Klang is among 10 towns and cities identified as the happiest in Malaysia. — Filepic
FOR the first time, Klang has been included among the happiest towns in Malaysia.
Nine other towns and cities identified by Local Government Development Ministry (KPKT) were Petaling Jaya (Selangor), Manjung (Perak), Kluang and Kulai (Johor), Gua Musang and Kuala Krai (Kelantan), Kuantan and Kuala Rompin (Pahang) and Alor Gajah in Melaka.
Based on the Happiness Index Study by the ministry, Klang was given the award in conjunction with World Happiness Day 2022.
It was based on the Malaysia Urban Rural National Indicators Network for Sustainable Development.
Klang Municipal Council (MPK) deputy president Elya Marini Darmin said the survey showed that Klang residents have a sense of community, access to sports facilities, job opportunities, good food, shopping centres and places of worship.
“Klang has seen significant development over the past three decades and will soon have the LRT3 to provide better connectivity,” she said.
Born and bred in Klang, lawyer Murad Ali Abdullah cited the lower cost of living and the variety of food options in Klang as among the town’s appeal.
He said there were plenty of options too for education in Klang, which had kindergartens, schools, technical institutions and vocational colleges.
“Klang offers plenty of job opportunities in offices, factories, the port, farms and various industries,” he highlighted.
According to Murad, people in Klang are helpful during calamities.
“People are united with a genuine sense of belonging, regardless of background, race or religion,” he added.
Pharmacist Francis Fernandez, 25, who lives in Klang, said he loved the town as it had a certain serenity, unlike the hustle and bustle of a big city like Kuala Lumpur.
He said the pace of life in the royal town was less hectic, as Klang’s population was smaller.
“In Kuala Lumpur, eating out is costly but in Klang, the cost of living is reasonable,” said Fernandez.
Resident Jacob Mathews, 59, said Klang’s populace had access to green spaces.
“There are many public parks here.
“The affordable housing is one of the reasons people live here,” he pointed out.
Secretary Sabrina Azizul, 26, said it was a lot cheaper to live and work in Klang as she did not have to spend hours commuting. Hence, she said, she had more leisure time.
She noted that the public transport had become more efficient and it was easy to travel on the WiFi-enabled, air-conditioned Smart Selangor buses.
“Our local markets are affordable and Klang has several gyms, fitness studios, outdoor parks and yoga centres,” she added.
Sabrina said Klang had been identified in travel magazines as the best town for seafood lovers.
“The array of restaurants in Port Klang offers plenty of variety,” she said.
Retired Royal Malaysian Air Force officer Tony Sobey, 84, who lives in Taman Berkeley, enjoys spending his afternoons at the Royal Selangor Yacht Club in Port Klang.
“Being a sailor, I love this coastal town.
“I have found Klang to be a perfect place to call home,” he said.
Sobey said good food and shopping had eliminated the need to travel to Kuala Lumpur.
More photos
Murad values the lower cost of living in Klang.
Elya Marini says Klang residents have a sense of community.
Francis says he loves the town because of its serenity.
Sobey says living near Port Klang allows him to go sailing anytime.
