Beginning as a tin mining site at the confluence of Sungai Klang and Sungai Gombak, Kuala Lumpur prospered into a city of 242 sq km to become the nation's top business and commercial hub today.

Presently, Malaysia's federal capital is renowned worldwide and has become a city of choice for expatriates and the local community to seek business opportunities for a brighter future.

From the eyes of Kamaruddin Permin who has been trading in Kuala Lumpur for more than 40 years, the evolution of the city has brought along opportunities for businesses to grow, especially after the establishment of Federal Territory.

According to Kamaruddin, 64, his satay business flourished from operating on a bicycle to two restaurants over the years.

He is now the proud owner of 'Sate Warisan', a popular satay restaurant among city folks in the Kampung Baru foodcourt and in Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman which is testamount to the change in fortune for the people who believed in putting their future in Kuala Lumpur.

"It was difficult when I began the business as there were not many customers, the roads were bad...the people in those days had to slog very hard.

"If Kuala Lumpur did not progress, the businesss sector would have suffered," he told Bernama recently.

Kamaruddin recalled having to cycle more than 30km from Kampung Baharu to Puchong through forested areas to sell satay to tin mine workers.

He said with a stable economic growth, Kuala Lumpur was able to accommodate more people, who in turn helped the city to prosper.

Meanwhile, Abdul Rahman Samad, 58, from Perak also shared his experience as a Kuala Lumpur resident for 17 years, selling cakes (kuih) at a stall in front of the Chow Kit Market here.

"When I first came to Kuala Lumpur, it was to accompany my eldest son who had just sat for his Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), and to look for a job here. We came without any plans.

"I then tried to apply for a stall, and luck was on my side, I got a stall at the market...," he said when met by Bernama recently.

He said he was working as a lorry driver then and the family decided to move to Kuala Lumpur after his business licence in the city was approved.

Abdul Rahman was grateful that his business, with the assistance of his wife, Zalina Hussain, 58, prospered with customers from all over the city and even from abroad.

"During the month of Ramadan and Syawal, demand for my cakes and ketupats increased to thousands of pieces," he said.