Festival Sawah Padi Sekinchan Boosts Selangor's Agrotourism Appeal

SEKINCHAN, April 25 (Bernama) -- The Festival Sawah Padi Sekinchan continues to strengthen its position as an iconic annual event and Selangor’s signature tourism product, in efforts to attract both domestic and international visitors to the state.

Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the festival not only promoted local tourism products but also strengthened the agrotourism sector, which was growing rapidly in the state.

“Selangor is now emphasising environment- and agriculture-based tourism, which serves as the backbone of development in the Sabak Bernam Development Area (SABDA).

“Alhamdulillah, the tourism sector in Sabak Bernam has recorded an increase of more than 30 per cent as a result of various programmes and continuous efforts in promoting the uniqueness of this area,” he said in his opening speech at the festival here today.

Also present were State Local Government and Tourism Committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim and Menteri Besar Selangor Incorporated (MBI) Group chief executive officer Datuk Saipolyazan M Yusop.

Commenting on the introduction of the Sustainability Fee implemented this year, Amirudin explained that the proceeds would be channelled towards upgrading public amenities such as toilets, as well as redeveloping areas affected by disasters like floods.

He said through the levy, the state government was committed to ensuring a balance between economic development and quality of life, including aspects of education, recreation, well-being and religious facilities.

The festival, organised by Tourism Selangor in collaboration with various government agencies and private strategic partners, features a fresher and more dynamic concept in this year’s edition.

For the first time, it is being held from afternoon until night, in line with current tourism trends that emphasise night-time experiences, with visitors able to enjoy scenic sunsets over vast padi fields before participating in various activities.

Among the main attractions is the Sawah Padi Run, which has attracted more than 1,000 participants, offering a unique experience of running at dusk in the padi field surroundings.

In addition, a food fest featuring more than 35 vendors under PLATS Selangor offers a variety of local dishes in a relaxed and “healing” concept.

Various other activities are also available, including outdoor movie screenings, guided tours, tram services and free hop-on hop-off buses, health screenings, traditional games, concerts, podcast sessions, voluntourism programmes, as well as lucky draws.

The festival is expected to attract about 15,000 visitors, further strengthening Sekinchan’s reputation as a must-visit agrotourism destination in Malaysia.

-- BERNAMA