Kuala Selangor @ A Glance

Although the origins of Kuala Selangor can be traced back to the 17th century, settlers have long occupied the region centuries before. This is indicated by the mentions of sub-district Jeram and even neighbouring district Klang in ancient literature such as the 14th century Nagarakretagama, 15th century Mao Kun map made during the Ming dynasty and 16th century Malay Annals. Although Kuala Selangor directly translates to “Confluence of the Selangor River”, there are several folk tales that have led to the formulation of the ‘Selangor’ name. These include mentions of a blowfly (translates to Selangau) to mentangau trees.

After Johor won a war against Jambi (province of Indonesia) with the help of Bugis mercenaries from Sulawesi in the late 17th century, these warriors migrated and inhabited along the coast of Selangor, including Kuala Selangor. This led Selangor to be the only state in Peninsular Malaya to be founded by the Bugis. Under Raja Salehuddin, they established a powerbase by creating the Selangor Sultanate and cementing Kuala Selangor as the first old royal capital of Selangor in 1766. In 1784, Kuala Selangor was conquered by Dutch forces as they attempted to broaden their base in Malacca. Although Sultan Ibrahim managed to drive the invaders out a year later, the district was soon captured by the British before eventually returning to the hands of Selangor royalty.