Gateway to Nature, Culture & Higher Learning
Gombak, located in the northeastern part of Selangor, is a diverse and strategic district combining urban suburbs, forest reserves, cultural landmarks, and educational institutions. Known globally for Batu Caves, Gombak is also home to international universities, rural villages, and Orang Asli settlements.
Formation & Historical Background
- Gombak was historically a settlement of the Minangkabau and Malay communities, enriched by Chinese tin miners during the 19th century.
- It gained administrative recognition in the 1970s as a separate district, carved out from Kuala Lumpur’s expansion.
- In 1974, when Kuala Lumpur became a Federal Territory, part of Gombak’s original land became KL. The remaining areas were governed under Selangor.
- Over time, Gombak evolved as a key northern district in the Greater Klang Valley zone.
Administrative Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| District Name | Gombak District |
| State | Selangor |
| District Capital | Bandar Baru Selayang |
| Governing Body | Majlis Perbandaran Selayang (MPS) |
| District Officer | Pegawai Daerah Gombak (To be confirmed) |
| Parliamentary Seats | Gombak, Batu, Wangsa Maju (partly under KL) |
Mukim (Sub-districts) under Gombak
- Batu
- Rawang
- Setapak
- Ulu Klang (Ampang area)
- Sungai Tua
- Hulu Kelang
- Gombak
- Selayang
Note: Some areas like Batu & Wangsa Maju are part of Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory, administratively separated from Gombak District but still historically related.
Key Towns & Localities
- Bandar Baru Selayang (district capital)
- Rawang
- Batu Caves
- Gombak town
- Sungai Tua
- Taman Greenwood
- Sri Gombak
- Taman Melawati (bordering Ampang)
Key Institutions & Landmarks
- Batu Caves Temple – Hindu pilgrimage site, iconic limestone hill
- International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) – Leading Islamic university
- Gombak Stadium
- Hospital Selayang
- Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) – Tropical forest reserve
- Taman Rimba Komanwel & Kanching Falls – Ecotourism sites
Law Enforcement & Safety
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Police District (IPD) | Ibu Pejabat Polis Daerah (IPD) Gombak |
| Main Station | Selayang Police Headquarters |
| Other Stations | Balai Polis Batu Caves, Gombak, Rawang, Greenwood, Ulu Klang |
| Emergency Hotline | 999 (PDRM Malaysia) |
| Fire & Rescue | Bomba stations in Selayang, Batu Caves, Rawang |
Majlis Perbandaran Selayang (MPS) Services
- Licensing for businesses, food stalls, hawkers
- Management of parks, markets, roads, and waste collection
- Approvals for signage, construction, and public events
- Digital services via myMPS app and portal
Government and Representation
| Position / Role | Name (2025 est.) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| District Officer (DO) | Tuan Haji Mohamad Suhaimi bin Yahya | Manages land, development & administration |
| Yang Dipertua MPS (Council President) | Encik Nor Azlami bin Abd Rahman | Heads local municipal governance |
| Member of Parliament (MP – Gombak) | YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali | Former Minister and political figure |
| ADUN – Gombak Setia / Hulu Kelang | Represent respective state seats |
Education & Institutions
- International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM / UIAM) – Global Islamic education hub
- Kolej Komuniti Selayang, vocational & Islamic colleges
- Public and private schools in Selayang, Batu Caves, Gombak town
- Tahfiz institutions and pondok schools across rural areas
Economy & Livelihood
- Retail & Urban Services:
- Supermarkets, clinics, banks, commercial parks (Selayang Mall, Selayang Capitol)
- Tourism:
- Batu Caves, eco-tourism trails, forest reserves
- Agriculture & Rural Trade:
- Fruits (durian, mangosteen), handicrafts, livestock farming in outskirts
- Education-based economy:
- Student housing, bookshops, cafes, printing, halal eateries
Healthcare Facilities
- Hospital Selayang – Tertiary referral hospital
- Klinik Kesihatan Gombak, Batu Caves, and Orang Asli clinics
- Private medical centers and dental clinics
Transport & Connectivity
- Accessible via MRR2, DUKE, LATAR Expressway
- Batu Caves KTM Station, feeder buses to MRT stations
- RapidKL, Smart Selangor buses, and ride-hailing available
- Close to Kuala Lumpur, ideal for commuting professionals
Tourism & Attractions
- Batu Caves – World-renowned Hindu temple and Thaipusam site
- Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) – Eco tours, canopy walks
- Ulu Yam – Waterfalls, riverside picnics, forest chalets
- Gombak River Trails – Nature lovers and hikers’ paradise
- Orang Asli Museum (Jabatan Kemajuan Orang Asli – JAKOA)
Culture & Local Cuisine
- Multi-ethnic blend: Malay, Indian, Chinese, Orang Asli
- Cultural richness reflected in temples, mosques, suraus, and churches
- Popular dishes:
- Roti Canai Batu Caves, Nasi Lemak Gombak, Ikan Bakar Ulu Yam, Halal Middle Eastern food (near IIUM)
Summary
Gombak District is a dynamic blend of tradition and modernity. It houses Selangor’s spiritual landmarks, green lungs, and global classrooms, making it ideal for those seeking education, culture, tourism, and a peaceful suburban life with access to the city.