PRACTICAL TRAINING

REPORT
LANDSCAPE DEPARTMENT, DEWAN
BANDARAYA KOTA KINABALU
Practical report submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of
PARK AND AMENITY MANAGEMENT (HONS)
FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, PLANNING AND SURVEYING

For
Undisclosed

By
NICOLAI ZACQ SIDEK
2009xxxxxx
AP230 6B

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Contents
List of Figures
Chapter 1: Introduction to Practical Training
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Objectives of Practical Training
Chapter 2: Company Background
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Function of DBKK
2.3 DBKK Vision and Mission
2.4 Official Symbols
2.4.1 Flag and Logo
2.4.2 Official Mascot of Kota Kinabalu
2.4.3 Official Flower of Kota Kinabalu
2.4.4 Official Tree of Kota Kinabalu
2.5 DBKK Organizational Chart
2.6 Departments in DBKK
Chapter 3: Landscape Department, DBKK
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Divisions within Landscape Department
3.2.1 Planning, Design and Development Control Division
3.2.2 Operation Management and Landscape Maintenance
Division
3.3 Landscape Department Organizational Chart
Chapter 4: Tasks Assigned
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Time Table
4.3 Log Books
4.3.1 UiTM Log Book
4.3.2 DBKK Log Book
4.4 Tasks and Assignments
4.4.1 Unit Penyelengaraan dan Operasi
4.4.2 Unit Pengurusan Kontrak Penyelengaraan Landskap,
Parit dan Rumput
4.4.3 Unit Penyelengaraan Taman-taman Awam dan
Landskap Kejur
4.4.4 Unit Perancangan dan Rekabentuk
Chapter 5: Comments, Issues And Recommendations
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Comments
5.3 Issues and Recommendations
Chapter 6: Conclusion, References And Appendix
6.1 Conclusion
6.2 References
APPENDIX 1: Borang Kehadiran Pelajar Praktikal
APPENDIX 2: Cadangan Naiktaraf Landskap

Page Number
3
4
4
5
6
7

8
9
11
12
13

14
15
16
17

19
24
28
29
32

35

LIST OF FIGURES
Figures
Figure 2.1
Figure 2.2
Figure 2.3
Figure 2.4
Figure 2.5
Figure 2.6
Figure 2.7
Figure 2.8
Figure 2.9
Figure 3.1
Figure 4.1
Figure 4.2
Figure 4.3
Figure 4.4
Figure 4.5
Figure 4.6
Figure 4.7
Figure 4.8
Figure 4.9
Figure 4.10
Figure 4.11
Figure 4.12
Figure 4.13
Figure 4.14
Figure 4.15
Figure 4.16
Figure 4.17
Figure 4.18
Figure 4.19
Figure 4.20
Figure 4.21
Figure 4.22
Figure 4.23
Figure 4.24
Figure 4.25
Figure 4.26
Figure 4.27
Figure 4.28
Figure 4.29
Figure 4.30
Figure 4.31
Figure 4.32
Figure 4.33
Figure 4.34
Figure 4.35
Figure 4.36
Figure 4.37
Figure 4.38
Figure 4.39
Figure 4.40
Table 2.1
Table 2.2
Table 4.1

Description
Kota Kinabalu boundary
View of Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu Official Seal
Kota Kinabalu Official Flag
Great Egret
Borneo Orchid
Casuarina
DBKK organizational chart
DBKK work scope
Landscape organizational chart
Practical students time table
UiTM log book cover
UiTM log book contents
DBKK log book cover
DBKK log book contents
Stage design
Nursery truck
Stage design
Nursery organizational chart
Morning assembly
Assembly hall
Potted plants
Skymaster
Operating skymaster
Chainsaw
Long-trimmer
Trainee cutting tree
Work schedule and report
Trainee time table
Fallen tree
Road side site inspection
Site inspection at Taman Bintang
Site inspection at Gaya Street
Site inspection at Petagas Memorial
Site inspection at Tanjung Aru rugby field
Site inspection at Colonnade Condominium
Site inspection at Lintas Plaza
Service plan made by practical students
Tree Hazard Evaluation Form
Clinometer
Through the lens of a clinometer
Site inspection
Photocopied plan
Complaints files
Site inspection at Dataran Bandaraya
Site inspection at Sembulan Plaza
Square planter box design
Round planting pit design
Preliminary design sketches
Drawing and colouring techniques
DBKK governing zones
Rationale for Kota Kinabalu Seal and Flag
New time table

CHAPTER 1
INTROUCTION TO PRACTICAL TRAINING
1.1 Introduction
Practical training or Industrial training is a mandatory course for all degree students of
Park and Amenity Management. It is a requirement to fulfil the course in order to
complete the degree as well as graduate from the university. The training refers to work
experience that is relevant to professional development prior to graduation. For Park
and Amenity students, an 8-week period is allocated for training at locations chosen by
students themselves. No restriction is imposed on them whether they want to work in
government agencies or private organizations.
For this semester, the trainee, Nicolai Zacq Sidek (2009431862), has started working in
the Landscape Department of Kota Kinabalu City Hall from the 16th of July 2012 until the
7th of September 2012.
1.2 Objectives of Practical Training
The objectives of industrial training are as follow:
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.

To fulfill the award of the degree of Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM)

Apply theories learnt in classroom in working environments
Solidifies students confidence after graduation
Improve both soft and hard skills
Improve communication and management skills

CHAPTER 2
COMPANY BACKGROUND
2.1 Introduction
Kota Kinabalu City Hall (Dewan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu or DBKK) is a governing local
authority (pihak berkuasa tempatan) established for the purpose of administering the
city of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Formerly called Kota Kinabalu Municipal Council (Majlis
Perbandaran Kota Kinabalu), DBKK was inaugurated on February 2, 2000 after being
awarded city status. The headquarters is located Jalan Gaya near Lintasan Deasoka.
Kota Kinabalu was previously known as Jesselton and Api-api by the locals. With an
area of 351 square kilometres, Kota Kinabalu or KK covers the area of Tanjung Aru in
the south up to Telipok and Sepanggar in the north. Situated at the northwest coast of
Borneo, Kota Kinabalu is set facing the South China Sea against the backdrop of Mount
Kinabalu, a World Heritage Site.
DBKK enforces 26 Local Government Acts, 4 Ordinance and 1 City Enactment (1996)
and the head authority is the mayor of the city. There are 9 governing zones located in
Kota Kinabalu. They are:

Zone
Zone 1
Zone 2
Zone 3
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9

Area
Tanjung Aru dan Kepayan
Kota Kinabalu
Nountun
Inanam
Kuala Inanam
Menggatal
Menggatal North
Telipok
Pulau-pulau
Table 2. 1 DBKK governing zones

Figure 2. 1 Kota Kinabalu Boundary

Figure 2. 2 View of Kota Kinabalu

2.2 Function of DBKK

DBKKs function is governed by Section 49 Local Government Ordinance 1961 which
covers:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)

Cleanliness
Beautification
Provide and maintain public facilities
Public health
Licensing

2.3 DBKK Vision and Mission

DBKK holds the vision to make Kota Kinabalu as a Nature Resort City with sustainable
development, friendly and prosperous city by year 2020. Their mission is to administer
Kota Kinabalu City through professional, transparent and efficient delivery service with a
balanced development for the well-being of the community.
2.4 Official Symbols
These are the official symbols that represent the city of Kota Kinabalu.
2.4.1 Flag and Logo

Figure 2. 3 Kota Kinabalu Official Seal

Figure 2. 4 Kota Kinabalu Official Flag

There are 6 distinctive colours used in the seal and the flag of Kota Kinabalu, each
with its own meaning. Together, they form what represents the structure and
people of the Nature Resort City.

These colours are:

Colour
Light blue
Dark blue

Rationale
Truth, confidence and success
Solidarity, harmony and a

Red

cooperation
Confidence, bravery, efficiency, truth and

White
Yellow
Green

justice
Clean, trustworthy and just service
Prosperity and excellence
Vitality, advancement and progress

spirit

of

Table 2. 2 Rationale for Kota Kinabalu Seal and Flag

2.4.2 Official Mascot of Kota Kinabalu

Figure 2. 5 Great Egret

Scientific name: Egretta alba

Family: Ardeidae
Common name: Great Egret
The Great Egret is the largest in the Egret bird group. Its feathers are white and its
feet are black. Its chest is yellow except during breeding seasons whereby it turns
to black. They are often found on paddy fields, swamp areas and mangrove
forests throughout Malaysia. In Kota Kinabalu, these birds are often seen at Likas
Lagoon, usually in small colonies.

2.4.3 Official Flower of Kota Kinabalu

Figure 2. 6 Borneo Orchid

Scientific Name: Phalaenopsis amabilis

Family: Orchidaceae
Common Name: Borneo Orchid
The Borneo Orchid is an epiphyte orchid. The word amabilis derives from a Latin
word meaning beautiful. It has a short stem and long rectangular shaped leaves
reaching 30 cm and as wide as 12 cm. The stalk of its flowers can reach 80 cm
which can hold up to 20 white flowers as large as 8 to 10 cm. This orchid species
can be easily found in Borneo.
2.4.4 Official Tree of Kota Kinabalu

Figure 2. 7 Casuarina

Scientific name: Casuarina sumatrana

Family: Casuarinaceae
Common name: Pokok Sempilau Laut or Casuarina

10

Casuarina is an evergreen species of tree. The leaves form a bushy crown with
regular and symmetrical silhoutte. It is slow growing with life expectancy of 70
years and the need for pruning and cutting is minimal or not necessary.

11

2.5 Organizational Chart

Figure 2. 8 DBKK Organizational Chart

12

2.6 Departments in DBKK

DBKK consists of 15 departments divided into 3 work scopes: Corporate, Technical and
Operations. The chart below shows the departments responsible for the 3 work scopes.

Mayor
Bahagian Audit
Ketua pengarah

Timbalan Ketua Pengarah (Korporat)

Sektor Teknikal

Timbalan Ketua Pengarah (Operasi)

Jabatan Pengurusan Sumber Manusia Jabatan Perancangan Bandaraya

Jabatan Kesihatan dan Perkidmatan Bandar
Jabatan Kejuteraan
Jabatan hal Ehwal Korporat
Jabatan Lanskap
Jabatan Kewangan dan Belanjawan Jabatan Komputer
Jabatan Penguatkuasa
Jabatan Penyelidikan dan Koordinasi
Jabatan Pengurusan dan Pelaburan Harta
Jabatan Pengurusan Sub Urban
Unit Perolehan Kontrak dan Tender
Jabatan Perundangan

Figure 2. 9 DBKK Work Scope

The trainee (practical student) is allocated in the Landscape Department which will be
further elaborated in Chapter 3.

13

CHAPTER 3
LANDSCAPE DEPARTMENT, DBKK
3.1 Introduction
Landscape Department is one of the divisions in DBKK. The trainee, Nicolai Zacq Sidek,
is assigned to this department for a period of 8 weeks (16 July 2012 7 September
2012). This department is headed by Mr Walter Kenson as the director. Under his
supervision, the department contains 270 staff consisting of Officers, subordinates and
field workers.
This department was established in 1 December 2003. Before changing its status into a
standalone department, it was previously known as Jabatan Landskap dan Seni Taman
and was one of the divisions within the City Planning Department (1999). The change to
Landscape Department was made due to increasing demands in Kota Kinabalu. As of
today, this department is responsible for planning, controlling and maintaining landscape
and parks throughout the city of Kota Kinabalu.
Landscape Department is based in the DBKK Centre Point office where grade-A
officers and the director is located. A field operations office, comprising of a 2.5 acre
nursery is located in Likas. The nursery houses plants used for events, ceremonies and
in-house decorations; and it also acts as post for field workers in the operating sector.
3.2 Divisions within Landscape Department
The 270 staff within the Landscape Department is further broken down to 3 work tasks:
Administration; Planning, design and development control division and Operation
management and landscape maintenance division.
3.2.1 Planning, Design and Development Control Division
This division is responsible for technical planning and management in
landscaping, acting as a consultant for landscape projects by contractors. Not only
that, they are also in-charged of preparing designation plan, drawings and
budgeting for DBKK projects (i.e. Merdeka parade, Hari Pahlawan, and state
events). The units that are under this division are called Unit Perancangan dan
Rekabentuk, Unit Kawalan Pembangunan and Unit Pengurusan Projek.

14

3.2.2 Operation Management and Landscape Maintenance Division

In this division, the work scope mainly involves landscape maintenance in the 9
zones mentioned in Chapter 2. They are responsible for the maintenance of public
parks, main roads, commercial centres, recreation parks, open spaces and
housing areas. Besides that, drainage cleaning, addressing public complaints,
nursery management and providing decoration services are part of their scope.
Most of the 270 staff is located in this division whereby field workers are tasked to
specific maintenance duties.
The units that are within this division are: Unit Pengurusan Taman Awam dan
Landskap Kejur, Unit Pengurusan Kontrak Penyelengaraaan Landskap, Parit
dan Rumput, and Unit Operasi & Penyelenggaraan. The Maintenance and
Operation Unit can be further divided into 3 sub-divisions:
i)
ii)
iii)

Unit Operasi Luar

Unit Pentadbiran Nurseri
Unit Tapak Semaian dan Penyelidikan.

3.3 Landscape Department Organizational Chart

The chart below will provide a visual description of the units allocation within the
Landscape Department.

15

Walter Kenson
Director
Landscape
Architect (J48)
Maimunah Masti
Admin Assistant
(N17)

Bahagian
Pentadbiran

Darna Badawi
Landscape Architect (J44)

Bahagian Perancangan,
Rekabentuk dan Kawalan
Pembangunan

Bahagi
dan Pe

Unit Pengurusan
Projek

Unit Perancangan
dan Rekabentuk

Unit Kawalan
Pembangunan

Unit Pengurusan
Taman Awam dan
Landskap Kejur

Darna Badawi
Landscape
Architect (J44)

Noridawati Abd
Rahman
Landscape
Architect (J41)

Rozie Khan Halik

Landscape
Architect ILAM
(J41)

Stella Alexius
Nain
Landscape
Architect (J41)

Figure 3. 1 Landscape Organizational Chart

Unit Pen
Kon
Penyelen
Landska
dan Ru

Salmah
Agricultur
(J4

CHAPTER 4
TASKS ASSIGNED
4.1 Introduction
During the 8 weeks industrial training period, the trainee (Nicolai Zacq Sidek) is
assigned into all 4 units within the Landscape Department; excluding the
Administration Unit. The trainee spends 2 weeks in each unit with various tasks given
whereby some are relevant to his degree while others is for the purpose of exposure to
other fields that are semi-related. Besides that, the trainee has learned to improve his
soft skills as well as management technique when dealing with superiors, subordinates,
contractors and the public.
In this chapter, we will cover all aspects of work during the trainees training coupled
with photo evidence and other relevant materials.
NOTE: During the 8 weeks period, the trainee received 1 week off during HARI RAYA
AILDIFITRI (20 August 2012 24 August 2012). For further elaboration on his schedule,
please refer to Table 4.1.
4.2 Time table
The image shown below is the time table that has been provided by the administration
officer for the trainee.

Figure 4. 1 Practical Student Time Table

16

During the course of his training, the trainee has made amendments to the time table;
deciding to enter a fourth unit before he finished. The amended time table is provided
below:
No
1
2

Unit
Unit Penyelengaraan dan Operasi

Supervisor
Sylvia Sylvester Gill

Period
16 20 July (1)
23 27 July (2)

(Nurseri)
Unit Pengurusan Kontrak

Salmah Aplasin

30 03 August (3)
06 10 August (4)

Penyelengaraan Landskap Parit dan

3

Rumput
Unit Penyelengaraan Taman-taman

Stella Alexius Nain

13 17 August (5)

4
5

Awam dan Landskap Kejur

CUTI RAYA
Unit Perancangan dan Rekabentuk

Noridawati Abd

20 24 August (6)
27 31 August (7)

Rahman

03 07 September (8)

Table 4. 1 New Time Table

4.3 Log Books

For recording purposes, the trainee is provided with two (2) log book, one by the
University as a requirement and another log book provided by Landscape Department.
Both log books are used as a diary that contains all tasks and assignments given to him.
The figures below show sample images of UiTMs log book and DBKKs log book.
4.3.1 UiTM Log Book

Figure 4. 2 UiTM log book cover

17

Figure 4. 3 UiTM log book contents

4.3.2 DBKK Log Book

Figure 4. 4 DBKK log book cover

18

Figure 4. 5 DBKK log book contents

4.4 Tasks and Assignments

This sub-section is divided into 4 parts, each representing one unit. This will contain all
tasks given to the trainee with pictures as evidence.
4.4.1 Unit Penyelengaraan dan Operasi
For the first two weeks of training, the trainee was placed under the supervision of
Puan Sylvia Sylvester. During the first two days, the trainee was exposed to the
units work scope which includes working at the Nursery in Likas.
Introduction to EIMS
With over 10 complaints (minimum) received each day, DBKK as well as the
Landscape Department requires a structured system to organize and receive
complaints. Not only that, the system must be able to distribute complaints
effectively in order for them to rectify the problem as efficiently as possible.
The system used in DBKK to manage public complaints is called Environment
Improvement Monitoring System or EIMS. Through this system, Unit Aduan
Awam will receive public or in-house complaints to be distributed to the
appropriate department, sector or unit by online means. If the complaints are

19

found to be under another enforcing body besides DBKK, the complaints will be
forwarded to an appropriate channel.
Meeting with NGO from Rawang
During the first week of training, the trainee was required to attend an office
meeting with Pn. Stella and Pn. Salmah. It was the first board meeting attended by
him and it served as a foundation as to how meetings are conducted in
organizations.
Site Visit at Dataran Bandaraya
As a preparation for the Pelancaran Bulan Kemerdekaan dan Kempen Mengibar
jalur Gemilang, DBKK was in-charged in providing potted plants from the Nursery
as well as contracted services to decorate the main stage shown in figure 4.6.
Here, the trainee was exposed to how field workers operate on site and the
trainee received a small insight on how landscape architects design stages.

Figure 4. 6 Stage design

Figur
e 4. 7 Nursery truck

Figure 4. 8 Stage design

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Working at Nursery, Likas

DBKK Nursery is located in Likas near the commercial area and All Saints High
School. It is part of the Landscape Department and it serves as a station for field
workers for briefing, meetings and gathering.
The trainee has worked here for 8 days under the supervision of Tn. Clereynce,
the head officer there who foresees all maintenance work. Works that are done in
the nursery include maintenance of trees, shrubs, weed and drains in Kota
Kinabalu. It also houses plants used in decorating events and the Centre Point
office.
There are 9 units at the Nursery. These 9 units are:
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
v)
vi)
vii)
viii)
ix)

Unit Hiasan Landskap

Unit Tapak Semaian
Unit Pembersihan Parit
Unit Khas
Unit Kawalan Rumpai
Unit Pemangkasan Pokok
Unit Penyelengaraan Tanaman
Unit Pemotongan Rumput
Unit Pentadbiran

The units responsible for field maintenance are unit pembersihan parit, unit
khas, unit kawalan rumpai, unit pemangkasan pokok, unit penyelengaraan
tanaman and unit pemotongan rumput.

Figure 4. 9 Nursery Organizational Chart

In the 8 days period, the trainee has been exposed to field work which includes
pruning of trees in housing areas, main roads and commercial areas.
Additionally, he was also given the opportunity to perform some of the tasks

21

hands-on. To prune trees, the personnel use equipment such as chainsaws,

long-trimmers, and skymasters (vehicle).
Besides that, they are also involved in the cleaning of housing drains as well as
weeding grass (through poisoning and digging) at designated areas. Since Kota
Kinabalu consists of 9 zones, Landscape Department is not capable enough to
handle all of them which in-turn requires some of these zones maintenance to be
outsourced to contractors. There is not enough manpower to cover the entire city.
The maintenance team work in groups lead by a leader (mandur) and a fixed
schedule is provided to these leaders to follow with the exception of Unit Khas.
The special/ emergency unit is a designated unit meant for addressing complaints
and are usually required to work overtime.
Trees, tree parts and plants that are cut will be brought to a dump site in
Sepanggar and fortunately, the trainee was able to follow one of the trucks there.
The experience of being in a dump site is both disgusting and unique at the same
time.
Provided below are pictures during his training at the Nursery.

Figure 4. 10 Morning assembly

Figu
re 4. 11 Assembly hall

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Figure 4. 12 Potted plants

Figure 4. 13 Skymaster

Figure 4. 14 Operating skymaster

Figure 4. 15 Chainsaw

Figure 4. 16 Long-trimmer

Figure 4. 17 Trainee cutting branches

Figure 4. 19 Trainee time table

Figure 4. 18 Work schedule and report

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4.4.2 Unit Pengurusan Kontrak Penyelengaraan Landskap, Parit dan Rumput

During week 3 and 4, the trainee has been placed under Pn. Salmah Aplasin. This
unit is responsible for managing contracts for outsourcing and the maintenance of
soft scape in housing areas. Besides managing contracts, another duty for this
unit is to inspect contractors job performance in their respective areas. This
process is done by inspecting areas covered by contractors without prior notice.
By doing so, Landscape Department will be able to prevent slacking of contractors
and ensuring that their maintenance duty is performed at a high level.
Under the supervision of Pn. Salmah, the trainee has been given numerous tasks
to complete ranging from simple tasks such as photocopying reports to
challenging tasks like evaluating tree conditions and measuring site specifications.
Site Inspections
During the course of 2 weeks there have been a lot of site inspections in different
areas. There are several purposes to these inspections: to check on contractors
performance, perform on-site inventory, and to evaluate tree conditions for record.
On-site inventory is done to accumulate any soft- and hard- scape in an area
before making a proposal or to re-check existing conditions in an area. Normally,
inspectors will capture photographic evidence to be put in reports later on. Aside
from that, measurements (of amenities) are taken for future references in
upcoming projects.
Urban trees are exposed to harsh conditions in a city. Therefore, it is necessary for
this unit to evaluate tree conditions throughout the city in order to know specific
problems that are imposed on them.

Figure 4. 20 Fallen tree

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Figure 4. 21 Road side site inspection

Figure 4. 22 Site inspection at Taman Bintang

Figure 4. 23 Site inspection at Gaya Street

Figure 4. 24 Site inspection at Petagas

Memorial

Figure 4. 25 Site inspection at Tanjung Aru

ragbi field

Figure 4. 26 Site inspection at Colonnade

Condominium area

Figure 4. 27 Site inspection at Lintas Plaza

Adobe Photoshop
Reports are done in various formats in DBKK. In this unit, reports are usually done
in photoshop and Microsoft Words. The trainee was taught on the different styles
used for preparing a photoshop report. Moreover, the trainee had the opportunity
to further improve his photo editing skills by learning new editing techniques.

25

Figure 4. 28 Service Plan made by practical

students

Tree Hazard Evaluation Form (THEF)

One of the highlights task given to the trainee is learning methods to evaluate tree
conditions. Urban trees are generally faced with certain pressure which can affect
their overall appearance as well as their health. Unmanaged trees are often
diseased and deformed.
Trees are evaluated on-site using a form called THEF (Tree Hazard Evaluation
Form). The staff of Landscape Department taught the trainee on the different
diseases, tree defects and how to identify them. There are natural defects such as
poor architecture; and there are pruning faults such as flush cut, cavity and other
sorts of injuries.
During tree evaluation process, it is required to measure the height of trees. To do
so, a tool called clinometer (figure 4.30) is used. A clinometer can be used for
measuring tree heights and slopes.
After filling a THEF, its raw data is keyed in Microsoft Excel for the departments
record. It is also important to update the information annually or monthly
depending on the area where the trees are planted.

26

Figure 4. 29 Tree Hazard Evaluation Form

27

Figure 4. 30 Clinometer

Figure 4. 31 Through the lens of a clinometer

4.4.3 Unit Penyelengaraan Taman-taman Awam dan Landskap Kejur

For week 5 of his practical training, he was placed in the Public Parks
Maintenance Unit under the supervision of Pn. Stella and Pn. Hasnah Dousin.
Together, they have taught the practical student on ways Landscape Department
maintain public parks in Kota Kinabalu. In the Nature Resort City, there are some
parks that are considered high priority whereby maintenance in these parks has to
be good. These parks are Taman Awam Ujana Rimba Tropika, Taman Prince
Phillip and Taman Awam Teluk Likas.
Each public park contains a sub-station whereby on-field workers are posted there
for maintenance purposes. This sub-stations staffs are not from the Nursery and
they do not transfer locations.
In this unit, the trainee was given simple tasks such as photocopying A1 plans,
filing duties and inputting inspection data. There are also medium to heavy tasks
such as site inspection with inspectors, board meeting with contractors, and
preparation of a project proposal.

28

Figure 4. 32 Site inspection

Figure 4. 33 Photocopied plan

Figure 4. 34 Complaints files

4.4.4 Unit Perancangan dan Rekabentuk

The last two weeks of his practical training was spent in the Technical Unit.
Supervised by Pn. Noridawati, the practical student had the chance to expose
himself to a field that is not related to his Degree. It was his interest to introduce
the field of landscape architecture with desires to learn drawings and designing.
Coming from a background in parks management, there was a different feel when
learning new things in this unit. The trainee was taught on drawing techniques,
and design requirements. Besides that, the student was also required to prepare a
design proposal for an upgrading project in Sembulan, Kota Kinabalu.
Designing and Drawing
Pn. Noridawati was responsible for teaching the trainee techniques on how to
design and draw in a limited time frame of 2 weeks. There are various methods
used by landscape architects when it involves manual drawing.

29

The student was taught how to trace existing maps (from Google Maps), methods
of shading, the tools used to draw and colour and software used for designing.
Before a project proposal is made, a preliminary site inspection has to be
conducted to assess existing conditions and identify any constraints, restrictions
and opportunities that are present. It also assists in identifying objects when
satellite mapping cannot detail out specific objects.
Landscape architects will typically do two drawings: manual and computer. For
computer drawings, AutoCAD and Vector Works are used to create base plans.
These base plans are then manually traced and coloured to make them livelier.
Pekan Sembulan Upgrading Proposal
The trainee was given a difficult task to prepare a landscape improvement
proposal for Pekan Sembulan in the course of 8 days. He was required to finish it
before the 7th of September (final day). With no architectural or design
background, he needed all the help he could get by Pn. Noridawati, Mr. Alfian and
online readings.
After inspecting the small commercial area (usually used for hawking and Bazaar
Ramadhan), he was to obtain a Google Map with accurate scales before
proceeding to the tracing phase.
Pn. Noridawati has taught him how to use a design software called Vector Works
and methods of tracing a map to create a base plan. Once the base map is
created, he was to manually trace it (without rulers) and create shadows and
grasses for effects. The next step is to learn how to colour using a four-layer rule
popularized by Pn. Noridawati herself. The final product can be seen in the
attachment section towards the end of this report.

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Figure 4. 35 Merdeka site inspection

Figure 4. 36 Sembulan site inspection

Figure 4. 37 Square planter box design

Figure 4. 38 Round planting pit design

Figure 4. 39 Preliminary design sketches

Figure 4. 40 Drawing and colouring techniques

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CHAPTER 5
COMMENTS, ISSUES AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 INTRODUCTION
During my time as a practical student here in Landscape Department (LD), DBKK, I
have been observing and recording every necessary detail to complete my coursework.
This chapter will contain my personal comment, issues that needs to be addressed and
propose recommendations if necessary as long as they do not affect the reputation of
Landscape Department.
5.2 COMMENTS
The 8 weeks provided by UiTM for this industrial training is found to be extremely short.
Practical training is done so that students can be exposed into the working world and
tastes of what it feels like to do adult tasks. It is also another way to apply the
management theories learnt in Park and Amenity Management. However, the working
timeframe of just 8 weeks does not provide enough coverage to learn everything I want
to know there. It left me wanting more than what I could get. The staffs were very helpful
but time was against my side. The training was also conducted during the fasting month,
constraining the amount of work I could do.
Being in the Landscape Department I have recognized a great deal of potential that can
further elevate its stature. If the issues mentioned in 5.3 are addressed and rectified, I
am positive that their department can provide an excellent service.
5.3 ISSUES and RECOMMENDATIONS
As a practical student I am obligated to pinpoint issues that can affect the level of
performance in Landscape Department. The condition for this is to not give away
company secrets and affect the reputation of the department negatively.
8 weeks is not enough to cover every single issue in detail and it does not reflect the
overall annual job performances. Therefore, it is important for readers to note that what
has been written here is solely based on my observation during the limited time.
STAFFING
Staffing is a common issue in all organizations that handles a large amount of people. It
is no different in the Landscape Department, with over 270 people in it. During my time
at the Nursery I have seen many issues regarding staffing, particularly field workers.

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Whilst it is true that they are the ones doing the dirty work and the office merely give
orders, they are already given specific time table to follow. Most of the maintenance
team work only in the first half of the day. Some (maybe more) bail out after lunch and
head home. Their team leaders who are responsible for keeping the team effective are
not performing themselves.
Recommendation: The field workers in Landscape Department are very important for
maintaining the reputation of DBKK as well as keeping the city landscape beautiful. The
public rely on their work to give a good impression to Kota Kinabalu. My
recommendation for this is to perform regular spot-checks by Pn. Sylvia, ensuring that
her team carries out their duties at all times. At the time of writing this report, Maimunah
from the admin team was transferred to the Nursery and there are plans to move Pn.
Sylvia to the new Nursery office to aid this issue.
EQUIPMENT
Another issue faced by field workers is the lack of equipment needed to work with. The
Nursery staff are provided with very few working chainsaws and long-trimmers and the
skymaster (lift) used cannot go higher than 30 metres. A proposal has been made by the
Landscape director but complication rises from the Financing Department making it
difficult to obtain new equipment.
Recommendation: Landscape Department seems to be facing a lot of budgeting
issues due to the high cost for maintenance. I have found that the department will
sometimes rent part of their public parks to people for major events. However, if LD can
use this feature and rent part of their parks for NORMAL events, the accumulation of
cash can help solve their problems regarding budgeting.
PRUNING METHODS
Pruning trees the text book way is DIFFICULT. I agree with that statement. However, if
branches are cut at awkward angles, it will result in a defect known as flush cut. This
defect is not pleasant to look at up close and will take a long time to heal. Besides that,
when LD prune trees at night, the cones used do not provide sufficient warning blinkers
for motorists to detect which results in equipment damage and small cases of accidents
(although not harmful). Looking at how contractors prune their plants compared to LD,
there is a vast difference in terms of quality. As long as the maintenance is 60% as good
as contractors, they are satisfied.

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Recommendation: Proper pruning lessons have to be taught to team leaders to be

passed on to their subordinates during field works. One of the methods that can be done
to solve this is to send them to pruning classes specifically for this purpose. Besides
that, LD should increase the percentage of comparison by at least 80% in order to
compete with the capability of contractors.

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CHAPTER 6
CONCLUSION, REFERENCES AND APPENDIX
6.1 CONCLUSION
The 8 weeks spent in Landscape Department (LD) has been a unique experience to the
trainee. It was an eye-opener to how real world tasks are dealt with and the exposure to
both on-field and office work was a welcoming practice. Being in different units
throughout the practicum course manages to teach the trainee different management
skills, hard and soft skills that cannot be learned in class rooms.
Besides that, lessons that are not relevant to his Degree such as designing and drawing
were a bonus that had sparked interest in him to further study in the field of landscape
architecture. He had also managed to identify trees easily now compared to 8 weeks
before he started his training.
Through practical training, he has gain an exposure to systematic work coordination in
an environment that is conducive coupled with friendly staff that are always there to
help.
6.2 REFERENCES
Curtin_University. (2012). Overview of Industrial Training. 9. Retrieved from
http://www.curtin.edu.my/current/download/Industrial_Training_Overview_v1.pdf
DBKK. (2012). About DBKK and Landscape Department Retrieved 17/09, 2012, from
http://www.dbkk.sabah.gov.my/en/content/news
SabahTourism. (2012, 12 September 2012). Kota Kinabalu (Capital City) Retrieved
18/09, 2012, from http://www.sabahtourism.com/en/destination/district/1-kotakinabalu-capital-city/

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APPENDIX
I.
II.

Borang Kehadiran Pelajar Praktikal

Cadangan Naiktaraf Landskap

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