Landscape Industry Set to Drive Sabah’s New Economic Growth

6 November 2025

KOTA KINABALU: The landscape industry holds significant potential to become a new contributor to Sabah’s state revenue through the implementation of high-impact development projects under the upcoming 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13), said the Minister of Local Government and Housing, Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam.

He said his ministry had identified several major landscape projects in key economic districts, including Putatan, Kuala Penyu, Sandakan, and Kudat, aimed at enhancing the beauty, liveability, and overall image of the state’s main central business districts (CBDs).

“These projects will act as catalysts for improving the image of our towns while strengthening the capacity of local authorities’ landscaping services. This is in line with the State Government’s goal of creating a sustainable, beautiful, and community-friendly environment,” he said when officiating the Sabah Landscape Architecture Festival (SLAF) 2025 at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) today.

Dr Joachim added that SLAF serves as an important platform to showcase the vast potential of the landscape sector as a value-added industry that not only beautifies urban areas but also contributes to the state’s economy through the development of public parks, green spaces, and sustainable tourism.

He stressed that landscaping should no longer be seen merely as an aesthetic complement or final component of development projects, but as a fundamental element in urban planning, housing, tourism, and natural resource management.

“This approach can create a balance between physical development and environmental sustainability, supporting the aspirations of Sabah Maju Jaya,” he said.

Dr Joachim also emphasised the importance of professional involvement in landscape architecture to ensure that every development project takes into account ecological and safety aspects, particularly in light of recent landslide incidents.

“Landscaping functions as a natural barrier and a disaster risk mitigation tool; therefore, it must be given priority in development design,” he stressed.

He said the ministry, through the Sabah State Landscape Policy 2021–2033, would continue to strengthen green development efforts and environmental preservation to create a harmonious and inclusive living environment for the people.

Dr Joachim added that the hosting of SLAF 2025 marks a milestone for the state’s landscape industry and would be expanded into an annual event involving participation from local authorities, industry players, and the community.

“Through programmes like this, we can recognise the contributions of local industry players who have the potential to significantly drive the state’s economy and development,” he said, announcing that the Sabah Landscape Architecture Awards would be introduced next year.

He noted that this year’s SLAF runs for five days compared to a single day last year, featuring international seminars, exhibitions, and community activities at Teluk Likas Public Park.

A key focus of this year’s seminar is the sharing of expertise by local and international professionals on Nature-Based Solutions, a development approach centred on environmental sustainability.

“I hope SLAF 2025 will serve as a platform for knowledge sharing and new inspiration that will guide Sabah towards more sustainable, creative, and high-impact landscape development,” he said.

Also present were the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Datuk Dr Jamili Nais; Deputy Permanent Secretaries I and II, TPr Stanley Chong and Faridah Giau; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Josie Lai; Deputy Director of Sectoral 1, Sabah State Economic Planning Unit (UPEN), Datuk Robert Stidi; Chief Assistant Secretary for the Landscape and Sustainability Sector and SLAF 2025 organiser, LAr. Nurulhayati Awang More; and co-organiser, Chief Executive Officer of the Putatan District Council, Ahmad Helmy Mohd Taib.