SABAK BERNAM, April 25 — The new Air Manis Rest and Relaxation area (R&R), which is situated on a high-traffic route serving over 35,000 vehicles daily, is set to be a new economic catalyst, said Permodalan Negeri Selangor Bhd (PNSB) chief executive officer Raja Ahmad Shahrir Iskandar Raja Salim.
He expressed confidence that the project will thrive upon completion of the 233km West Coast Expressway (WCE), which connects Banting to Taiping.
Raja Shahrir said the investment cost for the project exceeds RM7 million, and is part of the state’s commitment to promote development, particularly in rural areas.
The R&R will be built on a 1.2ha near the Kuala Selangor-Teluk Intan main road and WCE alignment.
“Once the WCE is completed, traffic volume is expected to rise. This area has the potential to serve as a major alternative route, creating economic spillover for Pekan Air Manis and Sabak Bernam,” he said at the Koperasi Warga Hijrah Selangor Bhd (KOHIJRAH) Agricultural Product Collection Centre and R&R Project groundbreaking ceremony here today.
The groundbreaking ceremony was officiated by Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari and attended by state executive councillor for rural development and unity Datuk Rizam Ismail, state executive councillor for local government and tourism Dato’ Ng Suee Lim, Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporation), or MBI, chief executive officer Dato’ Saipolyazan M. Yusop, and Sabak Bernam district officer Sadikin Sadin.
The project, not just meant for travellers, was designed to benefit the community, especially smallholders, as the collection centre will gather agroproducts through Kohijrah.
The R&R will be equipped with modern amenities, including 10 food outlets, eight fruit stalls, public restrooms and prayer rooms, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, and safety-focused rest areas to reduce driver fatigue.
Raja Shahrir said the industrial Nusantara-concept architecture features Malay geometric elements, layered roofs, and an open layout to reduce maintenance costs.
The initiative aligns with the Sabak Bernam District Council (MDSB) 2030 Development Plan and the Sabak Bernam Development Area (SABDA) initiative, which emphasises sustainable rural growth.
“With this facility, we hope the local community can make use of the opportunities created to strengthen the people’s economy as a whole,” Raja Shahrir added.
