Nak Bercuti? Pusing Dulu Selangor during Recovery Movement Control Order

By Laura Lee, Pixs by Anthony Tan

Food trails is one of Sepang's promotions. This Lokal dragon fruit juice is a must try at HL Restaurant

During the last few weeks, I had the opportunity to update myself on the happenings in various parts of Selangor while the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) was on. Thanks to the various organisations or parties who were eager to show us how the tourism sector is gradually reviving itself having been adversely impacted by the new coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

This deadly virus has not only hit Malaysia’s key gateway but also the world at large, shutting down many hotels, restaurants, airlines, airports and diverse businesses.

Through a technical visit programme from 23-24 July organised by the Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association (MITA) and Tourism Selangor to Sepang, travel agents and a few media were updated on this district.

After a brief message from Sepang Municipal Council or Majlis Perbandaran Sepang (MPSepang) president Mohd Fauzi Mod Yatim, a slide presentation by one of its staff followed. We were informed while the council was forced to cancel its Visit Sepang Year 2020 campaign due to the MCO, it will continue to promote the district’s many attractions.

MITA technical visit to Sepang launch outside MPSepang office in Cyberjaya: Mint Leong on far right and MPSepang president in the centre

MPSepang recently launched its domestic tourism campaign with the tagline, Sepang Dihati, Jom Bercuti@Sepang, where it hopes to generate local economic activities which will develop the district as a shopping destination among other things.  

The council is now looking at 80% domestic tourist arrivals for 2020 with the remaining balance from foreign tourists while its targeted revised total arrivals will be three million tourists and a revenue of RM1 billion.  

An article in The Star last October had given a targeted arrival figure of five million tourists from an estimated income of RM5 billion.

It will be interesting to know if MPSepang will be following through with its calender of events that was shown to us. The council is supposed to have a Pesta Pantai Bagan Lalang@Sepang in August Sepang Flower Show in September, Explore Banghuris Homestay Festival in October and MotoGP in November.

It has also created several trails focusing on family entertainment, culture and heritage, food as well as small- and medium-scale enterprises located in Banghuris besides encouraging the development of more domestic packages, which MITA agents are keen to do, especially after visiting some of its tourism products during our recent technical programme.

A group pix to commemorate our Banghuris Homestay visit after touring its agro activities

They included Sirip Biru in Sungai Pelek, HL Restaurant and Dragon Fruit Eco Farm,  Banghuris Homestay and MAEPS Agro Tourism Park.

The river cruise ride along Sungai Pelek passes through mangrove swamps after leaving the jetty

MITA deputy president Mint Leong, who is also Sunflower Holidays Sdn Bhd managing director, is spearheading the development of packages for Sepang. “Selangor is the first state we are working closely with. As the gateway for international tourists, it has three airports.”

Similar technical visit programmes will be organised until 2021 to seek out new and unique products in the other eight districts in Selangor, she adds.