Kota Kinabalu: The landscape industry has strong potential to drive new economic growth in Sabah through high-impact development projects under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), said caretaker Local Government and Housing Minister 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 to enhance the beauty, wellbeing, and vibrancy of main central business districts (CBDs) across the state.
“These projects will not only uplift the image of our cities but also strengthen the capacity of local authorities in landscape services.
“It aligns with the State Government’s goal to create 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) here on Thursday.
Joachim said Slaf serves as an important platform to showcase the landscape sector’s potential as a value-added industry that not only beautifies urban spaces but also contributes to Sabah’s economy through the development of public parks, green spaces and sustainable tourism.
He said landscape development should no longer be seen merely as a decorative or final component of construction projects, but as a fundamental element in urban planning, housing, tourism and natural resource management.
“This approach can create balance between physical development and environmental sustainability, supporting the Sabah Maju Jaya aspirations,” he said.
The minister also underscored the importance of professional involvement in landscape architecture to ensure that every development project considers ecological and safety aspects, especially in light of recent landslide incidents.
“Landscape functions as a natural buffer and a disaster risk mitigation tool, and therefore must be given a central role in development design,” he added.
Joachim said the ministry, through the Sabah Landscape Policy 2021–2033, will continue to strengthen green development and environmental conservation efforts to build a harmonious and inclusive living environment for the people.
He said that Slaf 2025 marks a milestone for the state’s landscape industry and will be expanded into an annual event involving local authorities, industry players and communities.
“Through programmes like this, we can recognise and empower local industry players who have great potential to contribute to Sabah’s economic and development agenda,” he said, adding that the Sabah Landscape Architecture Awards will be introduced next year.
This year’s festival spans five days, an expansion from last year’s one-day event featuring an international seminar, exhibition and community activities at Teluk Likas Public Park.
The seminar’s main focus is on Nature-Based Solutions, highlighting local and international experts’ insights into sustainable, nature-driven development approaches.
“I hope Slaf 2025 becomes a platform for knowledge sharing and new inspiration that will steer Sabah towards more sustainable, creative and high-impact landscape development,” he said.
Also present were Ministry Permanent Secretary Datuk Dr Jamili Nais, Deputy Permanent Secretaries TPr Stanley Chong and Faridah Gusi, Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry Permanent Secretary Datuk Josie Lai, Sabah State Economic Planning Unit (Upen) Deputy Sectoral Director Datuk Robert Stidi, Landscape and Sustainability Chief Assistant Secretary cum Slaf 2025 Organising Chairperson LAr. Nurulhayati Awang Mor, and co-organiser Ahmad Helmy Mohd Taib, who is also, Putatan District Council Chief Executive Officer.
