By Norrasyidah Arshad
SHAH ALAM, July 31 — The Gagasan Rumpun Selangor grassroots initiative, which debuted this year, will continue following encouraging public response.
State executive councillor for unity and rural development Datuk Rizam Ismail said the three-day programme, which offers Raja Muda Selangor Tengku Amir Shah the opportunity to connect with the community, will be enhanced with various beneficial activities.
“To date, the initiative has been held in five districts. We see that the response has been very good and Tengku Amir Shah also appeared jovial when meeting the public and carrying out activities together.
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State executive councillor for unity and rural development Datuk Rizam Ismail speaks to Media Selangor during an interview at the State Secretariat Building in Shah Alam, on July 30, 2024. — Picture by MOHD KHAIRUL HELMY MOHD DIN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
“He was able to have breakfast together and speak with residents. This is a new experience.
“The same can also be said about the rakyat. This is the opportunity for them to meet His Highness in person,” he said in an interview with SelangorKini yesterday.
To date, Gagasan Rumpun Selangor has been held in the districts of Hulu Selangor, Hulu Langat, Sepang, Petaling, and Kuala Selangor.
The programme will be organised in Kuala Langat next, followed by Klang, Sabak Bernam, and Gombak.
“Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari is expected to attend the last leg in Gombak, which is his Parliamentary constituency,” Rizam said.
The Sungai Air Tawar state assemblyman added that a new programme similar to Gagasan Rumpun Selangor will also be launched by the state government next year, this time featuring Amirudin. However, he did not provide further details on the matter.
“This is his own idea after seeing the effectiveness of Gagasan Rumpun Selangor. He wants to engage directly with the community, observe firsthand, and participate in the daily routines and activities of the people,” he said.
Gagasan Rumpun Selangor is a state grassroots initiative that aims to foster unity and celebrate the diverse cultural heritage in Selangor.
During the tabling of the 2024 Selangor Budget on November 10 last year, Amirudin announced a RM4.5 million allocation to ensure the successful implementation of the programme in all nine districts.
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Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari boards a boat to the main stage at the opening ceremony of Ban Canal Carnival 2023 at Parit 14, Sabak Bernam on 10 December 2023. — Picture by FIKRI YUSOF/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
Promoting Sabda through Ban Canal
On a separate matter, Rizam said the Ban Canal Carnival in Sungai Panjang, Sabak Bernam, to be held in November, will serve as a crucial platform to promote the Sabak Bernam Development Area (Sabda) to tourists.
The three-day water sports festival, organised by the Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporated), will help visitors better understand the district’s development plan and benefits it brings to local residents.
“This carnival has been held since 2022. Last year, we received over 13,000 visitors. This year, we are targeting more than 15,000.
“Activities will not only revolve around water sports, but there will also be programmes related to Sabda, among others.
“It is also part of our initiative to promote the Visit Selangor Year 2025. Sabak Bernam is in fact one of the interesting locations to visit, particularly for those who love village atmosphere and traditional culture.
“Visitors will be able to see and experience the daily routine of farmers and fishermen, and even try out the various village activities. Although the area is being developed, we will still maintain its culture,” he said.
The Ban Canal Carnival is scheduled to be held from November 15 to November 17 and will feature activities like dragon boat racing and kayaking. Additionally, it will include family-oriented activities like colouring.
Rizam had previously said that the state plans to make the carnival an annual event, adding that it will also be included as part of the Visit Selangor Year 2025 calendar.
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Participants of the traditional boat-rowing competition in action during the Ban Canal Carnival at Parit 14, Sabak Bernam, on December 10, 2023. — Picture by FIKRI YUSOF/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
