Kajang: What makes it famous?

There’s certainly more to Kajang than its famous skewered barbequed meat.

With a population of 311,785, Kajang which is also known as ‘Satay town’ has the largest population among the sub-districts in Hulu Langat and is one of the fastest growing towns in Selangor.

Here are 10 interesting facts we have compiled about Kajang that you may not have known.

1. How it all began...

Kajang old town main junction

Kajang was founded in 1807 after the Klang War, also known as the Selangor Civil War. It became modernised after coffee estates started opening up during the 1890s.

Some of its famous landmarks are the Kajang Stadium and the Haji Samuri Sate Restaurant, located opposite the Kajang District Police Headquarters at the main junction of the town (now known as Kajang old town)

2. Kajang Stadium


Kajang Stadium, known as Kajang Square now

Built in the 1970s, the stadium was home to many important football matches featuring legends in Malaysian football like ‘Supermokh’ Mokhtar Dahari, ‘Spiderman’ Datuk R. Arumugam, Soh Chin Aun and Santokh Singh.

In 2010, the iconic landmark was torn down and turned into a public square, equipped with jogging tracks and a playground for children.


3. War Hero


Lieutenant Adnan Saidi – Photo by Wikipedia

Kajang was the birthplace of war hero Lieutenant Adnan Saidi, famous for his bravery in the Battle of Bukit Chandu. Lieutenant Adnan and his regiment eventually lost the battle, was captured and killed by the Japanese. He was only 27 years old.

He went to school at Sekolah Melayu Sungai Ramal. In 1982, the school changed its name to SK Leftenan Adnan in memory of him.

4. Famous people


Photo by Instagram Ningdalton Photo by Instragram Noradanish

Kajang is also famous for producing local celebrities. Both Ning Baizura and Nora Danish went to the same school – SMK Convent Kajang.

National football player, Safee Sali was born in Kajang too.

5. K-Town


Photo by K-Town Clan Facebook

To some of the younger locals, Kajang also goes by the name of K-Town, owing to its large base of rappers and hip hop groups.

The most famous at the moment is K-Town Clan comprising Vid, Bo and Roshan Jamrock, who all hail from Kajang.

The ‘K’ in the band’s name is homage to their hometown.

6. Kajang Prison


Mona Fendy – Photo by Wikipedia

Kajang is also famous for its prison and its high profile inmates. Among them were former pop singer and witch doctor, Mona Fandey. She and her two accomplices were hanged at the prison on 2 November 2001 for the grisly murder of Pahang state assemblyman, Mazlan Idris.

Their last meal before the execution? Kentucky Fried Chicken.

7. Secret tunnels


Kajang High School

An underground tunnel was discovered in 1971 at SMK Tinggi Kajang, better known as Kajang High School. The secret tunnel was built during the Japanese invasion and is believed to connect to other schools in the area too.

According to former students, the school is also famous for ‘ghost sightings’ due to its close proximity to a cemetery and it being the oldest school in Kajang. It was also once used as headquarters by the Japanese army.

8. The Great Kajang Flood
Flooding on Jalan Jeloh, Kajang – Dec 2011

In December 2011, Kajang was paralyzed when it was hit by massive flash floods that caused an estimated RM2.4 million in damages.

However, the town is no stranger to flooding. Kajang went through two ‘great floods’ in 1971 and 1987.

9. Sungai Buloh – Kajang MRT Line


The Sungai Buloh – Kajang MRT line in progress – Photo by mymrt.com.my

When asked about the grouses in Kajang, locals pointed out their dissatisfaction at worsening traffic congestion and high property prices – both due in large part to the construction of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) project.

The proposed Sungai Buloh-Kajang MRT line which is expected to complete in 2017 has stirred up much interest in Kajang and townships nearby. Properties have appreciated by 20% over the last few years.

The three MRT stations slated for Kajang are located at Saujana Impian, Bandar Kajang and Jalan Reko.

10. Last but not least... the Satay King


Bangunan Dato Nazir , Kajang (Haji Samuri Sate Restaurant main outlet)

No one should step into the town and not give the original satay Kajang a try.

Among the top restaurants serving Kajang’s best eksport is Haji Samuri Sate Restaurant.

It started out in the 1960s as a small stall and now occupies an entire two floor building next to the stadium with another 19 outlets nationwide.

Last checked, the price of a stick of satay beef or chicken is RM 0.80. It was RM0.50 per stick, ten years ago.