By Danial Dzulkifly
KUALA LUMPUR, July 25 — The Sabak Bernam Development Area (Sabda) has been called a “prime mover” that can unlock the true economic potential of Selangor’s northern region.
State executive councillor for tourism and local government Dato’ Ng Suee Lim said while the Sabak Bernam and Kuala Selangor districts are rich in natural resources and beautiful landscapes, they face a multitude of economic challenges that require extensive development to overcome.
“For example, most fishing activities in Selangor occur in the Sabak Bernam area, but jetties are at full capacity. More ships mean we need more docking space to accommodate the increased demand for sea products,” he told Selangor Journal today.
He said this on the sidelines of the Selangor Investment Industrial Park Expo (SPARK) held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today. Earlier, he delivered a speech at the trade expo on Sabda’s community, economic and ecological impact.
SPARK is one of the main events held under the auspices of the First Series of the Selangor International Business Summit 2024 from today to Saturday.
In his speech, Ng said Sabda is not just a development project for Sabak Bernam and its neighbouring Kuala Selangor, but a “prime mover” project that makes Selangor a high benchmark and role model for other states, especially in agriculture and aquaculture.
He said Sabda was first introduced in the Selangor First Plan, supported by three main pillars, namely, driving Selangor’s seafood economy, ensuring food security, and promoting ecotourism and agrotourism in Sabak Bernam.
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Selangor International Business Summit attendees visit local authorities’ booths at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on July 25, 2024. — Picture by HAFIZ OTHMAN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
Through Sabda, the three main economic sectors in Sabak Bernam — fishery, agricultural, and ecotourism — have shown positive growth, said Ng.
“In 2022, Sabak Bernam contributed 51.27 per cent (89,779.9 metric tonnes) of the total marine fish landing in Selangor. In addition, it is the main contributor to freshwater fish, accounting for 50.51 per cent (39.4 metric tonnes) of the total river fish catch in Selangor,” he said.
Among the examples of projects under Sabda are the aquaculture project in Sungai Lang, the fish landing complex project in Sekinchan, and the fisherman’s jetty complex project in Bagan Sungai Besar, which are expected to double the fisheries yield in Sabak Bernam.
Under Sabda, Sabak Bernam is also showing potential to be developed as an industrial crop area, especially for coconuts and fruits, in addition to paddy cultivation.
Similarly, Ng said Sabda also aims to boost the ecotourism sector for the state’s northern region.
“Sabak Bernam is not only rich in natural resources but also offers beautiful landscapes and unique attractions that can generate income for the local population,” he said, while expressing high hopes for the sector to flourish in conjunction with Visit Selangor Year 2025.
