FEDERAL GOVT AIMS TO TRANSFORM LABUAN INTO THRIVING ECONOMIC HUB - DR ZALIHA

LABUAN, Dec 12 (Bernama) -- The federal government is committed to enhancing Labuan’s economic development, aiming to position the island on par with other developing states, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa.

She said the government’s agenda includes transforming Labuan into an economic hub with multiple engines of growth, especially tourism.

“The Prime Minister aspires to turn Labuan into an economic hub, with tourism as a key driver of economic growth,” Dr Zaliha told Bernama today, in conjunction with her first anniversary as Minister-In-Charge of Federal Territories.

As part of this initiative, she emphasises that the government has allocated RM1 million to upgrade infrastructure and enhance tourism products and programmes.

“Labuan’s signature tourism events, such as the Labuan International Sea Challenge (LISC), have the potential to attract thousands of visitors…we aim to enhance these programmes further to bring in more international participants,” said Dr Zaliha.

She also announced plans to introduce new tourism offerings, one of which is the Borneo Floral Festival (BFF), modelled after a successful programme in Putrajaya, which is set to debut in Labuan next July.

Dr Zaliha said RM1 million has been channelled through the Department of Federal Territories (JWP) and Labuan Corporation (LC) to reconstruct the jetty at Rusukan Besar Island, a popular tourist destination, and enhancements to Labuan Bird Park are also underway to boost its appeal to visitors.

She attributed the progress in revitalising Labuan’s economy to strong collaboration between the government, media, local communities, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

“We are not merely announcing plans but are committed to implementing them to benefit Labuan’s economy and its people’s wellbeing.

“Rebuilding Labuan's economy is not an overnight process; it requires time and careful planning.

“We must be given sufficient time to strategise, plan, and execute development initiatives for Labuan and we will expedite any projects that can be fast-tracked,” she said.

-- BERNAMA