By Ida Nadirah Ibrahim
SHAH ALAM, July 4 — Plans to develop Kuala Selangor and Hulu Selangor as agriculture and aquaculture hubs are in place following the mid-term review of the First Selangor Plan (RS-1), said Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
Amirudin said the development will use modern technologies, including automation, sensors for plant monitoring, and hydroponic or aeroponic techniques, to increase productivity and efficiency in the agriculture sector.
[caption id="attachment_362675" align="alignright" width="1024"]
State executive councillor for agriculture and infrastructure Izham Hashim (centre) with representatives of fishermen associations from five districts, during the symbolic handover of the Selangor Agropreneur Development Programme: Fishermen Assistance aid at Dewan Kebudayaan Homestay Batu Laut in Tanjung Sepat, Kuala Langat, on July 2, 2024. — Picture by AHMAD ZAKKI JILAN/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
“This does not only boost crop yields but also introduces better sustainable farming practices,” said Amirudin when tabling the RS-1 mid-term review at the Selangor State Legislative Assembly sitting, here today.
Under the RS-1, the state government has adopted the regional clustering concept to develop rural areas in the northern and southern Selangor into new economic zones, dubbed the Sabak Bernam Development Area, or Sabda, and the Integrated Development Region in South Selangor, or Idriss.
Amirudin said the proposed Greater Klang Valley plan would serve as a test for smart infrastructure and traffic management technologies.
He said this would allow the state government to shift the community from private vehicles to higher use of public transport such as trains, buses, vans, and micro-mobility vehicles.
After chairing the Selangor Greater Klang Valley Development Council Main Committee Meeting two days ago, Amirudin said the council will drive the initiative and develop the Greater Klang Valley Enactment, which is to be tabled and debated in the state assembly in 2025.
[caption id="attachment_362676" align="alignleft" width="1024"]
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari officiates the Dapur Ehsan initiative at the Ehsan Fun Run @ Selangor Fruit Valley, Kuala Selangor, on March 2, 2024. — Picture by HAFIZ OTHMAN/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
“The Greater Klang Valley will be established as an advanced metropolis to strengthen economic and physical connectivity between Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam, Subang Jaya, and Klang.
“The state government is working to provide physical and digital infrastructure whose quality can compete and compare with major cities in Asia.
“In addition, the population in these cities alone is higher compared with that of any other state in Malaysia due to the early development of the four areas, and a significant portion of those areas has matured,” he said.
Amirudin said the main challenge is to rejuvenate areas in the four cities, which have become the state's economic bases and engines, by opening doors to industries that do not entirely depend on land size but on high-tech capabilities such as automation.
“This is crucial for balancing the economy in these areas, which have been at the forefront since the 1970s, starting with Petaling Jaya and later Shah Alam, to continue competing with major metropolises in Asia and the world,” he said.
Amirudin said as the implementation of RS-1 has been underway since 2021, several other focused and new initiatives were added to the five-year blueprint to address the shift in the international macroeconomic and geopolitical landscape.
He said national and state policies such as the National Energy Transition Roadmap, the New Industrial Master Plan 2030, the Madani Economy, the 12th Malaysia Plan mid-term review, the Selangor State Structure Plan, and the state’s election manifesto Kita Selangor Pledges have been aligned within the RS-1 framework to drive achievements by 2025.
[caption id="attachment_215866" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
The Bon Odori Festival held annually at the National Sports Complex Panasonic in Shah Alam, which features dances and lively drum performances, has been a major draw for tourists all across the country. — Picture by HAFIZ OTHMAN/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
The following are some of the new focus areas or initiatives tabled under the RS-1 mid-term review from 2024 to 2025:
Strengthen urban and rural infrastructure
- Selangor Rail Network
Selangor is exploring the feasibility of developing a rail line from Klang to Kuala Selangor, Tanjong Karang, and Sabak Bernam, including an extension from Kuang to Kuala Selangor. The west coast route aims to balance urban and rural development, create new economic opportunities, and benefit areas up to the Perak border. It would also complement the East Coast Rail Link, and support the Federal government’s efforts to expand the Light Rail Transit network and improve last-mile connectivity with buses.
- Selangor Mobility
Announced in the 2024 Selangor Budget, the project aims to modernise public transport and improve mobility access in Selangor by integrating all transportation aspects and using data analysis for a more efficient system.
The Demand-Responsive Transit (DRT) initiative, designed to enhance first- and last-mile connectivity, is in its final pilot phase, set to be complete this month. The results will guide the state government in implementing the best DRT model for maximum impact.
Green energy and sustainable development
- Large-scale solar park and green energy plant
Rawang’s large-scale solar park and Sultan Idris Shah Green Energy Plant are set to reduce fossil fuel reliance, increase green energy capacity, and create local jobs in the renewable energy sector.
- Net Zero Energy Vision 2040
Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd aims for carbon neutrality by 2040, utilising green technologies and energy management efficiency, with a goal of 1GW in energy generation capacity by 2030.
- Raw Water Security Scheme
The Selangor Raw Water Security Scheme contains short- and long-term measures to address water treatment plant disruptions due to pollution, ensuring sustainable consumer water supply.
Boost food security
- Selangor Agrotechnology Acceleration Programme
The implementation of advanced food production technologies and reviewing food production policies to modernise and achieve cleaner outputs.
- Sabak Bernam Development Area
To implement new initiatives like the Selangor Smart Agro Park and Selangor Smart Agro Farm in Sungai Air Tawar, Jelutong Jati, Changkat Menteri, and Sungai Panjang for geographical development.
- Improve crop and livestock production
The 2024 Selangor Budget allocates RM40 million to improve crop and livestock production, with the Selangor Agricultural Development Corporation aiming to mitigate supply instability due to climate change.
Digitalisation in governance and economy
- Selangor Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centre
A key initiative in the digital economy sector, aiming to attract investments, talent, and job opportunities via collaborations with AI-specific tech firms.
Enhance poverty eradication and improve the care economy
- Poverty eradication programme
The Selangor State Poverty Eradication Blueprint Programme and Selangor Entrepreneur Development Fund are being expanded to ensure sustainable income growth for target groups.
- Care economy framework
The Economic Care Action Council was established to address caregiving service challenges, recognise contributions, and ensure caregiver well-being, while addressing the economic impact of caregiving.
