By Yasmin Ramlan
SHAH ALAM, July 5 — Selangor has not secured investments for the Sabak Bernam Development Area (Sabda) due to pending land-related issues.
State executive councillor for rural development and unity Datul Rizam Ismail said the government can only begin marketing the megaproject to domestic and foreign investors once these issues are resolved.
He said these involve the Sungai Lang fishing port and processing plant, the Sekinchan integrated fish landing port, and the Hay Resort redevelopment, which are still in the planning stage.
“For 2024 and 2025, Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporated) and the State Economic Planning Unit will focus on … resolving land issues to ensure the readiness of the sites for the above projects in the future.
“A comprehensive study will be conducted to align the development concept with land conditions and the potential of each industry.
“If there are positive developments on the project sites, requests for the proposal process may commence in as early as mid-2025 to attract suitable investors and developers,” he said at the State Legislative Assembly here today.
Separately, Rizam said Sabda is expected to experience significant economic benefits upon the completion of the Sungai Air Tawar-Hutan Melintang bridge in June 2026, which will connect Sabak Bernam to Bagan Datuk, Perak.
“The project will improve connectivity and support economic development and logistics, benefiting the local community,” he said.
Rizam was responding to Sabak assemblyman Sallehen Mukhyi’s query about foreign and domestic investments for Sabda, the projects scheduled to be implemented over the next two years, and the estimated timeframe for their completion.
He said three out of the 18 projects under Sabda are complete and operational, namely, the Sungai Panjang Firefly Conservation Centre, Ban Canal eco-tourism project and the Sabak Bernam portion of the West Coast Expressway.
However, he said, the majority of projects are long-term initiatives that are expected to span more than five years.
To a supplementary question, Rizam said none of the land currently involved in Sabda’s development belong to locals, as they are government-owned.
