KOTA KINABALU: Leveraging the landscaping industry’s value to property and land development would do much to add to Sabah’s economic growth, Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam says.
The caretaker state Local Government and Housing Minister said landscaping is not just about aesthetics but also contributes ecological and safety features to increase the value and sustainability of property and land development.
“It could also help in the design of public parks, tourism and green living spaces,” he said while launching the five-day Sabah Landscape Architecture Festival (SLAF) 2025 at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here on Thursday (Nov 6).
With landscaping’s potential in various fields, Gunsalam urged more industry players to tap into the sector for Sabah’s economic development.
He said that landscaping could add value to high-impact development projects while integrating safety features into designs of buildings, surroundings and even as a natural form of disaster and risk management system.
With several high-impact development projects set to be introduced in the 13th Malaysian Plan (RMK-13) for the state, he reminded that it listed several main landscaping projects for districts including Putatan, Kuala Penyu, Sandakan and Kudat.
“This is to put more emphasis on beautification, well-being and image of some of the main commercial business districts in Sabah,” he said, adding that this is in line with the state government’s vision to create a sustainable and community-friendly environment.
He lauded events like the SLAF for exhibiting and exploring the potential of this industry.
“Landscaping cannot be seen as just a finishing touch or the last component to a project, but rather a foundation for town planning, housing, tourism and protection of natural resources,” Gunsalam said.
“This approach helps to balance physical and environmental developments, and at the same time support our Sabah Maju Jaya development initiative,” he said.
He also reminded that landscaping design and development must consider elements of safety, including disaster management, to prevent landslides and other dangers.
