SHAH ALAM, Dec 21 — Selangor will continue the momentum of Visit Selangor Year 2025 (VSY2025) into next year to support the federal Desa Kirana Complete Package launched yesterday, said Tourism Selangor chief executive officer Chua Yee Ling.
She said various programmes will be held, including existing annual events.
“To support Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), we will hold more programmes, especially those that can be held in rural areas, including annual events like Ban Canal (Carnival),” she said when contacted by Media Selangor today.
Chua added that throughout the year, Tourism Selangor has emphasised the Selangor Local Community Hosts (HKSS) programme as a core of rural tourism development with the involvement of the local community.
“In Sabak Bernam and Selangor, 49 local community (hosts) have been trained to support rural tourism development. We will expand this programme to other districts, especially rural areas, with cooperation from homestay operators,” she said.
According to Chua, rural tourism development is being undertaken with two main focuses — capacity building and improvement of facilities and infrastructure.
“We are emphasising training for tour guides among our community hosts so they can share stories on the history, culture and arts in their respective areas.
“Rural tourism development must be comprehensive from the aspect of public facilities and local community support so the tourism experiences on offer are truly of quality,” she said.
Tourism Selangor is working closely with local councils to ensure public facilities in villages and rural areas are upgraded.
Chua said cultural performances by local troupes and the introduction of traditional foods are important elements to fulfil tourist expectations, who want the authentic local experience.
“Gastronomy tourism is an element that draws visitors,” she added.
According to Chua, Tourism Selangor is working with the Selangor Malay Customs and Heritage Corporation (Padat) to elevate the state’s traditional food.
“During each programme, we will introduce and prepare Selangor’s traditional food like nasi ambeng, punten, and Kajang satay so tourists can feel the identity and uniqueness of this state’s rural tourism.”
Yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi launched the Desa Kirana Complete Package, which aims to ensure economic benefits for all residents and promote rural arts and culture.
Malaysia is looking to draw 100,000 foreign tourists to 25 rural attractions, including Kampung Batu 23 in Sungai Nibong, Sekinchan, under the Desa Kirana Complete Package next year.
