By Sofia Nasir
SHAH ALAM, March 25 — “I’m lucky to be a Selangor native who was involved in Shah Alam’s growth,” said one of the earliest residents of Kampung Padang Jawa in Section 16 here today.
Suraman Mohd Shaher, 76, who worked with a construction firm for over two decades, said the city underwent various changes, with rapid development starting in the 1970s.
“In the late 1970s came more industrial firms and factories. That was when housing grew and communities formed in several areas.
“When it came to administration, I personally admired the leadership of late Menteri Besar Dato’ Harun Idris,” said the Kampung Padang Jawa native.
Suraman said this during a visit by Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) officials during an Aidilfitri aid campaign for senior citizens and original residents.
[caption id="attachment_394839" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Shah Alam Acting Deputy Mayor Madiyan Baweh (third from left) presents contributions to Khalid Mahmud during an Aidilfitri aid campaign for senior citizens at Kampung Padang Jawa, Klang, on March 25, 2025. — Picture by NUR FATIHAH HAMIZI/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
The MBSA also contributed food baskets and money packets, handed over by Shah Alam Acting Deputy Mayor Madiyan Baweh.
Meanwhile, senior citizen Khalid Mahmud, 78, expressed gratitude over the MBSA’s care in ensuring the people’s well-being.
Khalid, who has been a Kampung Padang Jawa since 1978, also said the MBSA has successfully developed Shah Alam in a planned and controlled manner.
“There used to be nothing in Shah Alam, but now there is much change from the oil palm plantations back then. Now there’s everything; malls and other developments,” he said.
[caption id="attachment_394840" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Shah Alam Acting Deputy Mayor Madiyan Baweh speaks to reporters during an Aidilfitri aid campaign for senior citizens at Kampung Padang Jawa, Klang, on March 25, 2025. — Picture by NUR FATIHAH HAMIZI/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]