SABAK BERNAM, June 13 — Sabak Bernam has significant growth potential, but the lack of industrial development and public transport limitations remain major challenges stifling economic development and local job creation, say residents.
Local dweller Muhammad Noor Azhar, 64, said more balanced development, especially in the industrial sector, is important to prevent youth from migrating to big cities like Petaling Jaya and Shah Alam in search of jobs.
“Sabak Bernam is left far behind in terms of industry… compared with Klang or Shah Alam. That’s why many young people from here move to the cities.
“The road network isn’t satisfactory either. If there’s an industry (here for) electronics or manufacturing, maybe young people won’t have to go far to look for jobs,” he told Media Selangor.
Noor Azhar, who is a farmer, said he hopes initiatives under the Second Selangor Plan (RS-2) can be effectively executed for the long-term benefit of future generations.
Driving the economy
Petty trader Muhammad Ikram Masri, 46, said the Kita Selangor Rail line under the RS-2 could catalyse new economies in Sabak Bernam.
He expressed confidence that the public transport network would draw more visitors and boost local traders’ profits.
“Thank God, maybe it could increase the incomes of residents in this district because more visitors would come when this transport facility is ready,” he said.
Ease of mobility, business opportunities
Klang resident Hairunizam Salimin, 54, said the Kita Selangor Rail line won’t just facilitate mobility, but benefit families and create economic opportunities for entrepreneurs.
“I live in Klang, so with this facility, it would be easier and would save time when I go back and forth to visit my parents at home,” he said.
He added that various state government initiatives, including entrepreneurship opportunities and participation in expos, help traders grow their businesses.
“As an entrepreneur, many opportunities are made available by the state government through expos and trader sites. This helps us boost our incomes and expands our opportunities,” he said.
Stimulating tourism
The Kita Selangor Rail network is also touted to transform the tourism landscape in popular areas like Sungai Besar and Sekinchan, whose visitor numbers are only growing.
Private-sector employee Nur Lailatul Annisa Zamri, 37, said the facility would reduce traffic congestion and provide a more efficient alternative mode of transport.
“This project is very good because the Sungai Besar and Sekinchan areas are already tourism hotspots. With this rail (system), it can reduce congestion on roads.
“Even now, this area is always jammed, so when there is alternative transport, it would really help,” she added.
Meanwhile, Nurul Hafiza Suhaili, 25, said better public transport would benefit students and workers who have to commute to rural areas.
“This public transport would (make things) so much easier and save more costs compared with using private vehicles, especially for those who work or study far away.
“Last time, as a student, I had to go to and from Nilai and there was only one bus a day, so it was quite hard. If there is a rail (service), it would really help and would be more flexible,” she added.
She also expressed gratitude for the state government’s efforts in providing various initiatives for Selangoreans.
RS-2 centres state rail network development
The Kita Selangor Rail line under the RS-2 focuses on developing a link between Selangor’s northern and southern regions, especially in areas not yet covered by MRT and LRT services.
The rail line is expected to take up to 10 years to complete and will be opened in phases.
When tabling the 2024 Selangor Budget, Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said the project would start with a RM3 million feasibility study.
Previously, state executive councillor for investment, trade and mobility Ng Sze Han said the study identified a 200km route with four recommended routes — Westports, Klang, Putra Heights, and UNISEL Bestari Jaya campus.
