LABUAN: The Borneo Flora Festival (BFF) 2025, which officially begins today (Saturday), is already generating significant economic spillover across Labuan, with thousands of visitors arriving for the five-day floral and cultural celebration.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, said the scale of the event has sparked a “massive local mobilisation effort” that is benefiting businesses and communities throughout the island.
“We are witnessing a strong influx of visitors into Labuan, and this has begun to directly benefit local hoteliers, restaurants, homestay operators and even house owners who are now opening up their homes as temporary lodging due to overwhelming demand,” she said after inspecting final preparations at the Labuan International Sea Sports Complex, here, Friday.
Dr Zaliha said preliminary estimates indicate more than RM20 million in revenue is expected to be generated by traders and business operators, driven by high demand for goods, services and accommodations throughout the event.
“It is projected that over 50,000 come-and-go visitors will attend the festival over the five days, and based on our calculations, each visitor is estimated to spend an average of RM400 during their stay,” she added.
The Borneo Flora Festival, hosted in the heart of Labuan town, features spectacular floral exhibitions, cultural performances, traditional crafts showcases, and participation from local and regional government bodies, including representatives from Indonesia’s Kalimantan and dignitaries from Sabah and Sarawak.
Adding to the prestige of the event, Her Majesty the Raja Permaisuri Agong will officially grace the opening ceremony, joined by the Prime Minister’s spouse and the wives of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sabah and Sarawak.
“This is not just a tourism event. It is a major economic driver, creating income opportunities across sectors, from logistics, hospitality and food supply, to transport and cultural enterprises,” Dr Zaliha said.
She commended the coordinated efforts of Labuan Corporation, the Department of Federal Territories, Kuala Lumpur City Hall, Putrajaya Corporation, and community organisations in ensuring that the island is well-prepared to receive the surge in visitors.
The festival is part of the Federal Territories’ initiative to strengthen Labuan’s identity as a tourism and cultural hub, with future plans to expand similar large-scale events to further stimulate the island’s economy.
Local stakeholders have also reported a surge in pre-orders and bookings for traditional food products, floral souvenirs, boat transport, and private shuttle services.
“This is a timely boost for Labuan’s economic ecosystem, as the community’s involvement, from house owners converting their homes into temporary homestays to small vendors expanding their stock, demonstrates the inclusive benefit of this festival,” Dr Zaliha added.
The Borneo Flora Festival 2025 runs from July 26 to 30.
