Latest news with #InstituteofLandscapeArchitectsMalaysia
The Sun
24-06-2025
- 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
24-06-2025
- 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
30-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Ipoh wins award for sustainable landscaping initiative
THE Ipoh City Council (MBI) has received the Honour Award in the Green Initiatives Award – Government Sector category at the 15th Malaysia Landscape Architecture Awards (MLAA) recently. The award was presented during the 15th MLAA ceremony on Saturday (May 24) by Institute of Landscape Architects Malaysia former president Datuk Ismail Ngah. Ipoh mayor Zamakhshari Hanipah said this recognition reflects the city council's continued commitment to implementing nature-based solutions in developing sustainable and holistic urban landscapes. "The project titled 'Bamboo: A Sustainable Solution for Green Landscape' highlights bamboo as a sustainable alternative material. "It's not only used in creating landscape furniture but also integrated with shade tree planting efforts to absorb carbon, enhance urban biodiversity, and mitigate the effects of the urban heat island phenomenon," he said in his speech at the council's full board meeting on Friday (May 30). In modern landscape architecture, where sustainability is increasingly prioritised, he said landscape design has evolved beyond aesthetics to also encompass ecological functions and environmental responsibility. "This shift is driven by growing public awareness of climate change, biodiversity loss, and the urgent need for development that aligns with nature. "MBI hopes this milestone will serve as a catalyst in its ongoing efforts to transform Ipoh into a smart and sustainable city by 2030, guided by innovation, sustainability and the well-being of all citizens," he said. On a separate matter, he said MBI is inviting the public to contribute ideas and suggestions for next year's budget that will support the city's competitiveness and development. "Suggestions can be submitted via the council's website or by scanning the QR code available on the city council's official portal. "These contributions will serve as key input in formulating the council's upcoming budget to better meet the needs of city residents. Submissions are open until June 30," he added. He also said recent records show that many property owners have yet to settle their assessment tax for the year, with some still owing taxes from previous years. "The council urges property owners facing financial hardship to come forward and discuss payment options to avoid enforcement action," he added. He said such action against defaulters could include the seizure of movable property. He added that a warrant fee of RM150 will be applied for arrears under RM1,000, while arrears over RM1,000 will incur a RM300 fee. In conjunction with Ipoh City's 37th anniversary celebration, he said MBI is offering a 70% discount on compounds for residents. The discount period ends on Saturday (May 31).
