History

Kajang was set up not long after the Klang War ended. Due to its strategic location, Kajang was proclaimed as the district capital of Hulu Langat. Around 1890s, several coffee estates were established by Inch Kenneth Estate run by Kindersley brothers. Subsequently thereafter, Colonel Henry Gough, a British ex-serviceman opened up another estate somewhere around Kajang.

Generally, Kajang derived its name from few possible sources. First of all, it is believed that Temuan tribes discovered this town in 1850s and thus, decided to name it Kajang after a screwpine plant which was found everywhere within the vicinity. Another source stated that Kajang derived its name from Batin Berenggai Besi. He was once the lord of Sungai Ujong. Using the screwpine plants to build shelter house somewhere nearby the riverbanks, Kajang got its name from the shape of the shelter built.

Another version of the story, the term 'berkajang' means shelter for Mandailing people while this same term can be defined as to fight in Bugis context. Back in the olden days, these two tribes were involved in a fight due to different meanings in their own context. They ended up fighting at the head stream of Hulu Langat. Thus, after the 'war' ended, the place was given the name Kajang.

A fourth version of the story alleged that Kajang derived its name from Toh Lili. Also commonly known as Encik Lili, he migrated to the place from Riau around 1776. He was sent to the place by Sultan Mohamed Shah Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Ibrahim Shah. Toh Lili then consulted the Sultan and got his permission to open up a paddy field in Sungai Merbau before naming the place as Kajang.

Finally, the last version of story stated that the town got its name from Raja Alang. Originally from Mandailing tribe, he came to Tanah Melayu with several followers in 1800. They sailed all the way to Tanah Melayu and they stopped to seek shelter in a place now known as Jalan Mandailing. Subsequently thereafter, they decided to settle down there and thus, naming it Kajang.