Malaysia - Selangor

Selangor

Introduction

Selangor is the heartland of the nation and is the most developed State in the country. With the federal governments mega projects mainly the Multimedia Super Corridor, the new administrative center, Putrajaya and the KLIA, it has the largest airport and Port Klang, the biggest port in Malaysia. It houses most institutions of higher learning in Malaysia and it's infrastructure and communications facilities are among the best in the region. Selangor is also one of the most fascinating and scenic destinations in Malaysia providing visitors a delightful, never-ending discovery.

With a bustling economy of agricultural, industrial, commercial and tourism activities, Selangor is home to 4 million Malaysians. The diversity of people makes Selangor a melting pot of culture, language, art, music and cuisine.

History

The history behind Selangor is one of constant rife for supremacy. Originally settled by the Minangkabaus of Sumatra, Selangor saw the influx of Bugis in the 17th century. By the 18th century, they had established a sultanate which was constantly at war with the Dutch. In the 19th century, the boom in the tin trade attracted the Chinese. The 1860's were turbulent times for Selangor with feuds among Malay chieftains, Bugis and Chinese tin miners.

Capitalising on the situation, in 1874, the British appointed a British Resident in the state. The increasing prosperity of Selangor led the British to include it in the Federated Malay States in 1896. In 1948, it joined the Federation of Malaya which eventually became Malaysia.

Handicrafts

Royal Selangor Pewter offers a wide range of items including jewellery, vases and dinnerware made from this alloy of tin, antimony and copper. Mah Meri wood sculptures, made out of Nyireh Batu Swamp hardwood, come from the Mah Meri tribe of Pulau Carrey.