THE Sultan of Selangor, His Royal Highness Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Al-Haj, has called for any redevelopment involving Kampong Bharu, including the ongoing case of Kampung Sungai Baru, to be carried out with utmost care, cultural sensitivity and a firm focus on protecting the interests of the Malay community.
In a royal statement released on Thursday, the Sultan voiced concern over public reactions to recent development proposals, urging authorities and stakeholders to give due weight to the area’s historical significance and its role in the identity of the Malay people.
“After reading the various responses from different parties, I want this matter to be handled with care and prudence, with priority given to the interests of the Malays,” His Royal Highness said.
While expressing support for urban development, the Sultan cautioned that any plans must be guided by principles that preserve Malay ownership, heritage and the unique character of Kampong Bharu.
“I wish to reiterate that Kampong Bharu plays a vital role in the continuity and dignity of the Malays in Kuala Lumpur,” he added. “Any development effort must take into account not only current interests but also the long-term wellbeing of the Malay community.”
The Sultan also traced the historical roots of Kampong Bharu, which was officially established in 1899 and designated a Malay Agricultural Settlement (M.A.S.) through a government gazette in 1900. The land was originally granted by his great-grandfather, Sultan Sir Alaeddin Sulaiman Shah, the fifth Sultan of Selangor.
The royal statement reflected a personal connection as well. The Sultan recalled living and attending school in Kampong Bharu during his youth, at Sekolah Kebangsaan Raja Muda, when his late father, Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, served as Crown Prince of Selangor. Her Royal Highness Tengku Permaisuri Hajah Norashikin’s family, he added, also has deep roots in the area.
The Sultan highlighted Kampong Bharu’s national importance, referencing Kelab Sultan Sulaiman as a central location for the 1946 Kongres Melayu Se-Malaya, which led to the formation of UMNO. The same venue also served as a shelter for Malays during the racial unrest of 13 May 1969, and its field once trained the Selangor football team before the construction of Stadium Merdeka.
He also noted that, prior to Kuala Lumpur’s transfer to federal authority, the official residences of the Selangor Menteri Besar and State Secretary were located in Kampong Bharu. In another reminder of the area’s heritage, the Sultan reaffirmed a long-standing understanding that Masjid Jamek Kampong Bharu, inaugurated by Sultan Hisamuddin Alam Shah, should never be relocated.
“Kampong Bharu is a symbol of Malay resurgence since 1900,” said the Sultan, urging the preservation of the area not merely as a neighbourhood, but as a living monument to Malay resilience, pride and historical contribution.
In closing, the Sultan called on decision-makers to ensure that any future development in Kampong Bharu reflects this legacy and continues to serve the interests of the Malay community for generations to come. - September 18, 2025
