PJ Old Town
PJ Old Town, also known simply as Old Town Petaling Jaya, is the historic heart of Petaling Jaya in Selangor. Established in the early 1950s, it was the first area to be developed in what would become Malaysia's first planned satellite town. Today, PJ Old Town remains an important residential and commercial neighbourhood, combining its rich heritage with modern conveniences. Its traditional shop houses, municipal market, mature residential areas and long-established institutions continue to reflect the origins of Petaling Jaya while serving a vibrant local community.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 11 km southwest
- Established: Early 1950s
- Historical significance: First neighbourhood developed in Petaling Jaya
- Neighbouring areas: Section 1, Section 2, Section 3, Section 4, Section 5, Section 52 and Kampung Tunku
- Primary land use: Residential, commercial and civic
- Major roads: Federal Highway, Jalan Othman, Jalan Templer and Sprint Expressway
- Nearest rail station: Taman Jaya LRT Station (Kelana Jaya Line)
- Notable landmarks: PJ Old Town Market, MBPJ Civic Centre, Taman Aman and Assunta Hospital
History
PJ Old Town occupies a unique place in the history of Selangor and the Klang Valley. It marks the birthplace of Petaling Jaya, which was established in 1952 as a planned satellite town to alleviate population pressure in Kuala Lumpur following the post-war housing shortage and the Malayan Emergency. The first residential neighbourhoods, commercial streets and public facilities were built here, laying the foundation for what would eventually become one of Malaysia's largest and most important cities.2
During its early years, PJ Old Town served as the commercial, administrative and social centre of the growing township. Government offices, schools, markets, places of worship and neighbourhood shops were concentrated in the area, making it the focal point of daily life for early residents. As Petaling Jaya expanded northward and westward in subsequent decades, newer townships emerged, but Old Town retained its importance as the city's historic core.2
Location and Character
PJ Old Town is situated about 11 kilometres southwest of Dataran Merdeka and enjoys excellent accessibility within the Klang Valley. It is bordered by several of Petaling Jaya's earliest sections and lies close to the Federal Highway, providing convenient connections to Kuala Lumpur, Shah Alam and Klang. Although surrounded by newer commercial developments, the neighbourhood has preserved much of its original street layout and community character.3
The area comprises mature residential neighbourhoods interspersed with traditional shop houses, municipal facilities and community institutions. Many of the original buildings have been renovated over the years, yet they continue to reflect the architectural style and urban planning principles of Petaling Jaya's formative decades. This blend of heritage and modernisation gives PJ Old Town a distinctive identity unlike that of newer suburban townships.3
Commercial Centre and Community Life
PJ Old Town remains a busy commercial centre serving residents from across southern Petaling Jaya. The neighbourhood's traditional commercial streets are lined with restaurants, cafés, bakeries, grocery stores, pharmacies, hardware shops, banks and a variety of independent businesses. Many family-owned establishments have operated here for decades, contributing to the area's enduring community atmosphere.4
Among its best-known landmarks is the PJ Old Town Market, one of Petaling Jaya's oldest municipal markets. The market continues to attract shoppers seeking fresh produce, seafood, meat, household goods and local delicacies. The surrounding food courts and coffee shops are equally popular, offering a wide selection of Malaysian cuisine that has become part of the neighbourhood's cultural identity.4
Education and Healthcare
PJ Old Town has long served as an educational centre for southern Petaling Jaya. The neighbourhood and its surrounding sections are home to several government schools, kindergartens and childcare centres, while numerous private educational institutions are located elsewhere within the city. The area's established educational infrastructure has supported generations of Petaling Jaya residents.5
Healthcare services are another notable strength of the neighbourhood. Assunta Hospital, located adjacent to PJ Old Town, is among Petaling Jaya's best-known private hospitals and has served the community since the 1950s. Residents also have convenient access to numerous clinics, dental practices, pharmacies and specialist medical centres located throughout Petaling Jaya.6
Parks and Recreation
Despite its urban setting, PJ Old Town offers several recreational facilities for residents. Taman Aman is a popular community park featuring walking paths, children's playgrounds, exercise stations and a lake that provides a pleasant setting for jogging, leisure walks and outdoor activities. The park remains an important green space within this mature part of Petaling Jaya and hosts community events from time to time.7
Transportation
PJ Old Town enjoys excellent transportation links through both road and public transport networks. The neighbourhood is served by the Federal Highway, Jalan Othman and Jalan Templer, enabling convenient travel to Kuala Lumpur, Shah Alam, Klang and other parts of the Klang Valley. The Sprint Expressway also provides additional connectivity to northern Petaling Jaya and neighbouring townships.8
Public transport is provided by Taman Jaya LRT Station on the Kelana Jaya Line, located a short distance from PJ Old Town. The station offers direct rail connections to Kuala Lumpur city centre, Kelana Jaya, Subang Jaya and other destinations across the Klang Valley through convenient interchanges. Rapid KL bus services further complement the rail network by linking the neighbourhood with surrounding residential areas, commercial districts and transportation hubs.8
Overview
PJ Old Town occupies a special place in the story of Petaling Jaya. As the city's original neighbourhood, it preserves an important chapter in Malaysia's post-war urban development while continuing to function as a thriving residential and commercial community. Its historical significance, mature character, traditional market, community institutions and excellent accessibility make PJ Old Town both a living heritage precinct and a vibrant part of modern Petaling Jaya. Even as the city continues to evolve, Old Town remains the place where the history of Petaling Jaya began.8
PJ Old Town is 
on the Map of Neighbourhoods and Townships of Selangor
References
- Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ)
- History of Petaling Jaya
- PLANMalaysia
- Petaling Jaya City Council – Markets
- Ministry of Education Malaysia
- Assunta Hospital
- Petaling Jaya City Council – Parks and Recreation
- Rapid KL Bus and Rail Services
