Inaugural Borneo Flora Festival 2025 To Boost Labuan’s Economy

By Jailani Hasan

LABUAN, April 11 (Bernama) -- Labuan’s inaugural Borneo Flora Festival (BFF) 2025, to be held on July 26-30, is expected to significantly boost the local economy. 

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the festival is projected to attract more than 50,000 visitors, benefiting various local sectors, including hospitality,  transportation, eateries, and homestays.

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“We see enormous potential in this event to enhance the local economy as it will directly benefit residents and local businesses," she told Bernama after officiating the pre-launch ceremony at the Labuan International Sea Sports Complex Recreational Park today.

Dr Zaliha highlighted that the festival will not only showcase the beauty of local tropical flora and landscapes, but also promote Borneo's rich ethnic and cultural heritage.

“Labuan needs an additional sector and an alternative to existing ones like financial services and oil and gas. With the second-highest gross domestic product per capita in Malaysia, Labuan has immense potential in tourism,” she said.

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She added that focusing on tourism is part of a broader strategy to spur an economic multiplier effect across various industries. 

“The festival will stimulate growth in hospitality, transportation, food and beverage, and creative industries, enhancing cost efficiency through economies of scale,” she explained.

“Events like this contribute positively to the entire local economic value chain. Our goal is not just to attract visitors but to ensure Labuan’s residents reap the direct benefits," she said, adding that the festival aligns with the MADANI Economy framework, aimed at improving the people's living standards.

Dr Zaliha also shared encouraging tourism data, noting that Labuan recorded 1.1 million visitors in 2024, marking a 15.7 per cent increase from approximately 950,000 visitors in 2023. 

“This growth shows Labuan is on the right track to becoming a tourism gem,” she said.

“We plan to make BFF a biennial signature event for Labuan, much like Royal Floria Putrajaya. However, successful execution of this first edition will be crucial," she added.

-- BERNAMA