SHAH ALAM, 18 September 2025 – The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Al-Haj, has decreed that any redevelopment of Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur must be carried out with care, prudence, and with the priority placed on Malay interests, while also taking into account the area’s history and heritage since its establishment in 1899.

In his royal address, Sultan Sharafuddin emphasized that while there is no objection if Kampung Baru is redeveloped in line with modern times, the conditions must be clearly set and in favor of the Malay community.

“Kampung Baru has long stood as a symbol of Malay awakening since 1900. Therefore, any decision or redevelopment effort in Kampung Baru must consider the interests of the Malays, not only for today but also for the long term,” His Majesty said.

Clarification from Istana Alam Shah

Following media reports that caused some confusion, Istana Alam Shah issued an official statement stressing that the Sultan’s decree did not directly address the specific issue of redevelopment in Kampung Sungai Baru, which has recently been widely debated.

According to the statement dated 18 September 2025, His Majesty only expressed views on the history, future, and direction of Kampung Baru as a whole, not on the Sungai Baru redevelopment project specifically.

🔗 Read the official Royal Office statement here: [Royal Office Statement]
🔗 Read the clarification here: [Clarification on Kampung Sungai Baru]

Historical Background of Kampung Baru

Kampung Baru was established in 1899 and on 12 January 1900 was gazetted as a Malay Agricultural Settlement (M.A.S) by the Fifth Sultan of Selangor, Almarhum Sultan Sir Alaeddin Sulaiman Shah, granting it to the Malay community for agricultural purposes.
Several key historic events are tied to Kampung Baru, including:

The 1946 Malay Congress at Kelab Sultan Sulaiman, which led to the formation of UMNO.
The 13 May 1969 riots, where Kelab Sultan Sulaiman became a shelter for the Malays.
Padang Kelab Sultan Sulaiman, which was once the training ground for the Selangor football team before Stadium Merdeka was built.

Sultan Sharafuddin himself has personal ties to the area, having studied at Sekolah Kebangsaan Raja Muda in Kampung Baru. Meanwhile, the father of Tengku Permaisuri Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Hajah Norashikin, was also born and raised there.

Why Is This Important?

The redevelopment of Kampung Baru is a long-standing issue because it involves Malay heritage land ownership in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. The land is of immense commercial value, but it is also a symbol of Malay identity and pride.
The Sultan stressed that any redevelopment plans must strike a balance between modernization and the preservation of Malay heritage.

Conclusion

The Sultan of Selangor’s decree, supported by Istana Alam Shah’s clarification, underscores that redevelopment of Kampung Baru is not being rejected, but it must be done under clear terms that safeguard the interests of the Malay community, while respecting the 120-year-old history of the area.

FAQ

1. What is the difference between Kampung Baru and Kampung Sungai Baru?
Kampung Baru encompasses a historic Malay settlement in Kuala Lumpur since 1899. Kampung Sungai Baru is one part of the area currently facing redevelopment proposals.

2. Did the Sultan of Selangor reject Kampung Baru redevelopment?
No. His Majesty stated redevelopment may proceed, but the terms must be clear and in favor of the Malay community.

3. Why is Kampung Baru significant to the Malays?
It represents Malay heritage, political awakening, and has been a social and cultural hub since its founding.

4. Why did Istana Alam Shah issue a clarification?
To explain that the Sultan’s remarks were about Kampung Baru in general, not specifically about the Kampung Sungai Baru redevelopment issue.