Selangor’s tourism sector is entering a transformative phase as international tourist arrivals have now surpassed domestic visits, signalling growing global interest in the state ahead of Visit Selangor Year (VSY) 2025.

According to Datuk Ng Suee Lim, Chairman of the State Local Government and Tourism Committee, the traditional tourism ratio of 70% domestic to 30% international visitors has flipped, reflecting Selangor’s strengthened appeal to foreign travellers.

“This marks a new chapter for Selangor as we become a more attractive destination on the international stage,” he stated at the Sekinchan Padi Field Festival 2025, held in Sabak Bernam district.

Despite this positive momentum, Ng noted a gap in infrastructure — particularly the lack of four-star accommodations in Sekinchan — to meet the expectations of high-spending international visitors.

The two-day Sekinchan Padi Field Festival, hosted at Terminal Sekinchan, was the first of its kind in Malaysia and served as a key curtain-raiser for VSY2025. Drawing approximately 13,000 visitors, the event showcased Selangor’s agro-tourism strengths and rural charm, particularly in Malaysia’s leading rice-producing region.

Visitors were treated to immersive experiences such as electric tram and rickshaw tours through lush paddy fields, traditional kite (wau kapal) displays, a local food fair, and a live performance by acclaimed singer-songwriter Aizat Amdan. The second day featured a fun run in the paddy fields, free health screenings, and community-driven environmental activities.

Launched by Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, the festival is part of a larger campaign comprising over 100 tourism events under VSY2025, which aims to attract 8 million visitors and generate RM11.7 billion in tourism revenue.

To support this ambitious vision, the Selangor state government has allocated RM8 million under the 2025 state budget for tourism development and infrastructure enhancements across all nine districts. The campaign will highlight diverse tourism segments including educational travel, sports, gastronomy, and cultural heritage.

Also present at the press conference were Menteri Besar Incorporated CEO Saipolyazan M. Yusop and Tourism Selangor CEO Chua Yee Ling, both of whom expressed confidence in Selangor’s growing readiness to welcome international tourists on a larger scale.