SHAH ALAM, Oct 30 — Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporation), or MBI, plans to turn Ban Canal in Sabak Bernam a year-round ecotourism destination, not just a venue for an annual carnival.
MBI Group chief executive officer Dato’ Saipolyazan M. Yusop said this encompasses improvements to infrastructure and pollution controls to ensure the area keeps drawing visitors and benefits the local community.
“We hope to develop the area into a semi-permanent one (that) people may enjoy without waiting for the annual (carnival),” he said on Media Selangor’s Bicara Semasa talk show.
Saipolyazan said the development of Ban Canal would benefit watersports lovers including canoe associations, and create more economic opportunities for local traders.
“Increasingly encouraging reception for the Ban Canal Carnival since it started in 2022 has also opened doors to attract private (companies) to explore potential business and investment (opportunities) in Sabak Bernam.
“We have seen many people directly contacting MBI to open their businesses there like food sustainability, food security and such,” he added.
He added that this is in line with the Second Selangor Plan (RS-2) to narrow growth gaps between districts, especially to increase economic potential in northern Selangor.
He expressed hope that various parties would expedite the setup of more complete facilities in Ban Canal, including for the carnival next year.
This year’s Ban Canal Carnival will be held from November 6 to 8 in Parit 14, Simpang Lima, Sabak Bernam, and aims to draw at least 38,000 attendees.
