By Zareef Muzammil
SHAH ALAM, July 11 — Sekinchan is set to experience a tourism boom once the West Coast Expressway (WCE) is fully opened to the public in two years time.
Its incumbent assemblyman Ng Suee Lim said he predicts tourism activities to increase two-fold by the end of 2025, and that the small coastal town is primed to become a key rest and relax (R&R) destination for travellers utilising the new highway.
“The construction of the Sekinchan portion of WCE is almost done. Once completed, many highway users will stop by the R&R here and visit the various tourist spots before resuming their journey,” he said when contacted.
The 233km highway, which will run along the west coast of the peninsular connecting Changkat Jering, Perak and Banting, Selangor, is expected to be fully completed by the end of 2025, although several sections are already opened to the public.
Ng urged local villagers to take full advantage of the development by setting up food stalls and restaurants along key areas like Jalan Parit 7, 8 and 9.
“We want to encourage them to be involved in the food industry, especially at the R&R. This will also ensure the stop will become a hotspot for food hunters.
Previously, state executive councillor for tourism Hee Loy Sian had said that Selangor is projected to welcome over 3.5 million tourists this year, with Sekinchan being among the primary destinations.
Separately, Ng said Sekinchan’s newest attraction, the Terminal Sekinchan which houses a retired Boeing 727 aircraft, has opened up new opportunities for local homestay operators and businesses to generate income.
He said the development of the tourist spot, which was done in collaboration with the Sekinchan Tourism Development Association, will further boost the local economy, while creating job opportunities for youths.
Ng noted that the terminal, which is located in the middle of Parit 5, has already attracted tens of thousands of visitors to date, particularly during the weekend and public holidays.
“Imagine, Sekinchan, which was previously just a small fishing village, has now become one the most rapidly developing towns, not just in the agricultural and fishing sectors, but also in tourism.
“Since the (terminal) became viral (in April), many people have visited Sekinchan. In fact, many tourists decided to do a ‘staycation’ and spend a night at homestays here.”
Ng said although the attraction has been opened to the public, further development and renovations are actively ongoing, including the setting up of a premium cafe.
Terminal Sekinchan drew nationwide attention after videos and images of the aircraft being relocated to its new home via public road went viral in April.
