SHAH ALAM, Sept 10 — Sungai Klang could emulate Sungai Melaka’s success as a major attraction, but experts say it should have a distinct identity by integrating tourism, economic development and ecological conservation.
Bank Muamalat chief economist Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said Sungai Melaka demonstrates how a river once poorly regarded could be transformed into an integral part of the state’s tourism, recreational and heritage experience, and noted that Sungai Klang has its own distinctive character, as it links historic Klang sites with industrial zones, Port Klang and mangrove ecosystems.
“The Selangor Maritime Gateway Economic Development Zone (ZPE-SMG) spans a corridor of about 56km and covers about 27,900ha, stretching from areas near Kuala Lumpur to the mouth of Sungai Klang and the islands around Port Klang.
“This gives the state government room to develop a concept broader than just a river cruise as it can become an economic, ecological and recreational corridor,” he told Media Selangor.
Afzanizam said that with Sungai Klang’s water quality already improving from Class 5 to Class 3, and river-deepening works having increased its capacity by about 22 per cent, the next step should be to unlock the river’s economic potential while safeguarding its ecological value.
Among his proposals is the “Klang River Pass” or “Klang River Trail”, linking the waterway to attractions such as Klang’s royal heritage areas, Pengkalan Batu, Mangrove Point, and Port Klang.
“This way, we build a tourism experience instead of several separate projects.”
He stressed the importance of placemaking, saying people would not visit the area simply because a river exists, but because there are activities and experiences such as arts events, weekend markets, festivals, as well as food, heritage and environmental activities.
“Connectivity should also be prioritised through safe pedestrian and cycling routes, public transport access, suitable jetties, lighting, safety and public amenities.”
Afzanizam was commenting on the state’s plans for ZPE-SMG, which was included as one of the key initiatives in the Second Selangor Plan’s (RS-2) Mission 2: Balanced Development and Equitable Opportunities Across Districts.
ZPE-SMG aims to treat and beautify Sungai Klang as a primary catalyst for sustainable economic growth, urban renewal and environmental rehabilitation, with some drawing comparisons with Sungai Melaka.
‘River economy’
Malaysia Tourism Agency Association (MATA) president Datuk Mohd Khalid Harun said Sungai Klang should no longer be viewed as just a river that needs to be cleaned, restored and protected from pollution and flooding.
“It should be regarded as a strategic economic, ecological and tourism asset for Selangor.
“The transformation could draw lessons from Sungai Melaka, but should combine river cruises and water transport with ecotourism, mangrove conservation, gastronomy, heritage, recreation, hospitality, river-oriented development and the green economy.
“In other words, Sungai Klang should not just be a river cruise, it needs to become a river economy,” he said.
Khalid said projects under ZPE-SMG, including the redevelopment of Kampung Fajar and the upgrade of Mangrove Point, could help shift public perceptions of Sungai Klang.
He said the projects could create opportunities for ecotourism, recreation and community businesses.
“The wider transformation (of Sungai Klang) could generate economic activity across tourism, hospitality, property, recreation, the green economy and local businesses,” he said.
Khalid also proposed establishing a Klang River Economic and Tourism Corridor 2030 plan to integrate existing and future projects along the river, adding that development must remain environmentally responsible.
