Boost agro-tourism, expand economic opportunities in DUN Permatang

Selangor's state government should seriously consider strengthening the agro-tourism sector and relaxing certain policies regarding agricultural land use to unlock more economic potential for local residents. This issue is frequently raised in the State Assembly due to its direct impact on the lives of people in the Permatang constituency, according to State Assemblywoman Nurul Syazwani Noh.

“

Alhamdulillah, finally the project could be completed and the house buyers received due compensation.

Nurul Syazwani noted that resolving a housing project abandoned for approximately eight years was among her most significant achievements in her nearly two years of service. The project involved over 400 housing units across Taman Sungai Indah and Taman Mutiara. She stated that the successful completion was achieved through discussions with all stakeholders via several town hall meetings and negotiations, ensuring buyers received due compensation.

Beyond housing, a primary concern for residents is the difficulty homestay operators face in obtaining operating licenses. Permatang boasts numerous homestays situated in paddy field areas, holding significant potential as agro-tourism products. However, the land's designation as agricultural land complicates license approvals, hindering business expansion despite the potential to attract tourists.

“

We ask the state government to review existing enactments and regulations to be more flexible towards agro-tourism development.

"We ask the state government to review existing enactments and regulations to be more flexible towards agro-tourism development," Nurul Syazwani urged. She believes such flexibility is crucial for operators to conduct business legally without compromising the original function of agricultural land. While the National Land Code permits minor land use for specific purposes, state-level implementation remains a challenge, she observed, drawing parallels with Sekinchan's success in developing paddy field-based tourism.

“

This flexibility is important to enable operators to conduct business legally without affecting the original function of agricultural land.

Additionally, Nurul Syazwani raised concerns from paddy farmers regarding diesel subsidies. She pointed out that farmers do not receive the same diesel subsidy benefits as fishermen, despite the heavy reliance on diesel for most paddy cultivation operations.

“

If Sekinchan can succeed in developing such tourism products, I believe Permatang also has the same potential.