Ban Canal eyes tourism growth under proposed Selangor Biosphere Reserve

SHAH ALAM – Ban Canal is being developed as a nature-based tourism destination in northern Selangor, with the state government aiming to balance economic opportunities, community well-being and environmental conservation.

The initiative gained momentum through Karnival Ban Canal 2026, which attracted more than 34,000 visitors over three days, highlighting the area's potential to draw domestic and international tourists while showcasing its natural landscape and local heritage.

Selangor Public Health and Environment Committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin said events such as the carnival played an important role in promoting Ban Canal as a tourism destination.

She said the state government wanted tourism development to progress responsibly while preserving the natural resources that made the area distinctive.

"We want tourism development to be carried out responsibly without sacrificing the natural treasures that are the area's main assets.

"Therefore, nature-based tourism, environmental education and community involvement must continue to be strengthened," she said at the closing ceremony of Karnival Ban Canal 2026 in Parit 14, Simpang Lima, Sabak Bernam, on Nov 8.

Selangor Public Health and Environment Committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin.

Jamaliah said Ban Canal also held environmental significance as it was located within the proposed Anjung Utara Selangor Biosphere Reserve (AUSBR), an initiative being developed for nomination under the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation's (UNESCO) Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme.

The proposed reserve covered 297,661.25 hectares and encompassed various ecosystems, making environmental protection an important consideration in the area's future development.

"As the executive councillor responsible for the public health and environment portfolios, I see great potential for Ban Canal in supporting a development aspiration that balances economic interests, community well-being and environmental conservation," she added.

She said the Selangor government remained committed to supporting inclusive and sustainable tourism initiatives to ensure economic benefits were shared while preserving the area's natural beauty, cultural diversity and local heritage for future generations.

More than 34,000 visitors at three-day carnival

Karnival Ban Canal 2026 recorded an increase in attendance, attracting more than 34,000 visitors compared with about 32,100 the previous year.

The carnival also drew international visitors, including those from South Korea, Japan and Afghanistan, highlighting opportunities to expand tourism and economic activities in Sabak Bernam.

Held from Nov 6 to 8 under the theme "Nature, Culture and Sustainability", the three-day event featured sporting activities, cultural showcases, food, entertainment and community-based programmes.

Among its attractions was Project Strong: Ban Canal Edition, which challenged participants through physical endurance and teamwork activities involving cycling, paddling, weight-carrying and running.

The carnival also featured the Warisan Alam Run, which took participants through the district's paddy-field surroundings, alongside wall climbing, flying fox, fishing competitions and dragon boat activities.

Cultural and family-oriented programmes added to the event's appeal, with traditional costume competitions, cooking contests, children's activities, local food stalls and performances offering visitors a glimpse of Sabak Bernam's heritage and community life.

Local businesses benefit from tourism activities

Beyond attracting visitors, the carnival also gave local entrepreneurs an opportunity to promote their products and generate income.

A total of 34 entrepreneurs under Platform Selangor (PLATS) recorded almost RM125,000 in combined sales during the three-day event, supported by free trading spaces and the PLATS Belanja voucher programme.

Organised since 2022, the carnival is part of ongoing efforts to promote Sabak Bernam's tourism potential.

The initiative demonstrated how tourism activities could support small businesses while introducing visitors to local products, traditional food and the area's agricultural and cultural identity.

With the proposed biosphere reserve initiative and growing interest in nature-based tourism, Ban Canal's future development will depend on preserving its natural environment while creating opportunities for the local community.