Latest news with #BFF2025
The Star
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Borneo floral fest in Labuan off to a vibrant start
LABUAN: The Borneo Flora Festival (BFF) 2025 got off to a vibrant start on the first day, attracting a total of 37,130 visitors, says Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa ( pic ). The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) said the impressive figure was recorded through the artificial intelligence-based closed circuit television monitoring system operated by the Labuan Corporation that is used to manage crowd flow and ensure visitor safety throughout the five-day event. 'Crowd response is overwhelming and reflects the growing popularity of the BFF as a premier tourism and cultural attraction in Labuan,' she said after visiting the event yesterday. Dr Zaliha added that the festival not only brings colour and joy to the island but also serves as an economic catalyst, especially for local businesses. 'With more than 37,000 visitors in just one day, we are already seeing the economic spillover. Hoteliers, food stalls, local artisans and even home-based entrepreneurs are benefiting tremendously from this influx,' she said, Bernama reported. This year's BFF 2025 with the theme 'Borneo Tropical Flora' features, among others, floral parades, garden installations and dance and music performances.
Barnama
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Barnama
Borneo Flora Festival 2025 Attracts Over 37,000 Visitors On Opening Day
LABUAN, July 27 (Bernama) -- The Borneo Flora Festival (BFF) 2025 got off to a vibrant start yesterday, drawing a total of 37,130 visitors on its first day alone. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the impressive figure was recorded through the artificial intelligence-based closed circuit television (AI-CCTV) monitoring system operated by the Labuan Corporation that is used to manage crowd flow and ensure visitor safety throughout the five-day event. 'Crowd response is overwhelming and reflects the growing popularity of the BFF as a premier tourism and cultural attraction in Labuan,' she said after visiting the festival grounds today. Dr Zaliha added that the festival not only brings colour and joy to the island, but also serves as an economic catalyst, especially for local businesses, vendors, homestay operators and eateries. 'With more than 37,000 visitors in just one day, we are already seeing the economic spillover. Hoteliers, food stalls, local artisans and even home-based entrepreneurs are benefiting tremendously from this influx,' she said. This year's BFF 2025, themed 'Borneo Tropical Flora', features floral parades, garden installations, traditional dance and music performances, and exhibitions that showcase Borneo's rich botanical and cultural heritage. The event also includes participation from neighbouring regions such as Sabah, Sarawak, Kalimantan and Brunei. The inaugural festival was graced by Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, further elevating the significance and prestige of the event's opening day. Over 50,000 visitors are being targeted to attend the five-day celebration, which runs until July 30.
Malaysian Reserve
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Malaysian Reserve
Borneo Flora Festival 2025 attracts over 37,000 visitors on opening day
LABUAN — The Borneo Flora Festival (BFF) 2025 got off to a vibrant start yesterday, drawing a total of 37,130 visitors on its first day alone. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the impressive figure was recorded through the artificial intelligence-based closed circuit television (AI-CCTV) monitoring system operated by the Labuan Corporation that is used to manage crowd flow and ensure visitor safety throughout the five-day event. 'Crowd response is overwhelming and reflects the growing popularity of the BFF as a premier tourism and cultural attraction in Labuan,' she said after visiting the festival grounds today. Dr Zaliha added that the festival not only brings colour and joy to the island, but also serves as an economic catalyst, especially for local businesses, vendors, homestay operators and eateries. 'With more than 37,000 visitors in just one day, we are already seeing the economic spillover. Hoteliers, food stalls, local artisans and even home-based entrepreneurs are benefiting tremendously from this influx,' she said. This year's BFF 2025, themed 'Borneo Tropical Flora', features floral parades, garden installations, traditional dance and music performances, and exhibitions that showcase Borneo's rich botanical and cultural heritage. The event also includes participation from neighbouring regions such as Sabah, Sarawak, Kalimantan and Brunei. The inaugural festival was graced by Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, further elevating the significance and prestige of the event's opening day. Over 50,000 visitors are being targeted to attend the five-day celebration, which runs until July 30. — BERNAMA
Barnama
5 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Borneo Flora Festival 2025 Spurs Socioeconomic Reform, Regional Cooperation In Labuan
LABUAN, July 26 (Bernama) -- The inaugural Borneo Flora Festival (BFF) 2025 is more than just a vibrant showcase of tropical blooms and landscape artistry. It is part of a broader strategy under the MADANI Government's reform agenda to realign Labuan's development priorities and steer the island towards a more inclusive and sustainable economic future. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, in her speech at the official launch of the BFF 2025 here today, said that the festival was designed not merely to add to Labuan's event calendar, but to serve as a catalyst for diversification and socioeconomic revitalisation. 'Labuan recorded a gross domestic product (GDP) per capita of RM87,000 in 2024, the second highest in as I've often reiterated, this economic figure does not reflect the lived experiences of the people. 'The island's economic reliance on the oil and gas sector has waned compared to 10 to 15 years ago,' she said. Dr Zaliha said as part of the government's reformist approach, Labuan's development focus has been recalibrated and the outcome is already evident; Labuan's GDP per capita grew by 5.4 per cent in 2024, outpacing the national average. The island also recorded over one million visitors last year, a 15.7 per cent increase from the previous year, signalling the growing potential of its tourism industry. 'To capitalise on this momentum, we have, over the past year, intensified our focus on developing the tourism sector, which is more sustainable and closer to the people. The BFF is one of the key drivers of this strategic shift,' she said. The minister said the festival's impact is expected to go beyond tourism, generating local socioeconomic opportunities, particularly for the hotel, food, and small business sectors.
The Sun
7 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
New Labuan Corporation chairman appointment in final stages
KUALA LUMPUR: The appointment of the new Labuan Corporation chairman is in its final stages and will be announced once a decision has been finalised, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories), Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa. She said that the appointment was not deliberately delayed but was being carried out with careful consideration to ensure that the selected individual truly understands Labuan's needs and is capable of driving its economic growth. 'I don't think we need to rush the decision. More importantly, we are considering the merits of the candidate and how the chairman can contribute meaningfully to Labuan's development. 'The origin of the chairman should not be an issue. Whether the individual is from Labuan, Sabah, or elsewhere, what truly matters is our shared commitment to serving Labuan,' she said during the Ministers' Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today. Dr Zaliha was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Siti Aminah Aching (BN-Beaufort), who asked about the delay in appointing the Labuan Corporation chairman and whether a candidate from Sabah would have an advantage in securing the position. Meanwhile, in another development, Dr Zaliha said the Federal Territories Department (JWP) was exploring several new sectors, including agriculture and the blue economy, as part of efforts to diversify Labuan's economy. The initiative aims to reduce Labuan's reliance on the oil and gas industry and offshore financial services by formulating a clear, focused, and structured policy for development. 'If you look at the agro-island concept, it represents a progressive policy that could position Labuan as an island with a high level of food security. The only challenge we currently face under the structural plan is that only 0.22 per cent, or 154.45 hectares, of land in Labuan is zoned for agricultural use. 'However, we can explore ways to expand monitoring and meet current needs by applying modern technology to this limited agricultural zone. This includes attracting investments in smart agriculture or focusing on high-potential crops, such as vegetables,' she said. Dr Zaliha was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Dr Suhaili Abdul Rahman (PN-Labuan), who asked about the government's plans to strengthen the local economy and reduce its dependence on the financial services and oil and gas sectors. She said that under the blue economy initiative, modern aquaculture methods would be explored, alongside the establishment of several marine research zones aimed at attracting both local and international research teams to Labuan. Their long-term presence, she added, would contribute to boosting the island's economy. In response to Suhaili's original question regarding the Borneo Flora Festival 2025 (BFF2025), scheduled to take place from July 26 to 30 at the Labuan International Sea Sports Complex (KSLA), Dr Zaliha said the festival marks the first step towards positioning Labuan as a regional hub for exhibitions and flower shows. 'In addition, the festival is expected to stimulate the local landscaping and horticulture industry, generate community-based economic activity through increased tourist arrivals, and encourage a shift in mindset among tourists from Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei, and Kalimantan, Indonesia to consider Labuan as a preferred weekend and holiday destination. On the return on investment (ROI) of BFF2025, Dr Zaliha said that its impact should not be measured solely by on-site transactions but also through the broader indirect benefits to the local community. 'For example, the programme is expected to attract around 50,000 visitors, with an estimated direct expenditure of RM20 million, based on a projected RM400 per visitor, covering accommodation, food, transport, and souvenirs. 'In addition, the economic multiplier effect is projected to generate RM35 million in gross value added (GVA) and create approximately 400 temporary job opportunities. The advertising value equivalency (AVE) from media exposure is also expected to reach RM8 million,' she added. - Bernama
