THERE has been a 13.8% increase in the number of tourists for Visit Selangor Year 2025 (VSY 2025).
State local government and tourism committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim said Selangor recorded 4.14 million visitors up to June this year, compared to 3.64 million in the corresponding period last year.
“Of that number, domestic tourists made up 72% while 28% were international overnight visitors.
“From January to June, tourist receipts in Selangor totalled RM11.4bil,” he said at the Selangor Local Community Host (HKSS) Graduation which was held at a hotel in Klang.
A total of 49 individuals from Kuala Selangor and Sabak Bernam who qualified to be local community guides were awarded certificates.
“All participants have undergone a three-month intensive training, that included modules like the basics of tourism promotion, understanding local cultures and tourism communication skills,” he said.
The appointment of the local community guides was expected to attract 5,000 to 10,000 tourists to Kuala Selangor and Sabak Bernam annually, said Ng.
He said the initiative was aligned with VSY 2025, which aimed to attract 8 million tourist arrivals and generate RM11.7bil in tourism-related transactions.
“Tourists have identified Selangor’s shopping, restaurants and experiences as the major draws,” Ng said.
He added HKSS was Malaysia’s first community-based tourism programme with a comprehensive training module.
“This initiative reflects the state government’s commitment to involving communities in economic development while building social resilience.”
Also present was Tourism Selangor chief executive officer Chua Yee Ling.
She noted Selangor was increasingly becoming the home of many local food businesses.
“They are supported by local councils which aim to cut red tape around opening such businesses, which are vital for creating jobs and contributing to the local economy.
“Support is also extended to well-established traders,” she said.
