Labuan: Labuan should be positioned as a key regional hub closely connected with the whole of Borneo, serving as a gateway for trade, tourism, culture and cross-border cooperation. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr. Zaliha Mustafa highlighted Labuan’s strategic location in the heart of Borneo, placing it firmly within the regional ecosystem.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr. Zaliha emphasized that Labuan’s position along international maritime routes made it an important stopover destination, logistics centre, and host for international events. However, she noted the challenges Labuan faces, such as market scale limitations and dependence on certain industries, including restricted tourism accommodation capacity and the need for improved transportation networks.

Her speech, delivered by Federal Territories Department director-general Datuk Seri Noridah Abdul Rahim, took place at the Borneo Flora Festival (BFF) 2025 Strategic Partners Appreciation Ceremony at Desa Tunas Hijau, Sungai Miri. Dr. Zaliha stressed the importance of attracting investors, empowering local entrepreneurs, and implementing public-private partnership models. These steps should be prioritised to address challenges, particularly in boosting accommodation capacity and strengthening transport connectivity.

Furthermore, Dr. Zaliha advocated for the effective implementation of the Labuan Tourism Action Plan to improve livelihoods, create employment and business opportunities, and uplift the local community. The event, organised by various government agencies, aimed to recognise the contributions of departments, agencies, private sector players, community leaders, and non-governmental organisations to the successful staging of BFF 2025 in July.