SELANGOR has revealed ambitious plans to develop the tourism sector in Kampung Sungai Burong, with a focus on agro-tourism that showcases the area’s rich agricultural heritage and natural resources.
State local government and tourism committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim announced that 12th Mile in Kampung Sungai Burong has been designated as a tourism development zone under the Kuala Selangor Municipal Council’s Local Plan 2035.
Responding to questions from Mohd Zamri Mohd Zainuldin (PN-Sungai Burong) about the state government’s plans for the area, Ng highlighted the strong agro-tourism potential of Kampung Sungai Burong, one of Selangor’s primary padi cultivation regions.
The development plans include creating attractions such as a padi museum, an agro village, and rural homestay programmes.
The proposed agro village will feature a variety of components − including a cultural museum −to educate visitors about the area’s agricultural heritage, low-density agro resorts for a peaceful rural retreat, and an immersive farming lifestyle experience that will allow visitors to engage with local agricultural practices.
In addition, the Rural Tourism Homestay Programme will prepare host houses, community halls, rural industry centres, and other facilities to support local tourism.
Ng also highlighted current attractions in the region such as Sungai Sireh Homestay, which offered visitors an authentic village-living experience, and the ATV Fun Ride in Tanjong Karang.
Another attraction is the Mardi Sungai Sireh Agrotechnology Park, which features a padi gallery, fishing activities and hands-on padi-planting experiences.
Ng also discussed the challenges faced by agro-tourism operators, particularly unregistered businesses that struggle to obtain the necessary planning permissions.
He emphasised the importance of registering with Tourism, Arts, and Culture Ministry and securing the required planning approvals to ensure proper insurance coverage and legal compliance.
“This is the minimum requirement. We understand the difficulties faced by smaller operators, but they can appeal to the Selangor Economic Action Council (MTES) on a case-by-case basis, where temporary licences may be issued to assist them,” Ng said at the state assembly in Shah Alam.
He also acknowledged the need for long-term guidelines to regulate the fast-growing homestay industry, which included a wide range of operators.
To address this, he said the state would work with local councils and other authorities to establish clear certification and licensing guidelines, especially in areas where these have been challenging.
In response to an additional question from Nurul Syazwani Noh (PN-Permatang) who asked about measures to help padi operators transition into the homestay industry, Ng noted that while agro-tourism was a growing trend, the restrictions on using padi fields for non-agricultural purposes presented obstacles.
However, he said the state was committed to supporting operators interested in entering this sector, by providing clearer guidelines and assistance.
