By Amar Shah Mohsen
SHAH ALAM, Oct 5 – The scenic landscape of Sabak Bernam will be preserved even upon the completion of several massive development projects there by the state government in the next few years.
This was the commitment given by Menteri Besar Selangor (incorporated), or MBI, to the local community, amid concerns that they would alter the look of the northern district, which is a popular tourism spot.
MBI is the organisation entrusted by the state government to oversee the implementation of Sabak Bernam Development Area (Sabda), a state initiative under the First Selangor Plan.
Its economic and financial division chief Zannifa Azura Ahmad said projects being planned under Sabda will integrate seamlessly with the district’s existing landscape.
“When we proposed the idea to the community, they expressed fear. To them, we will change the Sabak Bernam’s landscape,” she said in an interview on Agenda Awani last night.
“But we explained that, in terms of architectural design, we really studied it, and the design will integrate seamlessly (with the surroundings).”
Such is the state’s commitment to ensuring this goal is achieved that Zannifa Azura said a team from MBI had previously spent three months in Sabak Bernam to properly understand the needs and expectations of the local community.
“The study we conducted and feedback we gathered was really worth it,” she said, adding that forest reserve, which makes up 40 per cent of the district, will be preserved, notwithstanding Sabda’s implementation.
Zannifa Azura said among concerns raised by residents include the fate of certain facilities once the state’s mega projects are completed, as well as potential loss of income.
To address this, she said MBI had collaborated with a consortium of related associations there to garner their input and proposals before making any decision.
“Some asked what will happen to existing jetties, for example. We noticed that a lot of people visit Sabak Bernam for the experience. So we proposed why not turn them into bed and breakfast.
“Ships can also be turned into cruises or dining spots. They thought that when we develop the area, we will destroy everything.”
Among the major projects planned under Sabda include a fishing port and processing plant at Sungai Lang, tuna and deep sea fish packaging facility, and an integrated fish landing port in Sekinchan.
Meanwhile, Zannifa Azura said MBI’s role in the implementation of Sabda is to ensure better organisation of economic activities in Sabak Bernam, noting that current developments there are unorganised and slow.
“We try to develop the district in a more organised and strategic manner,” she said.
“The aim is to increase the economic activity based on agriculture. We encourage entrepreneurship and innovation among local businesses and communities. We also have huge potential to expand the ecotourism industry.”
