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What is the capital of Malaysia?

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The capital of Malaysia is Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur grew up at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers; its name means 'muddy confluence'.

Kuala Lumpur is the capital and seat of government of Malaysia, a role it has held since 1957. Malaysia itself has an estimated population of 35,977,838 (2025).

Kuala Lumpur is also the largest city in Malaysia, which is the usual arrangement, though it is far from universal: see the countries where capital and largest city differ.

Kuala Lumpur at a glance

City population2,075,600 (2024)
Metropolitan area8,815,630 (2024, Greater Kuala Lumpur)
Country🇲🇾 Malaysia
Founded1857
Capital since1957
Largest city in MalaysiaKuala Lumpur
Time zoneUTC+08:00 (MYT)
CurrencyMalaysian ringgit (MYR)

About Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur grew from a tin-mining settlement founded around 1857.

Kuala Lumpur has been the capital of Malaysia since 1957, Kuala Lumpur has been Malaysia's capital since independence in 1957; the federal administrative centre later moved to the purpose-built city of Putrajaya, but Parliament, the king's palace and capital status stayed in Kuala Lumpur.

Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia's largest city, though the government's administrative centre sits in the nearby purpose-built city of Putrajaya.

City facts sourced from Wikipedia: Kuala Lumpur.

Frequently asked questions

What is the capital of Malaysia?
The capital of Malaysia is Kuala Lumpur.
Is Kuala Lumpur the largest city in Malaysia?
Yes. Kuala Lumpur is both the capital and the largest city of Malaysia.
What is the population of Kuala Lumpur?
Kuala Lumpur has a population of about 2,075,600 (2024), while its wider metropolitan area is home to around 8,815,630.
Where is Kuala Lumpur located?
Kuala Lumpur grew up at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers; its name means 'muddy confluence'.
When did Kuala Lumpur become the capital of Malaysia?
Kuala Lumpur has been the capital of Malaysia since 1957, Kuala Lumpur has been Malaysia's capital since independence in 1957; the federal administrative centre later moved to the purpose-built city of Putrajaya, but Parliament, the king's palace and capital status stayed in Kuala Lumpur.
What time zone is Kuala Lumpur in?
Kuala Lumpur uses UTC+08:00 (MYT).
What currency is used in Kuala Lumpur?
Kuala Lumpur, like the rest of Malaysia, uses the Malaysian ringgit (MYR, symbol RM).

Capitals of neighbouring countries

Capital of BruneiCapital of IndonesiaCapital of Thailand

See the full profile of Malaysia on its country page, or browse every capital city.

Capital and country data from open datasets; city and metropolitan populations are hand-curated per city and cited where they are shown. Populations of countries come from the World Bank (SP.POP.TOTL). Full sources and vintage on the data page. Last updated . Report a correction.