State Capitals
Every state in Malaysia has a capital city (ibu negeri). This is the main town where the state government works and where many offices and services are found. For example, the capital of Selangor is Shah Alam, the capital of Perak is Ipoh, and the capital of Johor is Johor Bahru. The capital of Kelantan is Kota Bharu.
In East Malaysia, the capital of Sabah is Kota Kinabalu and the capital of Sarawak is Kuching.
Royal Towns
Some states also have a royal town (bandar diraja). This is the special town where the Ruler's palace (istana) is found, and where royal ceremonies are held. A state capital and a royal town can be two different places.
| State | Royal town |
| Perak | Kuala Kangsar |
| Selangor | Klang |
| Pahang | Pekan |
Key idea
A capital is the state's centre of government, while a royal town is the home of the Ruler's palace.