Shah Alam Expressway (KESAS)
Overview
The Shah Alam Expressway (KESAS, E5) is one of Malaysia’s key urban expressways, connecting Klang in the west to Pandan Indah in the east. Completed in 1997 and operated by KESAS Berhad, this 32-kilometer expressway plays a vital role in alleviating traffic congestion in the Klang Valley and supporting both commercial and commuter travel. It serves as a major arterial link between Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam, and Klang, facilitating trade, logistics, and daily commuting.
Route Overview
KESAS runs primarily in an east–west direction, starting from Klang in Selangor and ending at Pandan Indah in Kuala Lumpur.
- Expressway Code: E5
- Start Point: Klang (West)
- End Point: Pandan Indah (East)
- States Covered: Selangor, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Key milestones along the route include Shah Alam city center, Subang Jaya, and Sri Petaling, providing convenient access to commercial hubs, residential areas, and industrial zones.
Key Cities and Exits
KESAS features several important interchanges:
- Klang – Connects to Federal Highway (E1)
- Batu Tiga – Gateway to Shah Alam industrial areas
- Subang Jaya – Access to Subang Jaya town, shopping malls, and universities
- Sri Petaling – Connects to Kuala Lumpur inner city
- Pandan Indah – Links to Ampang and MRR2 (Middle Ring Road 2)
These exits provide easy access to residential, commercial, and recreational destinations along the Klang Valley corridor.
Scenic Highlights
While KESAS is primarily an urban expressway, travelers can enjoy:
- Views of Shah Alam Lake Gardens near the Batu Tiga area
- Urban skyline glimpses of Petaling Jaya and Kuala Lumpur
- Occasional views of greenery along Subang Jaya and Seri Kembangan
The expressway also passes through industrial zones, giving a glimpse into Malaysia’s economic hubs.
Rest & Service Areas (R&R)
KESAS offers several convenient rest and service stops, equipped with:
- Petrol stations (Petron, Petronas)
- Food courts and fast food outlets
- Prayer rooms (surau) and restrooms
Notable stops:
- Batu Tiga R&R – Popular for quick meals and fuel
- Subang Jaya Service Area – Offers convenience stores and refreshment options
Toll Information
KESAS operates a closed toll system with multiple toll plazas along the route.
Payment Methods: Touch ‘n Go, SmartTAG, RFID
Sample Rates:
- Klang → Pandan Indah: RM 6.30 (class 1 vehicle)
- Subang Jaya → Pandan Indah: RM 4.80 (class 1 vehicle)
Electronic payment is preferred for smoother traffic flow during peak hours.
Safety & Facilities
- Speed Limit: 90 km/h (urban sections), 80 km/h (approach ramps)
- Safety Services: KESAS patrols monitor the expressway 24/7
- Emergency Hotline: 1800-88-9911
- Lane Info: 4 lanes in each direction with emergency breakdown lanes
Safety cameras, regular patrols, and emergency telephones ensure driver safety.
Useful Apps & Resources
- KESAS Official Website: www.kesas.com.my
- Traffic Updates: PlusLITE, Waze, Google Maps
- Emergency Contact: 24/7 hotline 1800-88-9911
Drivers can monitor live traffic, plan routes, and check toll updates via apps and navigation tools.
Travel Tips
- Best Travel Times: Avoid peak hours (7–9 AM, 5–7 PM) to minimize congestion
- Driving Etiquette: Keep left unless overtaking; maintain safe distance
- Planning Advice: Use RFID or Touch ‘n Go for faster toll clearance
Connecting Expressways
KESAS connects with several major expressways:
- Federal Highway (E1) – Klang / Kuala Lumpur link
- Middle Ring Road 2 (MRR2) – Pandan Indah / Ampang
- North–South Expressway Central Link (ELITE, E6) – Port Klang / Kuala Lumpur
These connections facilitate seamless travel across Klang Valley and beyond.
Summary Table
| Expressway Name | Code | Total Length | Operator | Start & End Points | States Covered | Avg. Speed Limit | Toll Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shah Alam Expressway (KESAS) | E5 | 32 km | KESAS Berhad | Klang – Pandan Indah | Selangor, KL | 90 km/h | Closed |
Conclusion
The Shah Alam Expressway (KESAS) is a vital artery in the Klang Valley, easing congestion, supporting logistics, and connecting major residential and industrial hubs. It provides a reliable, safe, and efficient route for daily commuters and long-distance travelers alike, making it an essential part of Malaysia’s transport infrastructure.
| Road Name | Road Short Name | Code | Main Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| North–South Expressway (PLUS) | North–South Expressway | PLUS / E1, E2 | Bukit Kayu Hitam – Johor Bahru |
| North–South Expressway Central Link | ELITE Expressway | E6 | Shah Alam – Nilai North |
| New Klang Valley Expressway | NKVE | E1 | Kuala Lumpur – Klang |
| Federal Highway | Federal Highway | E5 | Kuala Lumpur – Klang |
| Damansara–Puchong Expressway | LDP | E11 | Damansara – Puchong |
| Shah Alam Expressway | KESAS | E5 | Sri Petaling – Pandamaran |
| New Pantai Expressway | NPE | E10 | Subang – Bangsar |
| Maju Expressway | MEX | E20 | Kuala Lumpur – Putrajaya |
| Kajang Dispersal Link | SILK | E18 | Kajang – Semenyih |
| Kajang–Seremban Highway | LEKAS | E21 | Kajang – Seremban |
| South Klang Valley Expressway | SKVE | E26 | Pulau Indah – Kajang |
| Guthrie Corridor Expressway | GCE | E35 | Shah Alam – Rawang |
| Kuala Lumpur–Karak Expressway | KLK | E8 | Gombak – Karak |
| East Coast Expressway Phase 1 | LPT1 | E8 | Karak – Kuantan |
| East Coast Expressway Phase 2 | LPT2 | E8 | Kuantan – Kuala Nerus |
| Butterworth–Kulim Expressway | BKE | E15 | Butterworth – Kulim |
| Penang Bridge | Penang Bridge | E36 | Gelugor – Perai |
| Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge | Second Penang Bridge | E28 | Batu Maung – Batu Kawan |
| Johor Bahru Eastern Dispersal Link | EDL | E14 | Pandan – CIQ Johor |
| Senai–Desaru Expressway | SDE | E22 | Senai – Desaru |
| Second Link Expressway | Linkedua | E3 | Senai – Tuas (Singapore) |
| Kuala Lumpur–Seremban Expressway | KL–Seremban | E37 | Kuala Lumpur – Seremban |
| Cheras–Kajang Expressway | Grand Saga | E7 | Cheras – Kajang |
| Kuala Lumpur–Putrajaya Expressway | MEX | E20 | KL – Putrajaya – KLIA |
| West Coast Expressway | WCE | E32 | Taiping – Banting |
| Central Spine Road | CSR | – | Bentong – Kuala Krai |
| Federal Route 1 | Federal Route 1 | FT1 | Bukit Kayu Hitam – Johor Bahru |
| Federal Route 2 | Federal Route 2 | FT2 | Port Klang – Kuantan |
| Federal Route 3 | Federal Route 3 | FT3 | Johor Bahru – Rantau Panjang |
| Federal Route 4 | Federal Route 4 | FT4 | Gerik – Jeli |
| Federal Route 5 | Federal Route 5 | FT5 | Ipoh – Johor Bahru |
| Federal Route 8 | Federal Route 8 | FT8 | Kuala Lumpur – Kota Bharu |
| Federal Route 9 | Federal Route 9 | FT9 | Karak – Tampin |
| Federal Route 10 | Federal Route 10 | FT10 | Temerloh – Gemas |
| Federal Route 24 | Federal Route 24 | FT24 | Muar – Yong Peng |
| Federal Route 50 | Federal Route 50 | FT50 | Batu Pahat – Kluang – Jemaluang |
| Federal Route 51 | Federal Route 51 | FT51 | Melaka City – Alor Gajah |
| Federal Route 54 | Federal Route 54 | FT54 | Kuala Lumpur – Kuala Selangor |
| Federal Route 76 | Federal Route 76 | FT76 | Kuala Kangsar – Baling – Kulim |
| Federal Route 67 | Federal Route 67 | FT67 | Sungai Petani – Kuala Ketil |
| Pan Borneo Highway (Sabah) | Pan Borneo Sabah | AH150 / PBHS | Kota Kinabalu – Tawau |
| Kimanis–Keningau Highway | Kimanis–Keningau Road | – | Kimanis – Keningau |
| Kota Belud–Ranau Road | Kota Belud–Ranau | – | Coastal – Interior link |
| Pan Borneo Highway (Sarawak) | Pan Borneo Sarawak | AH150 / PBHS | Telok Melano – Miri |
| Kuching–Serian Road | Kuching–Serian | – | Kuching – Serian |
| Bintulu–Miri Coastal Road | Bintulu–Miri Coastal | – | Bintulu – Miri |
| Kota Bharu–Kuala Krai Expressway | KBKK Expressway | KBKK | Kota Bharu – Kuala Krai |
| Pan Borneo Highway (Overall) | Pan Borneo Highway | PBH | Across Sabah & Sarawak |
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