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Feeding Malaysia: Sabak Bernam’s Growing Role in National Food Security

Asia Pacific

Feeding Malaysia: Sabak Bernam’s Growing Role in National Food Security
Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific

Feeding Malaysia: Sabak Bernam’s Growing Role in National Food Security

2026-10-28 17:00 Last Updated At:17:16

SELANGOR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 October 2026 – Through the production of agriculture includes paddy fields, fruits, vegetables, and aquaculture, the Sabak Bernam Development Area (SABDA) continues to bolster the region's contribution to national food security, solidifying its position as one of Malaysia's crucial food-producing districts.

The Sekinchan smart farming concept has made the district's paddy fields a reference point. By 2030, the SMART Large - Scale Field (SMART SBB) strategy, which was developed in Sekinchan, would be expanded to over 150,000 hectares nationally, assisting Malaysia in fortifying its self-sufficiency and lowering its dependency on rice imports.

The blue economy of Sabak Bernam is expanding rapidly, driven by major upgrades to the district's fisheries value chain—ranging from centralized jetties and cold storage facilities to fish auction halls and downstream processing.These improvements will be spearheaded by the upcoming development of the 415-acre Sekinchan Integrated Landing Port and the 600-acre Zon Industri Perikanan Sungai Lang (ZIPS). Together, these strategic investments are projected to increase the district's marine fisheries landings by more than 42%.

Climate resilience is still at the heart of SABDA's strategy. More than 14,000 farmers, crop growers, fishermen, livestock breeders and aquaculture operations throughout the state have benefited from cash assistance, fertiliser support and fuel subsidies under the RM 131 million Selangor Resilience Enhancement Package, which helps to maintain food production activities despite growing costs and climate change.

SABDA's strategic focus centers heavily on food security. Under the newly announced Rancangan Selangor Kedua (RS-2), several of its eight key projects are directly designed to strengthen the district's role as a major food producer. These initiatives include refining biodiversity conservation to indirectly boost paddy and agricultural yields, upgrading key infrastructure to enhance regional connectivity, improving essential facilities for local fishermen, and increasing aquaculture capacity to ensure Sabak Bernam's output meets national demands.

The core of this endeavour consists of the Sungai Lang Fisheries Industrial Zone, the Sekinchan Integrated Landing Port, and the aquaculture cooperation with Farmerex Sdn Bhd, each of which targets a distinct link in the food supply chain: production, landing and processing, and downstream value-add. When combined, they are intended to increase local output while fostering the resilience required to withstand market and climate shocks.

Sabak Bernam contains about 48,216 hectares of agricultural land, which is important for the production of paddy, fisheries, fruits, vegetables, and aquaculture, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia. In 2020, the district's agricultural industry produced RM918 million in GDP, with its top crops being bananas, coconuts, and red chillies. Along with manufacturing and services, agriculture continues to be a significant pillar of the local economy. However, the latest agricultural data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) for 2024 underscores Sabak Bernam's significant agro-economic potential. The district recorded approximately 27,000 hectares of cultivated land and RM244.23 million in agricultural sales value under the parameters covered by the 2024 Agriculture Census.

SABDA is fostering agritourism as an additional growth sector in addition to production. Sabak Bernam's reputation as a developing ecotourism destination is further enhanced by the award-winning Ban Canal Carnival, which supports local culture, cottage industries, and community entrepreneurship in addition to the district's fundamental agricultural identity.

Together, these projects show how climate resilience, smart agriculture, and targeted investment can cooperate to guarantee Malaysia's food security by bolstering supply chains, preserving livelihoods, and giving Sabak Bernam residents long-term prospects.

Hashtag: #SABDA

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

SABDA

The Sabak Bernam Development Area (SABDA) is a strategic economic development initiative of the Selangor State Government under Rancangan Selangor Pertama. SABDA seeks to unlock Sabak Bernam's full economic potential while strengthening Malaysia's food production, raising local incomes and improving community livelihoods. Its vision is to establish Sabak Bernam as a driver of sustainable economic growth, food security, resilience and environmental stewardship.

Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporation) (MBI Selangor)

Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporation) (MBI Selangor) is the strategic investment arm of the State Government of Selangor, mandated to drive sustainable economic growth and long-term value creation for the state.

MBI Selangor plays a central role in catalysing high-impact developments, facilitating strategic partnerships and unlocking the potential of key sectors to strengthen Selangor's position as a leading economic hub in Malaysia and the region. Its investment focus spans infrastructure, industrial development, energy, digital economy and other priority sectors aligned with the state's long-term development agenda.

Guided by the aspirations of Rancangan Selangor Pertama (RS-1), MBI Selangor actively supports initiatives that enhance competitiveness, attract quality investments and create meaningful socio-economic opportunities for the people of Selangor.

Through a disciplined and forward-looking investment approach, MBI Selangor is committed to delivering sustainable, inclusive and resilient growth, while strengthening governance, environmental stewardship and stakeholder value across its portfolio.

For more information, visit:

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Connecting Overland Borders to 10 Road Trip Experiences Across Thailand

BANGKOK, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire – 28 October 2026 - Crossing the border is never about passing a checkpoint; it marks the true beginning of discovering Thailand. Recognizing this potential, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) introduced the 'Gateway to Thailand' travel guide, inviting overland travelers to journey far beyond the entry gates along ten curated road trips connecting vibrant cities, iconic attractions, and local communities across the nation.

Tourism Authority of Thailand Launches ‘Gateway to Thailand Travel Guidebook’

Tourism Authority of Thailand Launches ‘Gateway to Thailand Travel Guidebook’

Gateway to Thailand was conceived after recognizing the vast potential of overland borders to drive regional travel, particularly for visitors from the Lao PDR and Malaysia who frequently travel in private vehicles. TAT developed these 10 road trips starting from key border crossings, highlighting memorable stops, activities, and local experiences to inspire travelers to explore a richer, more diverse Thai experience.

The moment travelers cross the border, the journey expands far beyond the entry gate. Every highway opens a path to new discovery, whether following the gentle bend of the Mekong through tranquil northern towns or venturing deep into the south to explore mist-shrouded mountain peaks and historic old streets. Along the way, travelers can savor timeless culinary traditions, connect with local communities, or lose themselves in landscapes that shift effortlessly from high mountain ridges to the sunlit shores of the Gulf and the Andaman Sea.

This represents the core philosophy of Gateway to Thailand: transforming transit routes into scenic travel corridors and converting border checkpoints into gateways to unforgettable experiences.

The Gateway to Thailand guidebook covers 9 border crossings: Nong Khai, Mukdahan, Nakhon Phanom, Bueng Kan, Chong Mek, Sadao, Wang Prachan, Betong, and Su-ngai Kolok. These entry points connect travel destinations across 19 provinces through 10 distinct road trip routes that highlight local identity across nature, culture, faith, gastronomy, history, community living, and outdoor adventures.

10 Routes, 10 Experiences: From the Border into Thailand

  • Route 1
    Nong Khai | Riverside Slow, City Flow:
    A journey along the Mekong River, capturing the peaceful rhythm, faith, and charm of upper Isan towns.
  • Route 2
    Bueng Kan | Beyond the Green, Into Naga's Realm:
    A journey through majestic cliff sides, dense forests, adventure pursuits, and sacred Naga folklore of Phu Wua.
  • Route 3
    Nakhon Phanom | Traces of Indochina:
    A route highlighting natural indigo crafts, spiritual heritage, and multicultural memories along the Mekong River.
  • Route 4
    Chong Mek, Ubon Ratchathani | Where Cliffs Meet the Mekong:
    A journey through Pha Taem, Sam Phan Bok, and the timeless rhythms of a riverside community carved by wind and water.
  • Route 5
    Mukdahan | From Mythology to Deep Time Discovery:
    A journey to uncover pre-historic geology, river legends, untouched wilderness, and the colorful living culture of Isan.
  • Route 6
    Sadao, Songkhla | Food Trail in Creative District:
    A culinary and cultural exploration through historic architecture, creative art districts, and rich local food traditions.
  • Route 7
    Sadao, Songkhla | A Journey Along the Gulf:
    A scenic route along the Gulf of Thailand blending coastal nature, old towns, living culture, and faith.
  • Route 8
    Betong, Yala | Where the Mist Begins:
    A journey into a mountain town famous for morning mists, vibrant flora, cool climate, and unique local heritage.
  • Route 9
    Wang Prachan, Satun | Across the Andaman Isles:
    A coastal road trip leading to seaside fishing communities and island-hopping adventures across the Andaman.
  • Route 10
    Su-ngai Kolok, Narathiwat | At the Kingdom's Edge: Nature's Grace and Cultural Jewels:
    An invitation to discover cultural heritage, lush rainforests, community wisdom, and local experiences in the southern border provinces.

These 10 routes are designed to encourage travelers to pause, explore, connect, and spend meaningful time with communities along the way, proving that the true magic of a road trip lies in every story discovered between destinations.

To facilitate seamless trip planning, the Gateway to Thailand guidebook compiles route maps, recommended stops, activities, and key attractions tailored for self-drive travelers. The publication is available as a printed guidebook in Thai and English, alongside digital e-books offered in 5 languages: Thai, English, Malay, Chinese, and Lao.

TAT is promoting these itineraries across both online and offline platforms, collaborating with travel bloggers and influencers to transform these guidebooks into real-world travel inspiration that distributes tourism revenue into local communities across Thailand.

For Gateway to Thailand, crossing the border is the very first door opening to countless stories waiting to be discovered across Thailand.

Detailed route itineraries, recommended stops, and activity guides are available at https://tourismproduct.tourismthailand.org/en/database/ebook/gateway-to-thailand

Hashtag: #TheTourismAuthorityofThailand #TAT

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

** This press release is distributed by Media OutReach Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **

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