teknologi Subang at Tropicana Metropark's dedicated interchange.

Persiaran Kewajipan and Persiaran Tujuan bear the burden of serving as the two principal arterial roads within Subang Jaya, channeling the ceaseless flow of traffic. An alternative route for commuters traveling from USJ and Subang Jaya towards Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya is the Subang–Kelana Jaya Link. This link ingeniously connects the Persiaran Kewajipan roundabout of the New Pantai Expressway to the Subang Airport expressway (route 15), which in turn links to the Federal Highway (Federal Route 2). It's a marvel of interconnectedness, if one appreciates such things.

The public transport system in Subang Jaya is, by any measure, remarkably developed, a complex web designed to move masses of people with varying degrees of efficiency. It proudly boasts two distinct Light Rail Transit (LRT) lines, one KTM Komuter line, one Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line, and the ubiquitous presence of bus and taxi services. Since 30 June 2016, a significant expansion of the Kelana Jaya Line has opened, extending its reach to connect various areas within Subang Jaya directly with the Kuala Lumpur city center and Petaling Jaya. The LRT stations, as if by design, are strategically positioned within convenient walking distance of shopping malls, commercial centers, and residential areas, further supported by a network of feeder buses to bridge the last mile. The Kelana Jaya Line underwent an extension from its existing route at the Subang LRT Depot, traversing through the Dana 1 commercial center in Kelana Jaya, then onward to Kelana Centre Point, and finally reaching Subang Parade (where it offers an interchange with the KTM Subang Jaya commuter station), effectively covering three stations within the town center itself. Within USJ, the LRT line continues its journey from SS18 to USJ 7 (serving Da Men and Summit), USJ Taipan, Wawasan (USJ 15), USJ 21 (connecting to One City and Main Place), and culminates at the main interchange station hub in Putra Heights. This hub, a nexus of urban mobility, provides a crucial connection to another LRT line, the Sri Petaling Line, which extends its reach to Puchong, Bukit Jalil, and Sri Petaling. Furthermore, for those residing in the southern reaches of the Subang Jaya City Council area, six stations of the MRT Putrajaya line are strategically located, serving the communities of Seri Kembangan and Serdang. It's a truly intricate dance of routes and connections.

Public bus transportation, a more grounded mode of transit, is diligently provided by two primary companies: RapidKL and Metrobus. These services ensure accessibility within the town itself and offer vital connections to Kuala Lumpur. As an alternative, the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line connects the Setia Jaya Komuter station through Bandar Sunway to the USJ7 LRT Station. The BRT Sunway Line commenced its operations on 1 June 2015, following its official launch by then-prime minister of Malaysia, Najib Razak. This BRT service represents a public-private partnership, a collaboration between Prasarana and Sunway Group, with the commendable aim of providing eco-friendly electric bus services that glide along elevated tracks for the convenience of residents in Bandar Sunway and USJ.

For commuter train services, Subang Jaya is well-served by an urban-suburban rail link, the KTM Komuter. This provides essential transportation links towards the port town of Port Klang and the capital city of Kuala Lumpur, offering a respite from the often-congested roads.

Finally, for those who prefer to take to the skies, the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport is conveniently located at Subang, within the larger administrative area of Shah Alam. It functions as the primary hub for turboprop airlines such as Firefly (a low-cost carrier subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines), Malindo Air, and Berjaya Air. Beyond commercial flights, it also proudly serves as the premier hub for corporate and private aviation across Southeast Asia, catering to a clientele with less patience for the common man's travel woes.

  • [[File:BRT bus at USJ 7 BRT-LRT interchange station.jpg|thumb|A BRT bus at USJ 7 BRT-LRT interchange station.]] A BRT bus at USJ 7 BRT-LRT interchange station.
  • [[File:Putra Heights LRT Terminal.jpg|thumb|Commuters can switch between Kelana Jaya Line and Sri Petaling Line across a platform at Putra Heights LRT terminal.]] Commuters can switch between Kelana Jaya Line and Sri Petaling Line across a platform at Putra Heights LRT terminal.
  • [[File:KTM Komuter Class 82 at Subang Jaya.jpg|thumb|A KTM Komuter Class 82 EMU at Subang Jaya Komuter station.]] A KTM Komuter Class 82 EMU at Subang Jaya Komuter station.
  • [[File:Persiaran Kewajipan.jpg|thumb|Traffic along Persiaran Kewajipan]] Traffic along Persiaran Kewajipan
  • [[File:Persiaran Kewajipan with Kelana Jaya LRT Line.jpg|thumb|Persiaran Kewajipan, with the Kelana Jaya LRT Line spanning over it.]] Persiaran Kewajipan, with the Kelana Jaya LRT Line spanning over it.

Public facilities

The city, ever mindful of its populace's needs—or perhaps simply fulfilling a basic requirement—maintains two public libraries. For those who still engage with physical repositories of information, it's a quaint offering.

Furthermore, for the ultimate final disposition, a crematorium is located in Batu 14, Puchong. A pragmatic solution, one supposes, for the inevitable.

Sister cities

In a gesture of international camaraderie, or perhaps mutual curiosity, Subang Jaya has established a sister city relationship with Hioki, Kagoshima, Japan. One can only imagine the fascinating cultural exchanges.