KARNIVAL Ban Canal 2026 attracted more than 38,000 visitors over three days, generating nearly RM125,000 in direct revenue for 34 local vendors and micro-enterprises.
Held from Nov 6 to 8 at Ban Canal Parit 14 in Simpang Lima, the festival was organised by Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporation) (MBI Selangor), in collaboration with the Sabak Bernam District and Land Office and Sabak Bernam District Council.
The event was organised under the Sabak Bernam Development Area (SABDA) framework, with the theme “Alam, Budaya, Lestari” (Nature, Culture, Sustainability). It aimed to promote local tourism and cultural heritage while creating business opportunities for the surrounding community.
The festival also highlighted Ban Canal, a 45km waterway originally built to support Selangor’s agricultural activities. The canal is also located within the nomination zone for the proposed UNESCO Anjung Utara Selangor Biosphere Reserve.
MBI Selangor group chief executive officer Datuk Ts. Saipolyazan M Yusop said the carnival supported SABDA’s efforts to develop sustainable rural tourism and agritourism by involving local communities in economic activities.
He said this year’s edition marked a milestone with the introduction of international-level water sports through a collaboration with the Selangor Canoe Association.
The event attracted athletes from countries including Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Afghanistan and Somalia, he added.
Beyond the sporting activities, the carnival provided a platform for local businesses to reach visitors and generate income.
The Platform Selangor (PLATS) entrepreneur showcase and Jualan Eko Tani featured local products, while cottage industry operators and homestay providers also took part.
Food and cultural activities offered visitors an introduction to Sabak Bernam’s heritage. Local delicacies such as nasi ambeng and traditional kuih were among the offerings, while the Perkampungan Hos Komuniti Setempat (Local Community Host Village) featured activities such as traditional dodol-making and folk games.
The programme also included Project Strong Ban Canal, organised by Sinar Daily, which featured challenges inspired by everyday village life, alongside stand-up paddleboarding, the Larian Warisan Alam marathon featuring traditional costumes, wall climbing and flying fox activities.
Other attractions included tug-of-war competitions, the SABDA Idol final, face painting, colouring and batik painting activities, congkak and a traditional fashion competition. Visitors were also treated to a performance of the traditional play Musang Berjanggut.
Exhibitors included SABDA, the Sabak Bernam District Council, the district agriculture department, Selangor Research Institute, Agrobank and Sinar Daily. They showcased their services and engaged visitors on areas including financial and media literacy.
The entertainment programme featured performances by local artistes Hazama, Datuk Hattan, Kristal X and Umayrah.
At the carnival’s closing ceremony on Nov 8, Selangor public health and environment committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin said the event had attracted more than 34,000 visitors as of Nov 7.
She also highlighted the participation of 34 PLATS entrepreneurs and 20 local product vendors under Persatuan Eko Tani, describing the turnout and business involvement as evidence of Sabak Bernam’s potential as an ecotourism and cultural destination.
Through Karnival Ban Canal, MBI Selangor aims to connect the district’s tourism and cultural assets with income opportunities for local businesses and communities.
The initiative also supports the aspirations of the Second Selangor Plan (RS-2), which seeks to promote more balanced development and ensure rural communities participate in and benefit from the state’s economic growth. ‒ Nov 12, 2026
