Malaysia’s Administrative Capital & Garden City of the Future
Putrajaya is the federal administrative centre of Malaysia, developed as a smart city with futuristic planning, green spaces, and landmark architecture. Known as the “Intelligent Garden City”, it represents Malaysia’s vision of a sustainable, efficient, and modern government city.
Formation & Historical Background
- Initiated in 1995 as a solution to Kuala Lumpur’s congestion
- Built on former oil palm plantations in Selangor
- Officially declared a Federal Territory in 2001
- Named after Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, Malaysia’s first Prime Minister
- Today, houses most of the federal ministries, Prime Minister’s Office, and judicial headquarters
Basic Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Federal Territory of Putrajaya |
| Short Name | Putrajaya |
| Status | Federal Territory (since 2001) |
| Country | Malaysia |
| Area | Approx. 49 sq. km |
| Population (2025 est.) | Approx. 120,000 (mostly civil servants and families) |
| Main Ethnic Groups | Malay (majority), Chinese, Indian, Expatriates |
| Time Zone | Malaysia Standard Time (GMT +8) |
Government & Administration
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Administrative Status | Federal administrative capital of Malaysia |
| Governing Body | Perbadanan Putrajaya (Putrajaya Corporation – PPj) |
| Chairman of PPj | Datuk Fadlun Mak Ujud (as of 2025) |
| Federal Territories Ministry | Oversees governance alongside Kuala Lumpur and Labuan |
| Seat of Government | Prime Minister’s Department, PMO, all Ministries except Defence |
Precincts & Zoning
Putrajaya is divided into 20 precincts, each with specific functions:
- Precinct 1 – Government core: Perdana Putra (PM’s Office), Ministry buildings
- Precinct 2–4 – Ministries, Judicial complex, Palace of Justice
- Precinct 5–9 – Residential, education, diplomatic enclaves
- Precinct 10–14 – Commercial, parks, mosques, hospitals
- Precinct 15–20 – Residential, eco parks, mixed development
Key Attractions & Landmarks
- Putra Mosque (Masjid Putra) – Iconic pink-domed mosque beside the lake
- Perdana Putra – Prime Minister’s Office with Islamic-Moorish architecture
- Putrajaya Lake & Cruise – Man-made lake with boat rides and sunset cruises
- Seri Wawasan Bridge – Futuristic bridge symbol of Putrajaya
- Perbadanan Complex, Millennium Monument, Taman Wawasan, Botanical Gardens
Economy & Services
- Dominated by public sector employment
- Commercial sectors include:
- Retail (IOI City Mall nearby), banking, tourism
- Tech & smart infrastructure planning under Putrajaya Smart City Blueprint
Transport & Connectivity
- Connected via ERL (Express Rail Link) to KLIA and KL Sentral
- Putrajaya Sentral – Major transport hub with MRT Putrajaya Line (operational)
- Highways: MEX, LDP, ELITE, and SKVE connect to Klang Valley
- Smart traffic system & electric buses in development
Education & Healthcare
- International schools: Nexus, Tenby, IGCSE institutions
- Tertiary education: Islamic Science University (USIM), Heriot-Watt University (Putrajaya campus)
- Hospitals:
- Putrajaya Hospital, National Cancer Institute, private specialist centers
Culture & Lifestyle
- Events:
- Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, Floria Putrajaya, Islamic Arts Festival
- Family parks, jogging & cycling tracks, weekend food bazaars
- Fusion cuisine from food trucks to fine dining
Summary
Putrajaya is Malaysia’s vision of a modern, green, and harmonious administrative capital. Blending Islamic architecture, environmental consciousness, and digital governance, it’s a shining example of how future cities can balance technology with tranquility.