Latest news with #HLN2025
The Star
02-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Johor eyeing gold standard in landscaping
Close collaboration between government, industry players and community key to meeting state's green goals The National Landscape Day (HLN) 2025, now in its 26th edition, has given Johor the platform to reaffirm its position as a hub for sustainable landscape development. The six-day event at Taman Bandar Bukit Layang-Layang in Pasir Gudang, which kicked off on June 25, drew thousands of visitors from across the country. The floral exhibition welcomed Johor Regent Tunku Ismail's wife Che' Puan Mahkota Khaleeda Johor who was accompanied by Tunku Tun Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah Sultan Ibrahim on June 26. The presence of Johor royalty lent strong symbolic weight to the state's commitment to landscape development, which is increasingly viewed as a pillar of urban planning and public well-being. Also present were Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming. Visitors looking at bonsai trees on display at HLN 2025 in Taman Bandar Bukit Layang Layang. Onn Hafiz said Johor was honoured to be selected as the host for this year's celebration, noting that it reflected the state's leadership in the landscape industry. 'Johor contributes more than 87% of Malaysia's plant nursery output. This makes us the heartbeat of the country's landscaping value chain,' he said. He emphasised that landscape development was more than just aesthetics for its vital role in creating sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient cities. 'Landscaping directly contributes to the quality of life, helps mitigate climate change, and supports the creation of healthier, more harmonious living environments,' he added. Onn Hafiz also said Johor was the only state in Malaysia with a dedicated landscape department, an institutional move that was part of the state government's long-term vision for green development. Johor Landscape Department, he said, showed the state's commitment to systematic and structured planning. A family playing with an elephant mascot from Johor Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan). This was in line with the Maju Johor 2030 vision that prioritised sustainable development and societal well-being, he added. Onn Hafiz said close collaboration between federal and state governments, local councils, industry players and communities was key to unlocking the landscaping sector's full potential. 'Through such cooperation, the state government aims to strengthen Johor as a progressive, sustainable state ready to become a top-tier destination for tourism and investment,' he said. Onn Hafiz, who is also Machap assemblyman, added that Johor was ready to lead by example in building modern cities that were mindful of their natural assets. 'With continued cooperation from all parties, we will realise our shared vision of a greener, healthier Johor and a better Malaysia,' he said. State housing and local government committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor said HLN was not just an annual celebration but a continuous movement to instil green values in everyday life. HLN 2025 in Pasir Gudang attracted many visitors from near and far. 'Public parks, green spaces and urban landscaping are reflections of civilisation and more importantly, the government's care and commitment toward its people,' he said. He added that each housing and urban development project in Johor would be required to allocate green areas to promote healthier, cooler and more liveable cities. 'Green zones are no longer a luxury. They are essential infrastructure for mental health, community building and climate adaptation,' he said. In addition to the ongoing Johor Bersih programme, he said the state government was stepping up efforts to revive urban parks, plant more shady trees, and engage communities in beautifying their surroundings. Mohd Jafni said this year's HLN saw participation from a broad cross-section of society, including students, residents' associations and technical agencies. 'Tree planting, landscape design competitions and community clean-up campaigns are proof that love for nature is a shared responsibility.' Mohd Jafni added that the state government was determined to ensure Johor set the gold standard in landscape planning and implementation. 'Our ambition is to make Johor the greenest, cleanest and most sustainable state in Malaysia by 2030,' he said. Ideal event location Pasir Gudang was chosen to host this year's celebration due to its strategic location and high commitment to sustainable city planning. Long known for its industrial base, Pasir Gudang is also emerging as a city focused on environmental stewardship and community engagement in green initiatives. Event venue Taman Bukit Layang-Layang is a landmark green space that also hosts the renowned Pasir Gudang International Kite Festival. Its lush natural surroundings and modern facilities made it an ideal choice for HLN 2025, said the Housing and Local Government Ministry. This year's theme, 'Landscape Industry: A Catalyst for Madani Development', aligned with the government's goal to elevate the landscape sector as a high-impact contributor to national sustainability and economic well-being. HLN was first celebrated on March 3, 1998, marking the anniversary of Malaysia's nationwide tree-planting campaign launched a year earlier. Two visitors capturing images of a field of flowers with their mobile phones at HLN 2025. Since then, the celebration has evolved into a platform to raise awareness on the importance of landscape planning in modern living. HLN 2025 featured over 120 booths showcasing landscape products and services, government agency initiatives and green technology. Interactive forums, entrepreneur discussions, and product demonstrations provided opportunities for direct engagement between industry players, policymakers and the public. The event was also designed to encourage youth involvement, with educational programmes aimed at building environmental awareness among school and university students. HLN 2025 also aimed at boosting landscape quality nationwide through knowledge-sharing, industry networking and community mobilisation. The ministry added that the event reinforced Malaysia's long-term vision of becoming a model sustainable nation by 2035, with the landscape sector playing a vital role in shaping liveable, climate-adaptive cities. Landscape sector According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia, the landscape industry contributed RM39.4bil to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2024, up from RM35.6bil the year before. This growth underscores the industry's potential as a key driver of Malaysia's green economy, especially with the rise in demand for sustainable housing developments. Landscape is now a major factor in property marketing and buyer decision-making, especially in urban centres such as the Klang Valley and Johor. Malaysia currently has over 26,000 active business entities in the landscape sector, including contractors, nurseries, manufacturers and landscape architecture consultants. Demand for green spaces is also fuelled by legal requirements such as 10% open space allocation stipulated under the Town and Country Planning Act 1976 (Act 172). These regulations serve as policy drivers to ensure that green infrastructure is integrated into all new developments.
The Star
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
National Landscape Day 2025 sparks gardening passion across all ages
(From left) Tang taking a photo of her sons, Yen De Win, 11, and Yen De Jun, eight, in front of a train replica by Kluang Municipal Council at the National Landscape Day in Pasir Gudang, Johor. — THOMAS YONG/The Star There were smiles and the rustling of petals underfoot as families, couples and nature lovers strolled through vibrant floral installations at Taman Bandar Bukit Layang-Layang in Johor during the National Landscape Day (HLN) 2025. For many visitors, the annual celebration of greenery and creativity offers more than just a walk in the park. Organised by the Housing and Local Government Ministry, the HLN is in its 26th edition. For some, the six-day event was a joyful escape from their busy schedules to admire nature's beauty. From flower-filled arches to imaginative local council park displays, the event turned the public park in Pasir Gudang into a canvas of colour and community spirit. Among those soaking up the atmosphere was 26-year-old cook Muhammad Farhan Mohd Hisham, who came with his fiancee Nurul Iylia Diyana Razi for a morning jog but ended up staying longer than planned. 'We did not even know of the event. We happened to stumble upon it during our usual jog in the park. When we saw all the flowers and creative floral displays, we had to stop and explore,' he told StarMetro. The couple found themselves admiring the artistry of the landscape exhibits, especially those showcasing colourful blooms arranged in intricate patterns. Muhammad Farhan and Nurul Iylia Diyana who have planned a garden-themed wedding in August, said HLN had given them inspiration for their big day. 'I've always liked greenery, but never really got the chance to experience something like this. It has made me want to learn more about landscaping and the art behind it,' he said. Visitors appreciating the beauty of orchids sold at HLN 2025. The event brought together local councils, landscaping professionals, gardening enthusiasts and the public for a week of exhibitions, workshops, and family fun activities. For Tang Siew Cheng, a 46-year-old mother of two from Permas Jaya, the event was a chance to create special memories with her sons, aged 11 and eight respectively. 'I saw a post regarding HLN on social media and thought it would be something fun to do together,' she said, adding that the flowers were so colourful with each park decorated to reflect the unique character of the participating districts. She added that her sons were especially drawn to displays by the Kluang and Segamat municipal councils which had cleverly incorporated model trains into their landscaping themes. 'They love trains, so that really caught their attention. 'I like how the displays have storytelling elements connected because it's not just about flowers but there's also meaning behind them,' she added. Tang is hoping the event will return to Johor again as it is a platform for visitors to have fun and build awareness on landscaping. Housewife Anita Abu Bakar, 45, who lives just a few minutes away from the park, said she brought her nine-year-old daughter for an outing during her visit. 'This park is usually known for the kite festival, but the event this time is something different. It feels fresh and exciting,' she added. She described the floral displays as 'therapeutic' and loved the peaceful environment. 'I have a good time looking at the various plant and flower designs as I find them very calming to look at,' she said. Anita, who is not into gardening, said the event had changed her perception on plant care. 'Now I understand how beautiful and calming a well designed landscape can be,' she said. Lorry driver K. Thanesh, 51, said he and his wife went to the event to explore plant stalls as they were looking for new additions for their home in Masai. 'We have some herbs and local vegetables growing in our garden, but my wife is looking for orchids to add colour to the landscape,' he said. Thanesh said they also attended a few talks by landscape professionals and horticulturists to learn more about plant care. 'The talks were really good as the experts provided tips on how to care for plants,' he added. He also said the HLN was a valuable platform for cultivating interest in gardening among Malaysians of all backgrounds. 'Not everyone has a big garden, but events like this show that even small spaces can be made beautiful by having flowers and plants,' he added. — By MOHD FARHAAN SHAH
The Sun
27-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Twin oil platform sculpture made of 7,000 CDs draws crowd at HLN 2025
JOHOR BAHRU: A striking sculpture by the Pengerang Municipal Council, featuring a twin oil platform structure made from 7,000 compact discs and standing 5.5 metres tall, has become a key attraction at the 2025 National Landscape Day (HLN) celebration here. Landscape architect Nur Asilah Abu Hassan, 33, said the piece, titled Letusan Alam was completed in about three weeks. It draws inspiration from oil rig platforms, swirling water, and fish scales—elements symbolising dynamic energy in the quest for natural resources beneath the earth. 'This sculpture reflects the harmony between industrial strength and natural beauty, while capturing the spirit and identity of the coastal Pengerang community,' she told Bernama. The Pengerang Municipal Council is a newly formed local authority tasked with managing the fast-growing Pengerang region, which is home to the Pengerang Integrated Petroleum Complex (PIPC)—a mega oil and gas hub. PIPC includes oil refineries, a naphtha plant, petrochemical facilities, a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal, and a regasification plant. It represents a significant investment in Malaysia's downstream oil and gas industry. The HLN 2025 celebration, taking place from June 25 to 30 at Taman Bukit Layang-Layang, is organised by the National Landscape Department in collaboration with the Pasir Gudang City Council. This year's theme is The Landscape Industry: A Key Driver of MADANI Development.
The Sun
27-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Pengerang CD Oil Rig Sculpture Shines at HLN 2025 Johor
JOHOR BAHRU: A striking sculpture by the Pengerang Municipal Council, featuring a twin oil platform structure made from 7,000 compact discs and standing 5.5 metres tall, has become a key attraction at the 2025 National Landscape Day (HLN) celebration here. Landscape architect Nur Asilah Abu Hassan, 33, said the piece, titled Letusan Alam was completed in about three weeks. It draws inspiration from oil rig platforms, swirling water, and fish scales—elements symbolising dynamic energy in the quest for natural resources beneath the earth. 'This sculpture reflects the harmony between industrial strength and natural beauty, while capturing the spirit and identity of the coastal Pengerang community,' she told Bernama. The Pengerang Municipal Council is a newly formed local authority tasked with managing the fast-growing Pengerang region, which is home to the Pengerang Integrated Petroleum Complex (PIPC)—a mega oil and gas hub. PIPC includes oil refineries, a naphtha plant, petrochemical facilities, a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal, and a regasification plant. It represents a significant investment in Malaysia's downstream oil and gas industry. The HLN 2025 celebration, taking place from June 25 to 30 at Taman Bukit Layang-Layang, is organised by the National Landscape Department in collaboration with the Pasir Gudang City Council. This year's theme is The Landscape Industry: A Key Driver of MADANI Development.
