Amirudin (seated fourth left) watching a silat competition during Pesta Pantai Bagan Lalang in Sepang. — Bernama
SELANGOR has received over four million tourists as of June, passing the halfway mark of the eight-million target set for Visit Selangor Year.
According to the Statistics Department, 4,111,473 tourists were recorded for Selangor in the first six months, of whom 624,794 tourists were logged in Sepang where Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is located.
Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the state, specifically Sepang, was one of the main entry points to Malaysia and should not be overlooked.
Upon arrival at KLIA, tourists should notice Sepang’s local beauty and uniqueness, he said.
“This will directly benefit the municipality and increase awareness of what the area has to offer,” he said at the launch of the sixth Pesta Pantai Bagan Lalang.
Also present were MPSepang president Dr Ani Ahmad and Tanjung Sepat assemblyman Datuk Borhan Aman Shah, who is also state housing and culture committee chairman.
Amirudin said Selangor had over 290km of coastline, with five local councils overseeing coastal areas, namely Klang, Kuala Selangor, Sabak Bernam, Kuala Langat and Sepang.
“These coastal areas are not just for fishing or small food stalls.
“They can be turned into major tourism assets if properly managed and beautified.”
Pantai Bagan Lalang, he said, was not a new name for the people of Selangor.
“It has immense potential to be further promoted not just to Malaysians, but also within the larger Asean community.”
Amirudin also said that events like the biennial beach festival served as a gateway to wider visitor reach.
“We don’t want people to only think about Pantai Bagan Lalang once every two years.
“We want this to be a sustainable tourism destination that draws repeat visits and continuous interest,” he said.
The Mentri Besar said Selangor government was also committed to improving local infrastructure, especially tourism facilities.
“We recently approved the development of a new hospital in this area,” he disclosed.
The two-day beach festival featured 27 activities and 38 exhibition booths.
Among the festival’s activities were beach pickleball, arm wrestling, cooking competition, coffee sales and a Battle of the Bands.
A new caravan park was also launched.
