Klang River

Klang River
The Gombak River (left) merges with the Klang River (right) at Kuala Lumpur.
Native name	Sungai Klang  (Malay)
Country	Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Basin features
Main source	Kuala Seleh 100 m (330 ft)
River mouth	Strait of Malacca
Physical characteristics
Length	120 km (75 mi)
Discharge	Average rate: 50 m3/s (1,800 cu ft/s)

Klang River (Malay: Sungai Klang) is a river which flows through Kuala Lumpur and Selangor in Malaysia and eventually flows into the Straits of Malacca. It is approximately 120 km (75 mi) in length and drains a basin of about 1,288 km² (497 sq mi). Klang River has 11 major tributaries.

Because the river flows through Klang Valley, which is a heavily populated area of more than four million people, it is considerably polluted. Heavy development has narrowed certain stretches of the river to the point that it resembles a large storm drain in some places. This contributes to flash floods in Kuala Lumpur, especially after heavy rain.

Klang River originates in the highlands, 25 kilometres (16 mi) northeast of Kuala Lumpur. It is joined by 11 major tributaries. These include Gombak River, Batu River, Kerayong River, Damansara River, Keruh River, Kuyoh River, Penchala River and Ampang River. It flows into the Straits of Malacca to the west.

The river's confluence with the Gombak River gave rise to the name of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's capital city. Kuala Lumpur means "muddy estuary". It is also thought that Klang town is named after the river.

Kuala Lumpur is situated at the point where Gombak River flows into Klang River. It then flows south of the city of Petaling Jaya. Further downstream, the river flows through Selangor's state capital, Shah Alam. Klang town is situated on the lower stretches of the river.

Malaysia's biggest sea port, Port Klang, is also situated at the estuary of Klang river.