Borneo Flora Festival 2025 Attracts Over 37,000 Visitors On Opening Day

LABUAN, July 27 (Bernama) -- The Borneo Flora Festival (BFF) 2025 got off to a vibrant start yesterday, drawing a total of 37,130 visitors on its first day alone.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the impressive figure was recorded through the artificial intelligence-based closed circuit television (AI-CCTV) monitoring system operated by the Labuan Corporation that is used to manage crowd flow and ensure visitor safety throughout the five-day event.

“Crowd response is overwhelming and reflects the growing popularity of the BFF as a premier tourism and cultural attraction in Labuan,” she said after visiting the festival grounds today.

Dr Zaliha added that the festival not only brings colour and joy to the island, but also serves as an economic catalyst, especially for local businesses, vendors, homestay operators and eateries.

“With more than 37,000 visitors in just one day, we are already seeing the economic spillover. Hoteliers, food stalls, local artisans and even home-based entrepreneurs are benefiting tremendously from this influx,” she said.

This year’s BFF 2025, themed ‘Borneo Tropical Flora’, features floral parades, garden installations, traditional dance and music performances, and exhibitions that showcase Borneo’s rich botanical and cultural heritage.

The event also includes participation from neighbouring regions such as Sabah, Sarawak, Kalimantan and Brunei.

The inaugural festival was graced by Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, further elevating the significance and prestige of the event's opening day.

Over 50,000 visitors are being targeted to attend the five-day celebration, which runs until July 30.

-- BERNAMA