Sungai Buloh, Selangor
Sungai Buloh is a township located in the Petaling District of Selangor, Malaysia, about 20 km northwest of Kuala Lumpur. It is well known for the Sungai Buloh Hospital, the country’s national leprosy settlement turned medical complex, as well as for its evolving character that blends rural charm with modern urban development. 1
Quick Facts
- District: Petaling
- Coordinates: 3.212°N, 101.574°E
- Established: Early 20th century
- Known for: Sungai Buloh Hospital, MRT station, urban-rural blend
- Major expressways: North–South Expressway (E1), Guthrie Corridor Expressway (E35), Duta–Ulu Klang Expressway (E33)
- Local authority: Majlis Bandaraya Shah Alam (MBSA)
History
Sungai Buloh has a unique and storied past. It was established in 1930 as the Sungai Buloh Leprosy Settlement, one of the largest leprosariums in the world, designed as a self-contained community for patients. The site’s layout, built around the concept of open-air treatment and self-sufficiency, reflected advanced medical and humanitarian thinking of the time. 2
After the decline of leprosy cases, the settlement evolved into the Sungai Buloh Hospital, which continues to function as a major healthcare institution under the Ministry of Health. The area around it gradually transformed into a mix of villages, industrial zones, and residential neighbourhoods. 3
Modern Development
In recent decades, Sungai Buloh has undergone rapid development due to its proximity to Petaling Jaya and Kuala Lumpur. New housing estates such as Bandar Baru Sungai Buloh, Bukit Rahman Putra, and Valencia have turned the once-rural township into a sought-after suburban address. 4
The opening of the Sungai Buloh MRT station in 2016, serving both the Kajang Line and the KTM Komuter Line, has significantly enhanced accessibility, connecting the township to the wider Klang Valley rail network. The area has also attracted industrial and commercial activity, especially along Jalan Sungai Buloh and the Guthrie Corridor Expressway (E35). 5
Geography and Environment
Sungai Buloh lies along the river of the same name, surrounded by a mixture of flatlands, secondary forests, and cultivated areas. While urbanisation is advancing, many pockets of traditional kampungs, nurseries, and small agricultural plots still exist, giving the area a distinctive semi-rural atmosphere. 6
The township’s name, meaning “Bamboo River” in Malay, reflects its natural heritage, as the region was once dominated by bamboo groves and riverine vegetation. 7
Infrastructure and Connectivity
Sungai Buloh enjoys excellent connectivity through major roads and expressways, including the North–South Expressway (E1), Guthrie Corridor Expressway (E35), and Duta–Ulu Klang Expressway (E33). These routes provide direct access to Shah Alam, Petaling Jaya, and Kuala Lumpur. 8
Rail transport is served by the Sungai Buloh MRT/KTM station and Kampung Selamat MRT station. Public buses and feeder services connect residential areas to the rail hubs, supporting the area’s role as a growing commuter suburb. 9
Landmarks and Facilities
- Sungai Buloh Hospital – a historic and active public hospital complex with medical and research facilities.
- National Leprosy Control Centre – preserving the heritage of the former leprosy settlement.
- Sungai Buloh MRT and KTM Station – a key interchange on the Klang Valley rail network.
- Valencia and Bukit Rahman Putra – affluent residential neighbourhoods.
- Taman Saujana Utama – a major modern township nearby.
Culture and Community
Sungai Buloh retains a strong sense of community, blending long-established villages such as Kampung Baru Sungai Buloh with newer developments. The area is known for its plant nurseries, weekend markets, and a relaxed suburban lifestyle. Despite growing urbanisation, efforts are being made to preserve its historical and cultural heritage, particularly the leprosy settlement’s legacy as part of Malaysia’s medical history. 10
Sungai Buloh is 
on the Map of Towns in Selangor
References
- Wikipedia – Sungai Buloh
- Ministry of Health Malaysia – Sungai Buloh Hospital
- The Star – History of the Sungai Buloh Settlement
- MRT Corp – Sungai Buloh Station
- KTM Berhad – Komuter Services
- EdgeProp – Sungai Buloh Property Developments
- Malaysian Investment Development Authority – Industrial Areas
- Malaysia Plant Society – Sungai Buloh Nurseries
- Majlis Bandaraya Shah Alam (MBSA)
- Tourism Malaysia – Sungai Buloh
