This is the practical training report during my service at Kota Kinabalu City Hall

1. 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

2. TABLE OF CONTENTS
Contents Page Number
List of Figures 3
Chapter 1: Introduction to Practical Training
1.1 Introduction 4
1.2 Objectives of Practical Training 4
Chapter 2: Company Background
2.1 Introduction 5
2.2 Function of DBKK 6
2.3 DBKK Vision and Mission 7
2.4 Official Symbols
2.4.1 Flag and Logo
2.4.2 Official Mascot of Kota Kinabalu 8
2.4.3 Official Flower of Kota Kinabalu 9
2.4.4 Official Tree of Kota Kinabalu
2.5 DBKK Organizational Chart 11
2.6 Departments in DBKK 12
Chapter 3: Landscape Department, DBKK
3.1 Introduction 13
3.2 Divisions within Landscape Department
3.2.1 Planning, Design and Development Control Division
3.2.2 Operation Management and Landscape Maintenance 14
Division
3.3 Landscape Department Organizational Chart 15
Chapter 4: Tasks Assigned
4.1 Introduction 16
4.2 Time Table
4.3 Log Books 17
4.3.1 UiTM Log Book
4.3.2 DBKK Log Book
4.4 Tasks and Assignments 19
4.4.1 Unit PenyelengaraandanOperasi
4.4.2 Unit PengurusanKontrakPenyelengaraan Landskap, 24
ParitdanRumput
4.4.3 Unit Penyelengaraan Taman-tamanAwamdan 28
Landskap Kejur
4.4.4 Unit PerancangandanRekabentuk 29
Chapter 5: Comments, Issues And Recommendations
5.1 Introduction 32
5.2 Comments
5.3 Issues and Recommendations
Chapter 6: Conclusion, References And Appendix
6.1 Conclusion 35
6.2 References
APPENDIX 1: BorangKehadiranPelajarPraktikal
APPENDIX 2: CadanganNaiktaraf Landskap
2

3. LIST OF FIGURES
Figures Description
Figure 2.1 Kota Kinabalu boundary
Figure 2.2 View of Kota Kinabalu
Figure 2.3 Kota Kinabalu Official Seal
Figure 2.4 Kota Kinabalu Official Flag
Figure 2.5 Great Egret
Figure 2.6 Borneo Orchid
Figure 2.7 Casuarina
Figure 2.8 DBKK organizational chart
Figure 2.9 DBKK work scope
Figure 3.1 Landscape organizational chart
Figure 4.1 Practical student’s time table
Figure 4.2 UiTM log book cover
Figure 4.3 UiTM log book contents
Figure 4.4 DBKK log book cover
Figure 4.5 DBKK log book contents
Figure 4.6 Stage design
Figure 4.7 Nursery truck
Figure 4.8 Stage design
Figure 4.9 Nursery organizational chart
Figure 4.10 Morning assembly
Figure 4.11 Assembly hall
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 tree
Figure 4.18 Work schedule and report
Figure 4.19 Trainee time table
Figure 4.20 Fallen tree
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 TanjungAru rugby field
Figure 4.26 Site inspection at Colonnade Condominium
Figure 4.27 Site inspection at Lintas Plaza
Figure 4.28 Service plan made by practical students
Figure 4.29 Tree Hazard Evaluation Form
Figure 4.30 Clinometer
Figure 4.31 Through the lens of a clinometer
Figure 4.32 Site inspection
Figure 4.33 Photocopied plan
Figure 4.34 Complaints files
Figure 4.35 Site inspection at Dataran Bandaraya
Figure 4.36 Site inspection at Sembulan Plaza
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
Table 2.1 DBKK governing zones
Table 2.2 Rationale for Kota Kinabalu Seal and Flag
Table 4.1 New time table
3

4. 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. To fulfill the award of the degree of Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM)
ii. Apply theories learnt in classroom in working environments
iii. Solidifies students’ confidence after graduation
iv. Improve both soft and hard skills
v. Improve communication and management skills
4

5. CHAPTER 2
COMPANY BACKGROUND
2.1 Introduction
Kota Kinabalu City Hall (Dewan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu or DBKK) is a governing local
authority (pihakberkuasatempatan) 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 LintasanDeasoka.
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 TanjungAru 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 Area
Zone 1 TanjungArudanKepayan
Zone 2 Kota Kinabalu
Zone 3 Nountun
Zone 4 Inanam
Zone 5 Kuala Inanam
Zone 6 Menggatal
Zone 7 Menggatal North
Zone 8 Telipok
Zone 9 Pulau-pulau
Table 2.1 DBKK governing zones
5

6. Figure 2.1 Kota Kinabalu Boundary
Figure 2.2 View of Kota Kinabalu
2.2 Function of DBKK
DBKK’s function is governed by Section 49 Local Government Ordinance 1961 which
covers:
1) Cleanliness
2) Beautification
3) Provide and maintain public facilities
4) Public health
6

7. 5) 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.
7

8. These colours are:
Colour Rationale
Light blue Truth, confidence and success
Dark blue Solidarity, harmony and a spirit of
cooperation
Red Confidence, bravery, efficiency, truth and
justice
White Clean, trustworthy and just service
Yellow Prosperity and excellence
Green Vitality, advancement and progress
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: Egrettaalba
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.
8

9. 2.4.3 Official Flower of Kota Kinabalu
Figure 2.6 Borneo Orchid
Scientific Name: Phalaenopsisamabilis
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 2.7Casuarina
Scientific name: Casuarina sumatrana
Family: Casuarinaceae
Common name: Pokok Sempilau Laut or Casuarina
9

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.
10

11. 2.5 Organizational Chart
Figure 2.8 DBKK Organizational Chart
11

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 Timbalan Ketua
Sektor Teknikal
(Korporat) Pengarah (Operasi)
Jabatan Jabatan
Perancangan Jabatan
Pengurusan
Bandaraya Kesihatan dan
Sumber Manusia
Perkidmatan
Jabatan hal Ehwal Jabatan Bandar
Korporat Kejuteraan
Jabatan Lanskap
Jabatan Jabatan Komputer
Jabatan
Kewangan dan
Jabatan Penguatkuasa
Belanjawan
Penyelidikan dan
Koordinasi Jabatan
Jabatan
Pengurusan Sub
Pengurusan dan
Unit Perolehan Urban
Pelaburan Harta
Kontrak dan
Jabatan Tender
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.
12

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 danSeni 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, HariPahlawan, and state
events). The units that are under this division are called Unit
PerancangandanRekabentuk, Unit Kawalan Pembangunan and Unit
PengurusanProjek.
13

14. 3.2.2Operation 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 Awamdan
Landskap Kejur, Unit Pengurusan Kontrak Penyelengaraaan Landskap, Parit
dan Rumput, andUnit Operasi & Penyelenggaraan. The Maintenance and
Operation Unit can be further divided into 3 sub-divisions:
i) Unit OperasiLuar
ii) Unit PentadbiranNurseri
iii) Unit TapakSemaiandanPenyelidikan.
3.3 Landscape Department Organizational Chart
The chart below will provide a visual description of the units allocation within the
Landscape Department.
14

15. Walter Kenson
Director
Landscape
Architect (J48)
Maimunah Masti
Admin Assistant
(N17)
Darna Badawi
Landscape Architect (J44)
Bahagian Perancangan,
Bahagian Bahagian Pengurusan Operasi
Rekabentuk dan Kawalan
Pentadbiran dan Penyelengaraan Landskap
Pembangunan
Unit Pengurusan
Unit Pengurusan
Unit Pengurusan Unit Perancangan Unit Kawalan Kontrak
Taman Awam Unit Operasi &
Projek dan Rekabentuk Pembangunan Penyelengaraaan
dan Landskap Penyelenggaraan
Landskap, Parit
Kejur
dan Rumput
Noridawati Abd Rozie Khan Halik Stella Alexius Sylvia Sylvester
Darna Badawi Salmah Aplasin
Rahman Landscape Nain Gill
Landscape Agriculture Officer
Landscape Architect ILAM Landscape Agriculture Officer
Architect (J44) (J41)
Architect (J41) (J41) Architect (J41) (J41)
Figure 3.1 Landscape Organizational Chart

16. 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 trainee’s 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

17. 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 Unit Supervisor Period
1 Unit PenyelengaraandanOperasi Sylvia Sylvester Gill 16 – 20 July (1)
23 – 27 July (2)
(Nurseri)
2 Unit SalmahAplasin 30 – 03 August (3)
06 – 10 August (4)
PengurusanKontrakPenyelengaraan
Landskap ParitdanRumput
3 Unit Penyelengaraan Taman- Stella Alexius Nain 13 – 17 August (5)
tamanAwamdan Landskap Kejur
4 CUTI RAYA - 20 – 24 August (6)
5 Unit PerancangandanRekabentuk NoridawatiAbdRahman 27 – 31 August (7)
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 UiTM’s log book and DBKK’s log book.
4.3.1 UiTM Log Book
Figure 4.2UiTM log book cover
17

18. Figure 4.3UiTM log book contents
4.3.2 DBKK Log Book
Figure 4.4 DBKK log book cover
18

19. 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 PenyelengaraandanOperasi
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
unit’s 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
AduanAwam 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

20. 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
PelancaranBulanKemerdekaandanKempenMengibarjalurGemilang, 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 Figure 4. 7 Nursery truck
Figure 4.8 Stage design
20

21. 21

22. 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) Unit Hiasan Landskap
ii) Unit TapakSemaian
iii) Unit PembersihanParit
iv) Unit Khas
v) Unit KawalanRumpai
vi) Unit PemangkasanPokok
vii) Unit PenyelengaraanTanaman
viii) Unit PemotonganRumput
ix) Unit Pentadbiran
The units responsible for field maintenance are unit pembersihanparit, unit
khas, unit kawalanrumpai, unit pemangkasanpokok,
unitpenyelengaraantanamanand unit pemotonganrumput.
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.
22

23. Additionally, he was also given the opportunity to perform some of the tasks
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 Figure 4. 11 Assembly hall
23

24. 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
24

25. Figure 4. 18 Work schedule and report
4.4.2 Unit PengurusanKontrakPenyelengaraan Landskap, ParitdanRumput
During week 3 and 4, the trainee has been placed under Pn. SalmahAplasin. 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.
25

26. 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
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 Figure 4. 25 Site inspection at TanjungAruragbi
Memorial field
26

27. Figure 4. 26 Site inspection at Colonnade Figure 4. 27 Site inspection at Lintas Plaza
Condominium area
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.
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
27

28. 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 department’s
record. It is also important to update the information annually or monthly
depending on the area where the trees are planted.
28

29. Figure 4. 29 Tree Hazard Evaluation Form
29

30. Figure 4. 30 Clinometer Figure 4. 31 Through the lens of a clinometer
4.4.3 Unit Penyelengaraan Taman-tamanAwamdan 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. HasnahDousin.
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 AwamUjanaRimbaTropika, Taman Prince Phillip
and Taman AwamTelukLikas.
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.
30

31. Figure 4. 32 Site inspection Figure 4. 33 Photocopied plan
Figure 4.34 Complaints files
4.4.4 Unit PerancangandanRekabentuk
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.
31

32. 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.
PekanSembulan Upgrading Proposal
The trainee was given a difficult task to prepare a landscape improvement
proposal for PekanSembulan 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.
32

33. 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
33

34. 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.
34

35. 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 officeto 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.
35

36. 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.
36

37. 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-kota-
kinabalu-capital-city/
37

38. APPENDIX
I. BorangKehadiranPelajarPraktikal
II. CadanganNaiktaraf Landskap
38