KLANG is stepping into a new era of tourism by turning its storied past into a pedestrian-led future.
Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) has unveiled plans to launch 18 thematic heritage walks, designed to highlight and preserve the city’s urban, cultural and historical gems while showcasing its unique character to a global audience.
Mayor Datuk Abd Hamid Hussain said the initiative was built upon themed narratives intended to transform urban spaces and strengthen local identity.
By shifting towards heritage walks with themes, he said, the city council aimed to ensure Klang’s rapid growth did not come at the cost of its heritage.
“It is based on themed narratives to transform urban spaces to strengthen local identity.
“Our initial Jejak Warisan Bandar DiRaja Klang and Jejak Laman Seni Safari heritage walks with tour guides on weekends has been a tourist draw.
“Based on the success of these two walks – launched in 2010 and 2020 respectively – we have drawn up 18 thematic heritage walk routes for the next five years of tourism,” he added.
This new strategy, he said, focused on a blend of cultural, traditional and gastronomic experiences, linking the modern urban centre with the charm of the old town.
The 18 routes cover a vast range including Jejak Warisan Kota Raja, Jejak Kampung Warisan and the food-focused Jejak Pesona Selera Warisan. Other routes stretch toward the coast and the river, such as Jejak Warisan Pelabuhan Klang and Jejak Warisan Sungai Klang.
Abd Hamid said while the city council would continue to enhance popular existing routes, the new thematic walks would be promoted in stages.
This phased approach allows the council to focus on site improvements and the installation of essential infrastructure.
“We will promote the routes in stages as we need to improve the sites and instal information panel boards.
“These boards will plot the route and explain the area to tourists, backpackers and visitors who want to explore on their own,” he added.
To position Klang as a premier destination, the city is leveraging iconic landmarks such as the 103-year-old Masjid DiRaja Sultan Suleiman, Kota Raja Mahadi and SMK Methodist ACS Klang, the oldest school in Selangor.
MBDK Corporate Communica-tions Department director Norfiza Mahfiz said the city planned to blend the upkeep of old buildings with modern rejuvenation.
The council was even considering the introduction of a river cruise along the Klang stretch of Sungai Klang, she added.
“We hope private companies come in to manage the operations to give unique travel experiences to visitors.
“Klang needs a financial grant for a heritage-led urban regeneration to make the city more competitive and enhance visitor experience,” said Norfiza.
Abd Hamid said the long-term goal was to turn these walks into an economic engine for the district.
By refreshing the tourism product, MBDK hoped to create a competitive market that benefitted local residents through job creation and increased revenue.
He added that the thematic walks could bring new, innovative life to an old district with continued rejuvenation through new ideas.
“Thematic heritage routes create a competitive tourist market and will act as an economic engine for job creation and increased revenue,” he said.
