Latest news with #NationalLandscapePolicy
The Sun
14 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia targets RM60b GDP boost from landscape industry by 2030
PETALING JAYA : The landscape industry should no longer be viewed as purely cosmetic or decorative, but as a strategic national investment in climate resilience, public health and cultural identity, says the Institute of Landscape Architects Malaysia. Its president, Assoc Prof Dr Nor Atiah Ismail said landscape architecture has become a key pillar of sustainable development, contributing significantly to economic growth and environmental protection. 'It is not a distant ambition. It is a clear call to action for Malaysia to mobilise our national strengths – our design expertise, biodiversity and professional innovation – for both local and regional impact,' she told theSun. On June 19, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming announced that under the newly updated National Landscape Policy, the government is targeting the landscape industry to contribute RM60 billion, or 3% to the country's gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030. He said the sector had already contributed RM39.4 billion, or 2%, to the GDP last year, an increase from RM35.68 billion in 2023. Nga added that the ministry would continue working to unlock the sector's full potential, aiming to transform it into a strategic economic force that not only enhances aesthetics and quality of life, but also creates jobs and income. Nor Atiah said the timing is right for Malaysia to position itself as a regional leader in sustainable landscape services, nature-based solutions and tropical floriculture exports. She cited industry estimates that placed the global landscaping services market at US$296 billion (RM1.39 trillion) in 2023, with projections rising to US$400 billion (RM1.88 trillion) by 2030. 'Growth in the Asia-Pacific region is especially strong, driven by rapid urbanisation, climate risks and the need for resilient green infrastructure.' Nor Atiah, who also serves on the executive committee of the International Federation of Landscape Architects Asia-Pacific, said Malaysian professionals are already playing a key role in high-value areas such as healthcare design, ESG-compliant (environment, social, governance) infrastructure, tourism planning and heritage revitalisation. 'They are not decorative works. They are part of a new green economy, where well-designed environments improve public health, attract investment and strengthen resilience to climate shocks. 'While the National Landscape Policy offers a solid foundation, it must now be fully operationalised across federal and state levels and aligned with national development frameworks such as the National Energy Transition roadmap and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.' Nor Atiah proposed several strategic actions, including improved policy enforcement, green tax incentives, education reform and support for local firms to compete globally. 'Tax rebates could be introduced for projects that go beyond the minimum landscaping requirements and successfully integrate nature-based solutions. 'Digital upskilling and analytical tools should be prioritised to ensure our professionals remain globally competitive.' She said landscape consultancies and nurseries should be better integrated into regional and global value chains, particularly in Asean and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, where demand for sustainable urban design is rising. 'Malaysia is well-placed to lead this platform, thanks to our tropical biodiversity, cultural richness and growing pool of design talent.' Nor Atiah also said the RM60 billion target reflects a larger shift in how landscape architecture is viewed in Malaysia. 'It's about giving value to beauty, dignity to green labour and strategic status to a profession that has long shaped our natural environments. 'With the right support, Malaysia's landscape industry can become a beacon in the region and a key player in the global green economy.'
The Sun
16 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Landscape industry to power GDP and global reach
PETALING JAYA: The landscape industry should no longer be viewed as purely cosmetic or decorative, but as a strategic national investment in climate resilience, public health and cultural identity, says the Institute of Landscape Architects Malaysia. Its president, Assoc Prof Dr Nor Atiah Ismail said landscape architecture has become a key pillar of sustainable development, contributing significantly to economic growth and environmental protection. 'It is not a distant ambition. It is a clear call to action for Malaysia to mobilise our national strengths – our design expertise, biodiversity and professional innovation – for both local and regional impact,' she told theSun. On June 19, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming announced that under the newly updated National Landscape Policy, the government is targeting the landscape industry to contribute RM60 billion, or 3% to the country's gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030. He said the sector had already contributed RM39.4 billion, or 2%, to the GDP last year, an increase from RM35.68 billion in 2023. Nga added that the ministry would continue working to unlock the sector's full potential, aiming to transform it into a strategic economic force that not only enhances aesthetics and quality of life, but also creates jobs and income. Nor Atiah said the timing is right for Malaysia to position itself as a regional leader in sustainable landscape services, nature-based solutions and tropical floriculture exports. She cited industry estimates that placed the global landscaping services market at US$296 billion (RM1.39 trillion) in 2023, with projections rising to US$400 billion (RM1.88 trillion) by 2030. 'Growth in the Asia-Pacific region is especially strong, driven by rapid urbanisation, climate risks and the need for resilient green infrastructure.' Nor Atiah, who also serves on the executive committee of the International Federation of Landscape Architects Asia-Pacific, said Malaysian professionals are already playing a key role in high-value areas such as healthcare design, ESG-compliant (environment, social, governance) infrastructure, tourism planning and heritage revitalisation. 'They are not decorative works. They are part of a new green economy, where well-designed environments improve public health, attract investment and strengthen resilience to climate shocks. 'While the National Landscape Policy offers a solid foundation, it must now be fully operationalised across federal and state levels and aligned with national development frameworks such as the National Energy Transition roadmap and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.' Nor Atiah proposed several strategic actions, including improved policy enforcement, green tax incentives, education reform and support for local firms to compete globally. 'Tax rebates could be introduced for projects that go beyond the minimum landscaping requirements and successfully integrate nature-based solutions. 'Digital upskilling and analytical tools should be prioritised to ensure our professionals remain globally competitive.' She said landscape consultancies and nurseries should be better integrated into regional and global value chains, particularly in Asean and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, where demand for sustainable urban design is rising. 'Malaysia is well-placed to lead this platform, thanks to our tropical biodiversity, cultural richness and growing pool of design talent.' Nor Atiah also said the RM60 billion target reflects a larger shift in how landscape architecture is viewed in Malaysia. 'It's about giving value to beauty, dignity to green labour and strategic status to a profession that has long shaped our natural environments. 'With the right support, Malaysia's landscape industry can become a beacon in the region and a key player in the global green economy.'
The Star
5 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Nga: Landscape sector set to boost government coffers
PUTRAJAYA: More than just aesthetics and improving quality of life, the landscape industry is set to contribute to the economic development, says Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming ( pic ). He said that the industry is expected to contribute 3% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), equal to about RM60bil, by 2030. He added that in 2024, the industry contributed RM39.4bil or 2% to GDP, an increase compared with RM35.68bil in 2023. 'Under the new National Landscape Policy, we aim for the landscape industry to contribute up to 3% or about RM60bil in 2030,' he told reporters after the National Landscape Day 2025 soft-launch event here yesterday. Nga added that based on data from the Statistics Department (DOSM), there are 24 types of landscape-related industries identified under the Malaysian Standard Industrial Classification codes. 'At the same time, the Agriculture Census 2024 by DOSM showed that the number of agricultural holdings for flower planting and landscape plants recorded a total of 113 agricultural holdings covering about 45,300ha nationwide,' he said. Nga also said that his ministry is committed to transforming the landscape industry as a strategic economic sector that can generate income and job opportunities. Themed 'Landscape Industry as the Catalyst of Madani's Development', Nga announced that this year's event will take place in Pasir Gudang, Johor. The six-day event will be launched by Che' Puan Mahkota Khaleeda Johor on June 26. 'Last year, the National Landscape Day recorded a total transaction of over RM10mil. 'This year, we aim to break that record,' he said, adding that the celebration is also in line with Malaysia's chairmanship of the UN-Habitat Assembly. In a separate event, Nga witnessed the signing of Malaysia's second Waste-to-Energy (WtE) plant, this time in Sungai Udang, Melaka. The plant will be able to process 1,000 tonnes daily and generate 22MW of electricity. He added that the new plant will be able to reduce over 259,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year – similar to planting four million trees. 'The plant will also be equipped with a leachate treatment plant, with a capacity of 96 cubic metres, and will be built on the 3.9ha land at the existing Sungai Udang's landfill,' he said. Nga was speaking at the signing of a concession agreement through the public-private partnership with Malakoff Corporation Bhd and Alam Flora Environmental Solutions Sdn Bhd. The project involves a RM660mil investment cost into a 34-year concession – including three-year construction from 2026 – through the Build, Operate and Own concept. He added that the plant will start its construction in 2026 after fulfilling various conditions, including Environmental Impact Assessment, Social Impact Assessment, Environmental Management Plan, Waste Structure Plan and other technical documents. The first WtE plant is located at Ladang Tanah Merah, Port Dickson in Negri Sembilan, and was completed in 2023. Nga said the need for transformation of waste management has become more crucial because the data shows that Malaysia is running out of landfills, as the country is projected to produce 17.03 million tonnes of waste by 2035. Previously, it was reported that the government has identified 18 possible sites for proposed WtE plants that will serve the needs of every state in Peninsular Malaysia. Last July, Nga told the Dewan Rakyat that the sites are: Jabi and Padang Cina in Kedah; Bukit Payung, Seelong and Sedili (Johor); Jabor-Jerangau and Belenggu (Pahang); Sungai Udang (Melaka); Rawang (Kuala Lumpur); Jeram, Tanjung Dua Belas and Rawang Dua (Selangor); Pulau Burung (Penang); Lahat, Taiping and Manjung (Perak); Tertak Batu (Terengganu); and Jedok (Kelantan).
