Parks, quality landscapes are important to tourism sector — Yahya
TENOM: Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Yahya Hussin said the development and management of parks and quality landscapes were important contributors to the tourism sector.
He said they would also spark economic and business opportunities by way of commercial nurseries, flower plants and decorative material supply, landscape maintenance consultancy services, flower plant rentals and florist services.
“I hope the organizing of this festival will be a catalyst for the rapid development of the landscaping industry in Sabah, especially in the Tenom district,” he said when opening the 2017 Flower Festival at Sabah Agricultural Park here, on Saturday.
Yahya’s text was read by Assistant Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry Datuk Haji Sairin Karno.
He expressed pride in the efforts of the Agriculture Department for having built a beautiful park and attracting tourists to this area, and supports the pursuit of the department which is not only involved in improving the agricultural sector in the state but is also involved in the conservation activities of the various types of plants.
Yahya, who is also the Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry, said Malaysia was one of the signatories to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 1992.
He said this was an international convention that had been signed by all countries with a special commitment to conserving various living things on this earth, including plants.
“I am proud that my ministry, through the Sabah Agriculture Department, has played a role in conserving the diversity of plant species in the country, in line with the convention.
“I hope this effort will continue and be intensified so that the state’s original treasures will be preserved for future generations. I also support what the Department of Agriculture will do to ensure that this park continues to be the main attraction in the Interior, especially in this area.
“The existence of the park has placed Tenom in the eyes of the world as one of the best agro tourism destinations in the region,” he said.
He learnt that some dignitaries such as former Head of State, former Prime Minister, Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak as well as some federal and Sabah cabinet ministers had visited the park to view its beauty.
He said this showed that the park had its own unique charm.
He pointed out that in the pursuit of development towards a high-income country, the development of quality landscaping and the preservation of natural resources were important criteria in making Malaysia a recognized and vibrant country.
He said beautiful landscapes would be able to create a conducive environment for the people, in line with the national mission to increase quality and sustainability of quality of life.
Yahya said the provision of green infrastructure and the preservation of green spaces in both urban and rural areas could serve as recreational areas and produce goodwill, harmony, unity and prosperity.
“In conjunction with this festival, the vibrant and colourful programs as we witness today will certainly promote the floral and landscape industry.
“This festival should also be a strategic meeting location among vendors and buyers of flowers and share information as well as study the best ways to enhance the landscape and local flora industries,” he said.
Present at the event were Sabah Agriculture Department director Idrus Shafie, Safoda chairman Senator Datuk Dr Lucas Umbul, representative of the permanent secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry Blasius @ Yus Duasa, deputy director (Development Division) Dzulkifli Haji Ghulamdin, deputy director (Reseach Division) Hajah Julia Haji Lamdin, District Officer Madiyem Layapan, Sabah Agricultural Park manager Jain Linton, heads of state and federal departments, principals, headmasters and school students.