SHAH ALAM, Sept 7 — Klang mayor Datuk Abd Hamid Hussain has pledged to boost the city’s tourism sector after first-quarter 2025 data ranked the Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) fifth among Selangor’s 12 local authorities.
According to Selangor Tourism data, Klang recorded 149,165 domestic and international visitors between January and March. The Petaling Jaya City Council led the list with 408,710 tourists, followed by Subang Jaya City Council (397,831), Sepang Municipal Council (260,287) and Kajang Municipal Council (150,278).
The other councils were Shah Alam City Council (145,814), Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (91,806), Hulu Selangor Municipal Council (57,696), Selayang Municipal Council (44,306), Kuala Langat Municipal Council (38,921), Sabak Bernam District Council (11,749) and Kuala Selangor Municipal Council (11,495).
“MBDK’s Community Development Department (Cultural and Tourism Unit) needs to increase footfall in the heart of Klang’s shopping areas, heritage trail, offbeat cafes and places that offer traditional food,” he said as reported by The Star.
Hamid said the decline in tourist arrivals was partly due to cruise ships diverting their itineraries to Malacca instead of Port Klang, which reduced day-tripper visits.
To counter this, he stressed the need for stronger digital promotion by highlighting attractions such as Istana Alam Shah, shopping spots, places of worship, and pre-war architecture with engaging content and clear directions.
He added that highlighting landmarks such as the iconic double-decked Jambatan Kota (Kota Bridge) and places of worship located side by side could further enhance Klang’s tourism appeal.
“It is time the council’s cultural and tourism unit leverage online platforms and engage potential tourists on cruises to Klang,” he said.
Hamid also pledged to collaborate with Kuala Lumpur and Selangor business chambers in efforts to revive international arrivals, stressing the importance of restoring Klang’s appeal to foreign visitors.
Meanwhile, state executive councillor for local government and tourism Dato’ Ng Suee Lim said Klang has strong potential for growth.
