TENOM: Sabah has the potential to develop its landscape and flower industry as the state imported 156.93 tons of fresh flowers valued at RM4.9 million.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said by developing the sector, industry players not only could reduce dependence on imports but also contribute towards the local community and economy.
"This shows that there is potential for the development of the landscape industry and local flowers or floriculture in this state, allowing to reduce import of fresh flowers in the future.
"This Flower Festival is certainly a platform for landscape and flower entrepreneurs to share information and experience and conduct 'business matching' to develop the floriculture industry in this state.
"I also hope that this Flower Festival will foster a culture of love on the beauty of flora and landscape activities beneficial to the community," he said.
Hajiji said this in his speech at the opening of the 2022 Flower Festival here at the Sabah Agricultural Park today.
The Chief Minister said the celebration of the Flower Festival was also significant, as it could attract more tourists to visit the interior of Sabah.
"Therefore, this festival needs to be held annually and I want our community to continue appreciating the importance of plant species conservation as a source of food and a contributor to environmental sustainability," he said.
Sabah Agricultural Park, which has been designated as a Biodiversity Treasure Storage Centre, has over 1,500 species of plants among which are 350 orchids and some 100 types of fruits.