By Sheeda Fathil
SABAK BERNAM, June 9 — The state government is upholding its focus on public transportation projects in rural areas, particularly in Sabak Bernam, to achieve a balanced development with its urban counterparts.
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said an emphasis will also be placed on the integration of the Light Rail Transit (LRT), Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), and Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) commuter services.
“Now the railway has reached Klang, and extended by another 20km, it can reach Kuala Selangor. By further extending the route by an estimated 40km, it will be able to reach Sungai Besar (Sabak Bernam).
“This will facilitate northern Selangor’s connection to efficient and fast services, thus ensuring a population balance and preventing uneven migration (patterns) to Petaling Jaya or Shah Alam.
“Indeed, with these public transportation facilities, youths can still live with their parents in Sabak Bernam but work in cities like Shah Alam and Kuala Lumpur,” he said.
Amirudin was speaking at the Sabak Bernam Development Area (Sabda) initiative’s introduction ceremony, which took place at Nazbell Cottage and Garden Kampung Parit Sepuloh, earlier today.
Meanwhile, he added that Sabak Bernam will continue to be developed as an agro-tourism and food production area in the Klang Valley.
“It will not only be limited to fisheries but will also include agriculture. We have many attractions, but without the technology and high income, it may not encourage youths to become modern farmers.
“As such, via the Smart Selangor Agro Park, we will impose certain conditions to ensure agriculture can be carried out well and in a smart manner. If it succeeds, youths will definitely choose to live here,” Amirudin said.
