By Yasmin Ramlan
SHAH ALAM, Nov 27 — Sabak Bernam has emerged as a popular travel destination for ‘healing’ getaways over the years, captivating both local and foreign tourists.
It offers a diverse range of experiences, featuring a mesmerising panorama of paddy fields, delightful and budget-friendly homestays, and exciting water sports activities, making it a highly desirable destination for every traveller.
As part of efforts to further promote ecotourism and agrotourism in the district, in line with initiatives under the Sabak Bernam Development Area (Sabda), the state government has announced that it will organise the second Ban Canal Carnival from December 8 to 10.
The event will highlight the 30km canal from Tanjung Karang to Sabak Bernam, which served as a vital transport route during the British occupation.
Organised by Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporated), or MBI, in collaboration with other parties such as the Sabak Bernam District Council and Selangor Canoe Association, the carnival also aims to promote environmental sustainability and create awareness among visitors on the importance of preserving mother nature.
“We want to highlight the economic development in the state via high-impact projects that will take place in Sabak Bernam under Sabda,” MBI chief executive officer Norita Mohd Sidek said in a recent media briefing at its headquarters, here.
“Simultaneously, we aim to showcase all that Sabak Bernam has to offer, including the historic ban canal, breathtaking paddy fields, stunning beaches, flavourful traditional delicacies and dazzling homestays.”
According to Norita, this year’s Ban Canal Carnival is anticipating some 10,000 visitors, over three times more than last year’s attendance of about 3,000.
The increase is attributed to the organisation of more exciting activities, such as traditional boat racing, and innovative boat design and raft decoration competitions.
Norita said visitors stand a chance to win prizes totalling RM50,000 through the various activities and competitions.
Participants, however, have to pay a minimal fee of between RM20 to RM80 to take part, with the amount collected to be either used for environment preservation of Sabak Bernam or distributed back to the locals there for their contribution to the carnival.
Convenient parking facilities will also be provided to visitors, with a tram service available from the parking area to the carnival site.
“We aim to establish the carnival as a hub for water sports activities in Sabak Bernam, showcasing its unique cultures.
“Additionally, we will provide opportunities for the local community to exhibit and promote their products,” she said.
Norita said the organising of the carnival will cost MBI RM500,000, although she sees it as an investment to promote environmental sustainability in the district.
“The carnival aims to educate and encourage Malaysians as a whole to appreciate our mother nature and preserve it for future generations,” she said.
AORB is the most suitable partner
Sabda is one of the three new economic development zones announced by Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari under the First Selangor Plan (RS-1).
The massive project aims to turn Sabak Bernam into a high-potential economic hub, and is set to attract investments of up to RM1.9 billion, while creating 3,600 high-paying job opportunities.
Spearheaded by MBI, Sabda will focus on enhancing Selangor’s food resilience by elevating agriculture and blue economy initiatives with new investments and technology, while leveraging on local opportunities to drive eco-tourism.
Previously, it was reported that MBI will collaborate with Alpha Ocean Resources Bhd (AORB) for the implementation of the project, including the development of the country’s first tuna and deep sea fish processing and packaging facility.
However, the decision to work with AORB was criticised by Opposition leader Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali during the recently concluded Selangor State Legislative Assembly sitting.
He accused the state government of directly negotiating with the firm rather than go through an open tender process.
Speaking at the media briefing, Norita rubbished the allegation, stressing that AORB was selected based on merit and in view of its ability to carry out large scale projects.
She also pointed out that only three firms in the country’s aquaculture industry were eligible to carry out the Sabda development, but that AORB is the most qualified.
“AORB is actually the biggest (among the three) and it is publicly listed. The other two are private limited companies.
“This type of investment requires substantial funding. We were keen to collaborate with AORB recognising its ability and capacity, including licences for fishing in the Indian Ocean and local processing capabilities, among other things.”
It was reported last month that MBI is targeting European Union (EU) certification for its new fishing port and processing plant in Sungai Lang, which is one of the large-scale projects under the Sabda initiative
