KOTA KINABALU: The landscape industry has the potential to become a new economic driver for Sabah through high-impact projects to be introduced under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), said Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam.
He said several key landscape projects have been identified in economic growth areas such as Putatan, Kuala Penyu, Sandakan and Kudat to enhance the beauty, liveability and attractiveness of central business districts (CBDs) across the State.
Speaking when launching the Sabah Landscape Architecture Festival (SLAF) 2025 at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) on Thursday, he said these initiatives would strengthen local authorities’ landscape services while supporting the State Government’s aim of building sustainable and community-friendly cities.
Dr Joachim said the festival serves as an important platform to showcase the value of the landscape sector as a contributor to the state economy, particularly through the development of parks, green spaces and eco-tourism.
He added that the Sabah Landscape Policy 2021–2033 will continue to guide efforts toward green development and natural preservation, with the ministry set to introduce the Sabah Landscape Architecture Awards next year as part of its commitment to the industry’s growth.
