List of capitals in Malaysia
The following is a list of capitals in Malaysia. It mainly describes the capitals of the states, districts, as well as the national capitals of Malaysia.
National capital
The national capital of Malaysia is Kuala Lumpur. It remains the primary cultural, business and financial centre in Malaysia. The Parliament of Malaysia and the official residence of the King are also located in Kuala Lumpur. In 2001, the seat of government was moved from Kuala Lumpur to the planned city of Putrajaya which from then on served as the federal administrative centre, sometimes referred to as the administrative capital. Both these cities, together with Labuan, have special status as Federal Territories of Malaysia.
Article 154(1) of the Federal Constitution states that unless been declared otherwise by the Parliament, Kuala Lumpur shall remain as the federal capital.
State capitals
All the states in Malaysia except for Malacca, Penang, Sabah, and Sarawak, are constitutional monarchies. The four non-monarchical states are headed by a Yang di-Pertua Negeri (Governors). Thus, those states with constitutional monarchies have royal capitals or seats where the palace or official residence of the monarch is situated. These capitals are sometimes different from the state's administrative capitals. State administration is carried out by each respective state government that is formed after winning the elections. The Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya headed by Yang di-Pertuan Agong and administrative by Ministry of Federal Territories (Malaysia).
States | Administrative capital | Royal capital | Historical capital |
---|---|---|---|
Johor | Johor Bahru | Muar | Johor Lama (Kota Tinggi) |
Kedah | Alor Setar | Anak Bukit (Kota Setar) | Lembah Bujang |
Kelantan | Kota Bharu | Kubang Kerian (Kota Bharu) | Kota Lama |
Malacca | Malacca City | - | |
Negeri Sembilan | Seremban | Seri Menanti (Kuala Pilah) | |
Pahang | Kuantan | Pekan | Kuala Lipis (1898–1953) |
Penang | George Town | - | |
Perak | Ipoh | Kuala Kangsar | Teluk Intan (1528–1877), Taiping (1875–1937) |
Perlis | Kangar | Arau | Kaki Bukit |
Sabah | Kota Kinabalu | - | Kudat (1881–1884), Sandakan (1884–1945) |
Sarawak | Kuching | - | |
Selangor | Shah Alam | Klang | Kuala Selangor, Jugra, Klang, Kuala Lumpur (1880–1978) |
Terengganu | Kuala Terengganu | Kuala Terengganu | Kemaman (1708–1713) |
Kuala Lumpur | Kuala Lumpur | - | |
Labuan | Victoria | - | |
Putrajaya | Putrajaya | - |