From the humble beginnings of a small tin mining town, Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia continues to forge its name and is renown throughout the world. Continuous transformations colour the rapid development edifice of Kuala Lumpur as the nation's centre of administration and commerce. The progress achieved by Kuala Lumpur has proudly positioned Malaysia on the world map with various commendable achievements.
If previously, the Kuala Lumpur cityscape is filled with houses with Nipah Palm roofs, now the landscape of this city has transformed drastically with the emergence of skyscrapers as well as the booming growth of settlements and residential areas. The world continues to recognise Kuala Lumpur through its prominent landmarks such as the 88-storey high Petronas Twin Towers which was once the tallest building in the world and the Kuala Lumpur Tower, a communication tower which is a national pride and is equipped with the latest technology.
The legacy and developmental prowess of Kuala Lumpur as a trading centre began to expand since the days of tin mining operations back in 1857. Subsequently, Kuala Lumpur has slowly but consistently developed into its current status with the formation of the Federal Territory. Kuala Lumpur's's economic boom turned it into becoming a wealth mine and attracted foreign investors also created opportunities for the citizens of the country. It is clearly evident that the influx of people to the capital city continued to increase year after year.
A sound economic position also had a profound impact towards the development of Kuala Lumpur. Alluding on the aspects of road infrastructures, one's eyes will surely be amazed to witness the phenomenal development of new highways and byways throughout the city constructed for the wellbeing of its dwellers. It is undeniable that the population density of Kuala Lumpur had shaped a more structured settlement patterns especially in the squatter areas which has now been replaced with low-cost housings which are more comfortable such as in the Pantai Dalam.
The economic growth also had a great impact on the aspects of transportation in Kuala Lumpur. From the times of the lanca, rickshaws till the latest light rail system (LRT), Express trains (KLIA Ekpres) and Stormwater Management and Road Tunnel (SMART), road and transportation facilities are continuously being provided for the peoples' convenience. This positive development has driven the country into becoming one of the most respected economic forces within this region.
The changing times have also projected Kuala Lumpur as an administrative centre. The onset of Kuala Lumpur as an administrative centre began when Sir Andrew Clarke, the Governor of the Straits Settlements appointed J.G. Davidson as the British Resident of Selangor in December 1873. He relocated the capital of Selangor from Klang to Kuala Lumpur in 1880 when Sir Frederick Weld was appointed as the new Governor of the Straits Settlements. From this point onwards, Kuala Lumpur had grown rapidly and was selected as the capital for the Federated Malay States in 1896, followed by the reign of the Malayan Union right up until the country achieved independence in 1957, Kuala Lumpur remained as the capital city till date.