by Sheeda Fathil
SABAK BERNAM, Dec 10 — The state government developed an action plan to examine the suitability of each project under the Sabak Bernam Development Area (Sabda) and the benefits it would bring to the people.
State executive councillor for rural development and unity Datuk Rizam Ismail said development in the area needs to be carried out in an orderly manner to ensure economic spillover to the local population without compromising environmental sustainability.
“An action plan is developed taking into account the study of the feasibility or appropriateness of all projects and initiatives that have been and will be planned in the project.
“Only projects and initiatives with comprehensive prospects and benefits will be selected to be implemented in Sabda.
“This is important so that all projects add value to the state’s development agenda and guarantee local economic prosperity without neglecting the principles of the environment, sustainability and good governance,” said Rizam, who is also the Sabda chairman, in conjunction with the 2023 Ban Canal Carnival, which was officiated by Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari at Parit 14, Simpang Lima here, today.
Involving the development of 1,317 hectares of land, Sabda includes six major projects, including the Smart Selangor Agro Park in Changkat Menteri, the high-tech Fisheries Centre in Sekinchan, and the Air Manis Business Centre.
Development projects in the First Selangor Plan (RS-1) also open up many high-paying job opportunities.
Meanwhile, Rizam, also the Sungai Air Tawar state assemblyman, hopes the Menteri Besar will consider developing his constituency and brand it as a traditional village tourism centre.
“This will be a pilot and cross-sectoral project in raising the historical and cultural value of traditional villages as one of the cultural tourism attractions.
“I also hope that Tourism Selangor can continue to pay special attention to increasing the promotion of country stays, tourist attractions, culture and unique food in Sabak Bernam via the ‘Nak Bercuti? Pusing Selangor Dulu’ campaign, he said.
Meanwhile, Rizam expressed hope that Ban Canal Carnival will be one of the eco-tourism events in the annual Sabda calendar.
He added that the 30-kilometre Ban Canal infrastructure not only provides irrigation for rice fields but also serves as a leisure destination for the local community.
“If we look at developed countries such as Europe, most cities or local economic centres are developed by the sea or canals like this.
“Therefore, I see the potential for Ban Canal to become a catalyst for local economic growth under the Sabda initiative,” said Rizam.
He also hoped that the carnival would be included in the 2025 Visit Selangor Campaign, thus highlighting the natural beauty of Sabak Bernam.
“The water sports activities, such as dragon boating, can foster the spirit of unity and teamwork between participants and residents, which aligns with the Gagasan Rumpun Selangor objectives.
“I also want to add another activity, which is speed boat competition or ‘drag racing speed boat’, like in Thailand. This way, we may see more people participating in the future,” he said.
Earlier, about 10,000 visitors enlivened the 2023 Ban Canal Carnival over three days since Friday.
The event featured various exciting activities, including kayak competitions and marathons, boat design, folk sports such as boat racing, boat pulling and decorated rafts.
There will also be a running competition, an artificial wall climbing activity, a ‘flying fox’, a colouring competition for kindergarten children, and a meet-and-greet session with the Selangor FC team.
