SABAK BERNAM, June 3 — Sabak Bernam is set to expand its ecotourism products, with plans for nature resorts, caravan and motorhome destinations, and recreational destinations aimed at attracting more visitors while preserving the district’s natural environment.
State executive councillor for rural development and unity Datuk Rizam Ismail said the proposed developments are part of broader efforts to strengthen Sabak Bernam’s position as a destination that balances tourism, agriculture and fisheries.
“There are plans to develop resorts in the future. These resorts will be nature-based and located in the mangrove (area), allowing visitors to experience overnight stays in a forest setting,” he told reporters after accompanying Raja Muda of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah and Datin Paduka Seri Afzaa Fadini Abdul Aziz on a visit to Pantai Bumi Hijau for the Gagasan Rumpun Selangor tour here today.
The visit was among the highlights of the Raja Muda’s two-day visit to Sabak Bernam, in addition to several community-based economic projects in the district.
Rizam said today’s visit featured conservation activities, including the release of freshwater prawn and fish fry, as well as a mangrove-planting exercise aimed at preserving the coastal ecosystem while supporting sustainable tourism.
He added that visitor numbers at Pantai Bumi Hijau, which forms part of Sabak Bernam’s tourism triangle alongside Pantai Bagan Nakhoda Omar and Kelong Paradise, have exceeded expectations.
“During weekends and school holidays, (tourist numbers) reach thousands of people from day to night, and at times exceed 3,000 visitors.”
According to Rizam, the beach offers a fresh concept from conventional seaside attractions by focusing on family-oriented recreational activities such as picnicking, camping, caravan and motorhome stays, and visits to the floating market.
He said facilities at the site have also been upgraded, with additional public toilets, shower areas, prayer facilities, food stalls, and a new flying fox station.
“We also plan to introduce more recreational activities, including rock climbing and others,” he said, adding that the state government has allocated RM1 million to support development efforts at Pantai Bumi Hijau.
On caravan tourism, Rizam said Selangor hopes to establish multiple motorhome destinations across Sabak Bernam, allowing tourists to spend several days travelling between attractions in the district.
“Our aspiration is not to have just one caravan site. We want several destinations, similar to what can be seen in countries like New Zealand.
“Visitors could spend a night in Sekinchan, another at Pantai Bumi Hijau and another at Pekan Sabak or other tourism locations.”
He stressed that future developments must prioritise environmental sustainability and cleanliness, especially in managing waste and protecting the mangrove ecosystem.
“The challenge is ensuring development can take place while maintaining sustainability, cleanliness and the natural environment. These are factors that today’s tourists, including international visitors, pay close attention to,” said Rizam.
