By Danial Dzulkifly
SHAH ALAM, Nov 10 — In a bid to enhance Selangor’s natural heritage prestige, the state government has allocated RM2 million to facilitate the Gombak-Hulu Langat Geopark’s recognition as a Unesco Global Geopark by 2027, said Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
During the tabling of the 2024 Selangor Budget today, the Menteri Besar said the Federal government has already recognised the geopark as Malaysia’s seventh and the first national geopark in the state.
“To achieve this, elements like scientific research, the development of collective infrastructure, and the development of geo-tourism must be mobilised; (therefore), RM2 million will be allocated,” he said in his budget speech at the Selangor State Legislative Assembly.
Meanwhile, in anticipation of Visit Selangor Year 2025, Amirudin announced a significant investment in the state’s tourism sector, with RM3.3 million set aside and several major initiatives planned in 2024 as part of this effort.
[caption id="attachment_334498" align="aligncenter" width="773"]
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari (standing) tables the 2024 Selangor Budget, during the Selangor State Legislative Assembly session in the State Secretariat Building, Shah Alam, on November 10, 2023. — Picture by NUR ADIBAH AHMAD IZAM/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
The initiatives include creating bespoke tourism packages via Tourism Selangor to attract visitors from Asia and Europe.
He said the ongoing ‘Pusing Selangor Dulu’ campaign is also set to leverage the influx of tourists arriving through the Kuala Lumpur International Airport and the Subang Airport, offering incentives to entice the visitors to extend their stay in Selangor, thereby boosting local tourism.
“There is a strategic emphasis on harnessing digital capabilities to promote tourism, especially in key areas like the northern region involving the districts from Sabak Bernam to Kuala Selangor, and in the south, covering the Sepang and Kuala Langat districts.
“(Therefore), virtual tourism utilising digital twin technology will be developed next year,” Amirudin added.
[caption id="attachment_304989" align="aligncenter" width="751"]
The Gombak Quartz Ridge Geosite is part of the Gombak-Hulu Langat Geopark. — Picture by TOURISM SELANGOR[/caption]
