SHAH ALAM, May 28 — Low-density suburbs and neighbourhoods in Shah Alam are not being left behind by the city’s rapid urbanisation but are instead being intentionally protected from it, said Shah Alam MP Azli Yusof.
While hyper-growth zones like Sections 7 and 13 will absorb major development linked to the upcoming Light Rail Transit Shah Alam Line (LRT3), the new Shah Alam Sports Complex and SA Sentral projects, mature residential areas will retain their original urban planning blueprint as quiet, self-contained enclaves.
He said that as a thoroughly planned city, low-density residential areas were intentionally designed with limited, small-scale commercial zones, including in Sections 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, and 12.
As such, there should be no question that these neighbourhoods are being left behind by the surrounding development, as they were never intended to compete with other high-density commercial hubs such as Sections 7, 13, 14, and 15.
“Areas such as Section 6 are low- to medium-density residential areas. They are not suitable for development into commercial zones or high-density residential areas, as this would alter the area’s original development purpose.
“They cannot be compared with areas such as Sections 7 and 13, the Section 14 city centre, Section 15, and i-City, which were specifically planned as commercial hubs and high-density residential areas,” Azli told Media Selangor.
He added that mature zones are not suitable for major development due to the very limited amount of commercial land available for redevelopment.
Azli was commenting on a Malay Mail report quoting residents who described Section 6, Shah Alam, as a slower, nostalgic residential area that has retained its original character and quieter atmosphere while attracting young cafe owners and creatives seeking to revive it.
On Section 6 specifically, the first-term lawmaker acknowledged local sentiments to preserve its current character, with the only need at present being to upgrade and redevelop the ageing commercial centre.
“In reality, there is a very limited commercial area available for redevelopment. If anything, it is the ageing Section 6 commercial centre opposite the Section 6 Modern Market, where many shop lots are underutilised, and the design is no longer conducive or attractive.
“The commercial centre, owned by MBSA, is indeed in a rather dull state, but there is potential for redevelopment with a more modern and refreshed concept, offering retail spaces that are better suited to current tastes while maintaining a relaxed feel.
“However, it must adapt to and take into account the surrounding environment, maintaining a peaceful, low-density residential neighbourhood,” he said.
