Nestled northeast of Kuala Lumpur lies Hulu Kelang. It spans 16.94 square kilometres. We are standing in a place rich with both natural beauty and some scars of history.
Hulu Kelang is a mukim and a state constituency in Gombak District. It is one of five state constituencies administered by Majlis Perbandaran Ampang Jaya. The area here is relatively high. It rises 500 metres above sea level. The topography is a mix of highland lowland and undulating land.
This unique geography makes Hulu Kelang a rain catchment area for the Klang River. Notable high points include Bukit Antarabangsa Bukit Kemensah and Bukit Belacan. The hills are composed of limestone. It is brittle and dissolves during heavy rains. This has unfortunately led to several landslides in Hulu Kelang.
Residents mainly in flats and hillside houses have had to evacuate due to these incidents. One of the most remembered events is the Highland Towers collapse in 1993.
In addition to natural challenges the Klang River’s flow was straightened in several places. This caused water to flow faster. As a result Kuala Lumpur experienced flash floods on June 10 2007.
Despite these challenges Hulu Kelang has many public facilities. Factories housing estates and tourist attractions dot the landscape. A notable factory is Texas Instrument. The DBP warehouse is also located here. Zoo Negara also calls Hulu Kelang home.
However the exploration and development of forests for Zoo Negara has impacted the environment. For those seeking natural beauty waterfalls in Bukit Belacan and Hulu Kemensah offer respite. A trail from Kemensah leads to the top of Gunung Nuang in Hulu Langat. It is an attraction for mountain climbers.
Hulu Kelang is comprised of many residential areas. These include Taman Melawati and Taman Permata. You can also find Bukit Antarabangsa and Villa Sri Ukay here. Other notable areas are Taman Hillview Ukay Heights and Ukay Perdana. You will also find Estana Court Kemensah Heights and Dataran Ukay here.
Taman Sri Ukay and Taman Pinggiran Ukay also make up Hulu Kelang. Taman Keramat including Lembah Keramat and Taman Seri Keramat Tengah are also part of this vibrant community. Do not forget Taman Desa Keramat Taman Keramat AU2 and Taman Keramat Permai. Kelang Gates and Taman Andaman Ukay round out the residential landscape.
Hulu Kelang has been represented in the Selangor State Legislative Assembly since 1986. The state constituency was created in 1984. It returns a single member to the Selangor State Legislative Assembly. Since 2023 it has been represented by Azmin Ali of Perikatan Nasional.
As you explore Hulu Kelang remember its geographical diversity. Remember also its history and the communities that call it home. From its high points to its residential streets Hulu Kelang offers a unique blend of nature and urban life. It is a place where resilience and community spirit endure.