PJ New Town
PJ New Town, also known as Petaling Jaya New Town, is the traditional commercial and administrative centre of Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Developed during the 1950s and 1960s as the young satellite town expanded beyond its original settlement in PJ Old Town, it evolved into the city's central business district. Today, PJ New Town is characterised by office towers, government buildings, shopping centres, hotels, restaurants and civic institutions. Although it contains comparatively few residential neighbourhoods, it remains one of the busiest and most recognisable parts of Petaling Jaya, serving as an important centre for commerce, administration and public services.1
Quick Facts
- Location: Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
- District: Petaling District
- Local authority: Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ)
- Distance from downtown Kuala Lumpur (Dataran Merdeka): Approximately 10 km southwest
- Primary function: Commercial, administrative and civic centre
- Development period: Primarily from the 1950s onwards
- Neighbouring areas: PJ Old Town, Section 14, Section 52 and Kampung Tunku
- Major roads: Federal Highway, Sprint Expressway, Jalan Sultan and Jalan Barat
- Rail transport: Asia Jaya LRT Station and Taman Jaya LRT Station (Kelana Jaya Line)
- Major landmarks: Menara MBPJ, PJX HM Shah Tower, Amcorp Mall and PJ State
History
PJ New Town emerged as Petaling Jaya expanded rapidly during the 1950s and 1960s. While PJ Old Town served as the original settlement, growing population and commercial activity soon created the need for a larger business and administrative centre. Land to the north of Old Town was developed into what became known as New Town, accommodating offices, retail premises, public institutions and civic facilities that supported the continued growth of the municipality.2
Over subsequent decades, PJ New Town became synonymous with Petaling Jaya's commercial life. Major corporations established regional offices here, while government departments, banks, insurance companies and professional firms concentrated within the district. The area also became one of the Klang Valley's earliest modern business centres outside Kuala Lumpur, reinforcing Petaling Jaya's role as an important economic hub.2
Location and Urban Setting
PJ New Town is situated approximately 10 kilometres southwest of Dataran Merdeka and occupies a highly strategic location along the Federal Highway. It is bordered by PJ Old Town to the south, Section 14 to the west and Section 52 to the north. Its central position enables convenient access from virtually every part of Petaling Jaya as well as neighbouring Kuala Lumpur, Shah Alam and Subang Jaya.3
Unlike predominantly residential neighbourhoods, PJ New Town consists largely of commercial buildings, office towers, hotels and civic institutions. Wide roads, pedestrian walkways and public spaces support the district's role as a major employment and business centre. Although redevelopment has introduced numerous modern high-rise buildings, several older landmarks continue to reflect the district's long history as Petaling Jaya's traditional downtown.3
Commercial and Civic Centre
PJ New Town remains one of Selangor's most important commercial districts. Numerous office towers house multinational corporations, financial institutions, technology companies, legal firms and professional consultancies. The district also accommodates hotels, conference facilities and co-working spaces, making it an important destination for business activities throughout the Klang Valley.4
The headquarters of the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ), located at Menara MBPJ, serves as the city's principal administrative centre. Various federal and state government agencies also maintain offices within the district, enabling residents to access a wide range of public services. This concentration of civic institutions reinforces PJ New Town's importance as the administrative heart of Petaling Jaya.4
Several well-known landmarks contribute to the district's identity. Amcorp Mall remains a popular shopping destination, particularly for its weekend flea market and antique dealers. PJ State, formerly the site of the iconic State Cinema, has long served as a recognised commercial landmark and continues to undergo redevelopment as part of the city's ongoing urban renewal. Modern office developments such as PJX HM Shah Tower further reflect the district's continuing evolution as a contemporary business centre.4
Education, Healthcare and Lifestyle
Although PJ New Town is primarily a commercial district, numerous educational institutions are located in the surrounding sections of Petaling Jaya. Schools, colleges and training centres are easily accessible, while the nearby University of Malaya further enhances the area's educational environment. Residents and workers also benefit from childcare centres, language schools and professional training institutes located within the district.5
Healthcare facilities are readily available through nearby hospitals such as Assunta Hospital, University Malaya Medical Centre and other specialist medical centres in Petaling Jaya. Numerous medical clinics, dental practices, diagnostic centres and pharmacies located throughout PJ New Town further support the daily healthcare needs of residents, office workers and visitors.6
The district also offers a vibrant dining and retail scene. Restaurants serving Malaysian and international cuisines, cafés, bakeries and food courts are found throughout the commercial area, catering to office workers as well as local residents. Amcorp Mall continues to attract shoppers with its retail outlets, weekend flea market and regular community events, while neighbouring commercial precincts further expand the range of shopping and entertainment options.7
Transportation
PJ New Town is one of the most accessible parts of Petaling Jaya. The district is served by the Federal Highway, which provides direct connections to Kuala Lumpur, Shah Alam and Klang, while the Sprint Expressway offers efficient access to Damansara, Mont Kiara and other northern suburbs. Jalan Barat, Jalan Sultan and several arterial roads further distribute traffic throughout the commercial district.8
Public transportation is equally comprehensive. Asia Jaya LRT Station and Taman Jaya LRT Station, both on the Kelana Jaya Line, provide convenient rail services to Kuala Lumpur city centre, Subang Jaya, Gombak and Putra Heights. These stations also connect with the wider Klang Valley rail network through convenient interchanges. Rapid KL bus services complement the LRT by linking PJ New Town with surrounding residential neighbourhoods, commercial districts and transportation hubs, making the area easily accessible without relying solely on private vehicles.8
Overview
PJ New Town continues to serve as the commercial and administrative heart of Petaling Jaya. While the city has expanded considerably since its establishment in the 1950s, the district remains an important centre for business, government administration, shopping and public services. Its excellent transportation links, concentration of civic institutions and continuing urban renewal ensure that PJ New Town retains its central role in the life of one of Malaysia's most prominent cities.8
PJ New Town is 
on the Map of Neighbourhoods and Townships of Selangor
References
- Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ)
- PLANMalaysia
- History of Petaling Jaya
- Petaling Jaya City Council – City Profile
- Ministry of Education Malaysia
- Ministry of Health Malaysia
- Amcorp Properties Berhad
- Rapid KL Bus and Rail Services
