Research & Publications
Land Use Governance |
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FROM HILLTOP TO RIVER MOUTH: AN INITIAL FINDING OF TOURISM RESOURCE INVENTORY AT SUNGAI SELANGOR WATERSHED, MALAYSIA.
Abstract
Sungai Selangor is the most important water resource of Selangor State. Apart from being the state’s third largest river basin, it is the major contributor in meeting the state’s water demand by contributing 60% of the total water supply to the state. Subsequently, the research on the river has so far been focusing on the water-related discussions including the water supply, water institutions and water quality studies. While these discussions are crucial, there are other aspects related to the river which are equally significant. Among these are the tourism resources along the river. Meanwhile, much of the past and present studies of tourism in Malaysia focus on the tourism resources which are limited to within the administrative bodies’ boundary such as at state level or district level. Therefore, this paper aims to identify the existing tourism resources along Sungai Selangor which spreads through three districts, i.e. Hulu Selangor, Selayang and Kuala Selangor. By doing so, it intends to identify the possible threats on the river basin-based tourism resources for the purpose of conservation and development in a holistic manner. Data was collected through field observation, secondary data collection and briefings given by the local authorities.
Keywords: opportunities and threats, conservation and development, river basin-based tourism resources, Hulu Selangor, Kuala Selangor
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Figure 1 : Seafood in Kuala Selangor (Tourism Attraction at Kuala Selangor)
Figure 2 : Boats that use during the visit to firefly park at Kampung Kuantan
Figure 3 : Survey done at Fraser Hill by Researcher
LAND USE CHANGES AND POTENTIAL CONFLICT AREAS IN SUNGAI SELANGOR WATERSHED, MALAYSIA.
Abstract
This article examines the status of land use and land use conflicts that exist in Sungai Selangor watershed. The study illustrates that increasing land use development is the major factor that cause land use conflicts in Sungai Selangor watershed. Therefore, resolution strategies and policies for land use management is becoming increasingly challenging as nowadays, demand for land in Sungai Selangor watershed has encroached sensitive areas such as flood plains and upper catchments. Intensive land development within watershed has created environmental issues such as flooding, eutrophication, and deforestation. However, the most of the unavoidable environmental problems that occur at site like soil erosion, water pollution, and flooding are largely been ignored by locals. Besides, the increasing population of Sungai Selangor watershed has also threatened water resources as some natural reservoir has been affected due to land clearance. This paper will also elaborate the current land use status with compared to previous land use in Sungai Selangor watershed. Apart from that, this paper will discuss the government policy that related with land use development in order to ensure that natural resources is protected and conserved.
Keywords: land use, watershed, human activities and land policy
Figure 1 : Bukit Malawati Tourism Map
Figure 2 : Fishermen Activities at Kuala Selangor
Figure 3 : Student Discussion During the Fieldwork at Kuala Selangor
Waste Governance
MANAGING THE CHALLENGES OF WASTE DISPOSAL: A CASE STUDY OF BUKIT TAGAR SANITARY LANDFILL
By:
T.H., Adeline and Nisfariza M. N. M.
Department of Geography, University of Malaya
Abstract
Management of landfills has been, and continues to be one of the great challenges in ensuring sustainable waste management. This chapter seeks to discuss two sustainability indicators of landfills, which are: firstly, the suitability of location where landfills were built; and secondly, management and control of water and air pollution which resulted from the daily operation of landfills. Information from previous works, together with information from websites which are available in the public domain were analysed and collated, and content analysis were conducted to obtain valuable information. One particular landfill which was chosen as a case study was the Bukit Tagar Sanitary Landfill (BTSL) in Hulu Selangor, Selangor. It is evident from this research that BTSL is a model landfill in Malaysia as it is built on a suitable site based on the environmental and socio-economic aspects, while air and water pollution have been addressed and managed successfully with the application of sophisticated technology. BTSL is a project under the privatisation of solid waste management programme by the federal government of Malaysia. It is designed, developed and operated by a private company, under the supervision of the Ministry of Housing and Local Government Malaysia. Based on the above-mentioned facts, an inference can be made that the successful planning and management of BTSL might have been contributed by the way it is governed, which involved full privatisation. Privatisation has seemed to be able to overcome the problems of landfills management such as financial constraints and lack of technical and human expertise faced by many local governments. Privatisation of public services, particularly privatisation of waste disposal, is a success in the case of BTSL. With the enforcement of Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act [Act 672] which began on 1st September 2011, privatisation of waste disposal system in Malaysia will be much easier as the power in solid waste management has been surrendered from local governments to the federal government.
Water Governance
‘SAVE SUNGAI SELANGOR’ AND THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLE: LOOKING BACK, MOVING AHEAD
By:
Goh, H. C.1, Jamilah, M.2, Nisfariza, M. N.3 and Syarilla, M. S.4
1 Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Malaya.
23 Department of Geography, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Universiti Malaya.
1234 Universiti Malaya Spatial-Environmental Governance for Sustainability Research (UMSERGE),
Sustainability Science Cluster, Universiti Malaya.
Abstract
The construction of dams particularly in developing countries receives substantial debates worldwide on its necessities and the impacts it causes. From the advocating point of view, dam is an important way of water-resources utilization in large rivers. It plays significant roles in flood control, irrigation, navigation and energy supply. Today, the dam construction is deemed necessary by the government in many developing countries to meet the increasing water demand as a result of population growth and tremendous pace of urbanization. Nevertheless, the constructions do not come without cost. Dam construction causes enormous negative impacts particularly on the environment which include reduce biodiversity, lower crop production, decrease fish population, block fish migration, poor water quality, disrupt the flow of sediment and water, landslide, hazards from the ageing dams and the displacement of local communities. Based on our research in Sungai Selangor watershed, this paper presents the initial analysis findings of a study conducted on the Orang Asli of Kampung Pertak and Kampung Gerachi Jaya in Hulu Selangor. The study identifies the socio-economic impacts on the indigenous people following the resettlement as a result of Sungai Selangor Dam construction. Unstructured interviews and questionnaire survey were conducted with the assistance from remunerators with a total 60 respondents. The initial analysis findings reveal the fact that the local communities in general faced difficulties to adapt themselves in the new environment both socially and economically.
Keywords: Resettlement, Kampung Pertak, Kampung Gerachi Jaya, Sungai Selangor dam,
Figure 1 : Aboriginal Settlements at Pertak
Figure 2 : Children from Indigineous at Pertak
Figure 3: Kampung Orang Asli at Pertak
Figure 4 : Aboriginal Settlements at Pertak
Urban / Transport Governance
COMMUNICATING GARDEN CITY CONCEPT AND HERITAGE CONSERVATION IN KUALA KUBU BARU.
By:
Hong Ching Goh1, Syarilla2 and Jamilah Mohamad3
1 Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Malaya.
2 Universiti Malaya Spatial-Environment Governance for Sustainability Research (UMSERGE). Sustainability Science Cluster, Universiti Malaya.
3 Department of Geography, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Universiti Malaya.
Abstract
Community participation has received substantial attention in the discipline of urban development responding to the increasing awareness of social responsibility worldwide. It is also a key element of good governance practice, particularly in meeting the communicative and participative principles. The basis is built upon its vital role in enhancing local capacity building, i.e., skills and knowledge particularly in rural areas where the availability of media for information dissemination are limited. In urban area however, it helps mainly to improve the relationship between the local authority and the residents where the conflicting interests over land economics is a major concern. Nevertheless, the level of participation varies and remains a concern because it is a relatively new concept compared to the conventional ‘top-town’ approach. It is within this interest that a study was carried out in Kuala Kubu Baru (KKB), Ulu Selangor. KKB is a heritage town and the first town in Malaysia planned with the concept of ‘garden city’. This study intends to identify the extent to which the idea of ‘garden city’ has been communicated with the residents and the acceptance level among them. Data collection involves questionnaire survey and informal interviews with the local residents and government personnel. A key initial finding of the study is that while nearly three-quarters of all the respondents were aware of (and ‘appreciate’) KKB as a garden city and the idea of heritage conservation as well as the local authority’s efforts in promoting the concept for the wellbeing of KKB and its residents, less than one-third actually understood about the original concept of garden city which has shaped the growth of KKB and its importance as a heritage site. This initial finding reveals one of the challenges in achieving sustainability at grass root level: the mismatch of knowledge between ‘receiving’ residents and the ‘expecting’ authorities.
Keywords: community participation, governance, communicative principle, participative principle
Social Wellbeing & Community Development In Pulau Pangkor
SOCIAL WELLBEING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN PULAU PANGKOR
Abstract
Overall Rersearch Programme
(Programme Leader : Dr. Aziz Shafie)
Pangkor Island is one area that is experiencing a very rapid development process, particularly in the tourism sector since the 1970s. The allure of islands as tourist destinations is not a new phenomenon. In Malaysia, island attributes such as crystal clear waters, isolation, existence of marine biodiversity and pristine beaches have catapulted islands into one of the major tourists attractions in the country. To date, accommodation facilities have been developed on 24 islands, including Pangkor. However, the islands are physically small, hilly and lack natural resources such as water; thus ecotourism development is the best alternative for these islands (Tan 2005). In the development of ecotourism, the community is a core element. However, the relationship between tourism and the community is a paradoxical one. Often, the local knowledge of the local community enriches the tour experience besides contributing toward tourism planning. In light of such a situation, it is vital to examine the present tourism scenario, identify weaknesses and suggest an alternative model of tourism. A balanced development should be encouraged so that the benefits are shared equally and fairly among the local communities. Towards this goal, the study seeks to assess and evaluate the types of tourism activities that can benefit not only the present but future generations in the island.
The rapid development of Pangkor Island also affect the political aspects of the local population. Recent General Election 13 showed that political development in Pangkor has shown remarkable changes on the political landscape and the island society. In the case of Pangkor Island, due to increasing of socio politics development, perceptions towards the politics awareness by the living society have also changed. Studies show that spatial factor is one of the significance criteria to understand the political landscape within a constituency’s boundaries (Whittlesey 1944). Besides, studies on the spatial characteristics and correlations that could influence election results are an important aspect in spatial voting behaviour on Electoral Studies today (Rosmadi Fauzi et al. 2011). This research aims to study the perception of political landscape and the spatial voting behaviour on the voter of the Pangkor due to the changing spatial political environments of the island. Presently, voting patterns and election results have changed due to the effects of the changes in the domestic political atmosphere.
In addition, the Social Wellbeing and Community Development also has a close relationship with local land use changes. In Pangkor Island, the rapid development proces have increased the demand for land. Land clearance for housing, commercial areas and resort development has led to environmental change. When changes occur in one component of an environmental system, this will naturally cause changes in another component of the system, which will react in order to return to equilibrium. Hence, in Pangkor Island, natural processes that have been altered by human mismanagement will eventually lead to the risk of environmental change and disaster, either directly or indirectly. These are the results of natural resource development and population encroachment into process-event systems. Therefore, serious conflicts have arisen because of the interaction between man and the environment. Specifically, this research aims to study the perception of quality of life impacts on the inhabitants of the Pangkor Island due to changing environments. Varni et al (2006), defined quality of life as: ‘a multidimensional construct that reflects one’s self-perceptions enjoyment and satisfaction with life’. Basically, when the population increases, the need for land and other resources also increases. The sudden increase in the rate of development growth has resulted in a significant change to the environmental components. In recent years, ever more forests are being converted into built-up areas and natural resources are being over exploited (Huong, 1999). Increasing development, to a certain extent, contributed to the degradation of natural environmental quality, which would have a detrimental impact on the quality of life of local dwellers.
Solid waste management is also an important element that can affect the social wellbeing and community development in this island. This research will focus to understand the current prectices of solid waste management and its impact and implimications to the environment and communities of the island, and the assess the level of public participation or community engagement in solid waste management towards sustainable development. This research also involves the study of the level of Knowledge, Atitude and Practice (KAP) among the island community with regards to the prevention and control of vector-borne and water-borne infectious diseases.
COMMUNITY TOURISM IN ISLAND ECOSYSTEM
Abstract
Sub-Programme 1
(By : Dr Tan Wan Hin, Asra Zaliza Bt Asbollah)
Tourism is viewed as a panacea for the economic problems in many areas, especially those areas facing issues such as small physical and population sizes, limited natural resources and isolation. The Malaysian government is committed to improving the living standards of its people, and has determined that the development of tourism represents an effective way to ensure that this objective is achieved. This is evident with the increased financial allocation to the industry and the launch of promotional campaigns such as Visit Malaysia Year 1990 (Badaruddin, Ahmad, Jamil and Kong, 2006). The State Governments, along with the Malaysian Federal Government, have developed plans to improve the living conditions of the local citizens and provide more economic opportunities for them. The development of island facilities, the upgrading of the landscape and improved tourism activities are the biggest challenges under the Local Plans. According to Vision 2020 plan, the rapid development of tourism sites is expected to stimulate business opportunities, particularly for local communities, and indirectly increase socio-economic development. However, development in a fragile island environment may bring about pervasive negative environmental and social effects and may not economically benefit the islanders significantly.
In the case of the study area, Pangkor, the islanders’ share of the tourism income is still small despite the development of tourism since the 1970s. In fact, the number of tourists has stagnated and many resort operators have had to resort to look for new market sources. Conditions such as tourism fatigue, environmental degradation and the negative socio-economic consequences in future are expected to further slow tourism’s growth in the study site.
In light of such a situation, it is vital to examine the present tourism scenario, identify weaknesses and suggest an alternative model of tourism. A balanced development should be encouraged so that the benefits are shared equally and fairly among the local communities. Towards this goal, the study seeks to assess and evaluate the types of tourism activities that can benefit not only the present but future generations in the island.
POLITICAL LANDSCAPE AND THE SPATIAL VOTING BEHAVIOUR OF PANGKOR
Abstract
Sub-Programme 2
(By : Asoc. Prof Dr. Rosmadi Fauzi,Asoc.Prof Dr. Rohana Jani,Asoc.Prof Dr. Zakaria Mat Arof)
Recent General Election 13 showed that political development in Pangkor has shown remarkable changes on the political landscape and the island society. In the case of Pangkor Island, due to increasing of socio politics development, perceptions towards the politics awareness by the living society have also changed. Studies show that spatial factor is one of the significance criteria to understand the political landscape within a constituency’s boundaries (Whittlesey 1944). Besides, studies on the spatial characteristics and correlations that could influence election results are an important aspect in spatial voting behaviour on Electoral Studies today (Rosmadi Fauzi et al. 2011). Now, spatial voting behaviour can be modelled using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and recent developments in information technology, mainly GIS, offer the ability to execute spatial analysis more easily (Schuurman 2004). Specifically, this research aims to study the perception of political landscape and the spatial voting behaviour on the voter of the Pangkor due to the changing spatial political environments of the island. The objectives of this research are - first is to examine the level of political changes on the island. Second is to understand the perceptions of political awareness and behaviour by the island voter. Third is to develop a spatial voting model and GIS database system for the political model of the Pangkor Island. Conceptually, the information gathered in this research will be drawn from various primary, secondary and spatial data. Questionnaire surveys, interviews with the political leaders and observation are the main techniques implement in order to gather the primary data. GIS will be used to extract the spatial data and modelling and further will integrate with statistical regression methods. GIS techniques will furthermore use in analysis to obtain spatial information of each variable in the study and for the GIS database management system for the Island.
SUSTAINABLE SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN PULAU PANGKOR (SOCIETAL WELLBEING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN PULAU PANGKOR)
Abstract
Sub-Programme 3
(By : Dr. Tengku Adeline Adura Tengku,Puan Rosta Harun)
Waste is best defined as 'something that is not needed by the current owner and is ready to be thrown away' (Davoudi 2009). The volume of solid waste is increasing rapidly all across the globe due to the combination factors of population increase, and the 'throw-away' behaviour and lifestyle of the current societies; thus resulting in tremendous and serious physical environment, social and economics implications. Managing solid waste in an environmentally-sensitive area, such as an island which is commercially-developed as a tourist-attraction like Pulau Pangkor in Malaysia, is even more challenging. The planning process of solid waste management must not only take the number of the island's population into account, but also the number of tourist that ebbs and flows every year. Relying exclusively on the authority, legitimacy and sanctions of governments in governing solid waste in an island, may not be sufficient to ensure the sustainability of the island.
This calls for comprehensive actions from all the stakeholders. Among the possible approach which can be adopted is through a multi stakeholder partnership in solid waste management, which involves the collaboration between the Local Authority, business owners on the island and the local community. Besides being an option to solve the socio-environment of the solid waste problem, this type of tripartite collaborations have the potential to contribute to economic sustainability of the island community. Drawing upon all these, this research transpires which seeks to investigate the current state of solid waste management in Pulau Pangkor, and its impacts and implication to the wellbeing of the island community; and also to assess the current state of community involvement in solid waste management and willingness to be involved in sustainable solid waste management among stakeholder and tourists. This research is expected to be completed in 24 months and is aimed to achieve the objectives which are spelled out in the following section.
Solid waste management is a critical, complex, multi-dimensional challenge for societies around the globe. Solid waste management in island communities is a serious problem and often is made complicated by tourism dominated economies, resulting in greater challenges in ensuring sustainable solid waste management. Various approaches to sustainable solid waste management have been adopted, which very much determined by their size, available resources, economic activities and geographoical locations. Studies by Wilmott and Graci (2008) in Gili Trawangan, Indonesia and Squires (2006) on Caribbean Islands indicated that the practice of public participation, though complex, have shown improvements in solid waste management towards sustainability.
CHANGING ENVIRONMENT AND THE PERCEPTIONS OF QUALITY OF LIFE IN PANGKOR ISLAND
Abstract
Sub-Programme 4
(By : Dr. Mariney Mohd Yusof,Professor Datuk Dr Rajmah Hussain,Professor Dr Jamilah Mohamad,Dr. Nisfariza Mohd Noor)
Recent development in Pangkor Island has shown tremendous changes on the natural environmental system in order to give ways to some new development projects. In the case of Pangkor Island due to increasing development, perceptions towards the quality of life by the living society are crucial to understand as it shows the needs of the society towards their living conditions. Specifically, this research aims to study the perceptions of quality of life on the inhabitants of the Pangkor Island due to the changing environments of the island. In general, man acts upon the natural environment by constructing the material world in order to improve their quality of life. Studies also show that quality of life is one of the most important criteria when people live in develops areas. Hence, quality of life is mostly related to changes in society or the social system from the level of dissatisfaction to the level of satisfaction when there is improvement in life conditions. Besides, Felce and Perry (1995) argued that interaction in personal values, life conditions and life satisfaction will determine quality of life. However, there are differences in quality of life among places and individuals. As discussed by Milbrath and Sahr (1975) and Sirgy et al. (2010), environments that insult or injure the humans who live in them necessarily decrease quality of life.Therefore, due to failure of the planning systems leading to environmental problem to exist, will expose increasing numbers of the island community particularly the fishermen community to the deteriorate quality of life as a result.
The information gathered in this research will be drawn from various primary and secondary data. Questionnaire surveys, interviews with the residents and observation were the main techniques implemented in order to gather the primary data. The objectives of this research are - first is to examine the level of natural environmental changes on the island. Second is to understand the perceptions of quality of live by the island society. Third is to study the relationship between development, environmental change and perceptions on quality of life by the island people. Finally to study the implications towards social wellbeing due to perceptions of quality of life
The expected outcomes from this research is to identify the needs of the Pangkor Island society particularly in order to achieve quality of live and at the same period experience the development of the island
KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PRATICES TOWARDS WATER AND VECTOR BORNE DISEASE AND COMMUNITY HEALTH IN PULAU PANGKOR
Abstract
Sub-Programme 5
(By : Dr. Aziz Shafie,Assoc. Prof. Yvonne Lim Ai Lian,Dr. Wan Yusoff Wan Sulaiman,Dr. Romano Ngui)
Vector-borne and water-borne diseases disease is one of the most significant public health concerns in Malaysia. The disease is closely related to human activities, particularly through urbanization. Pangkor Island is an area that is experiencing a very rapid development process, particularly in the tourism sector. The rapid growth of the tourism sector has resulted in a sizeable population of the island and a considerable portion of this area has been explored for housing activities, services, transport, and infrastructure. The rapid development process can indirectly increase the risk of human population to the illness that associated with water and vector borne diseases. For the effective prevention and control of diseases associated with vector-borne and water-borne diseases, it requires a comprehensive and systematic strategy involving various organization including local communities and health authorities, particularly the Ministry of Health Malaysia. The participation of local communities is deemed to be a key factor for the successfulness of prevention and control of infectious diseases, especially in Pulau Pangkor, which is separated from the mainland. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the level of Knowledge, Atitude and Practice (KAP) among the island community with regards to the prevention and control of vector-borne and water-borne infectious diseases.
GOVERNANCE IN CONTEXT: INTEGRATING LAND USE CONFLICTS AND SECTORAL DIVISION IN PULAU PANGKOR.
Abstract
Sub-Programme 6
(By : Dr. Goh Hong Ching,Prof Dr Jamilah Mohammad,Raja Noriza Bt Raja Ariffin)
Governance is the complex ways by which individuals and institutions, public and private, manage their common concerns. The practice of governance is especially crucial in an environment where the competing demands for natural resources and land scarcity are observed. Islands in many parts of the world share the common features namely the geographical isolation, environmental fragility, population growth, limited land resources, high dependence on marine resources and vulnerable to various environmental phenomena at global level. In light of these unique characteristics of islands, and the conventional approach of governance which are sectoral based, this study is proposed to understand the governance arrangement on Malaysian tropical island environment. Specifically, it aims to investigate how the stakeholders regulate the development (land uses) within the stretch of existing limited resources. The stakeholders of each land use will be identified and the patterns of their interaction will be explained by the articulation of the nature of goods and actors. A case study approach will be adopted employing both quantitative and qualitative techniques. For this proposal, Pangkor Island will be the study case. The proposed duration of the study is 24 months. At the end of the study, a model framework of integrated governance will be developed for the case of Pangkor Island.
KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT COMPONENT (SOCIAL WELLBEING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN PULAU PANGKOR)
Sub-Programme 7
(By : Prof Dr Jamilah Mohamad)
Land Use Dynamics And Governance In The Sungai Selangor Watershed
Greeting from UMSERGE,
UMSERGE through the Sungai Selangor Watershed research project has produced a book in December 2015. It is one of the research output has been successfully produced through the research project. Editors of the book: Prof. Dr. Jamilah Mohamad and Dr. Goh Hong Ching.
Source of image: UM Press
Synopsis of the book:
Land Use Dynamics and Governance in the Sungai Selangor Watershed:
The research described here is an attempt to understand the development forces operating in the Sungai Selangor watershed. The approach taken is intentionally multi-disciplinary, as it attempts to paint a broad brush picture of the current situation within the Sungai Selangor watershed. Increasing pressure on land development is a major factor that causes land use conflict in the watershed. Spatial-environmental governance should improve collaboration and connections between citizens and decision-makers at the watershed scale. Many issues within the economic, social or environmental realm necessitate an understanding of the spatial context within which such force operate.
Contents of the book:
Source of image: UM Press
To get the book, please contact:
University of Malaya Press
Tel: 03 7967 5941
Fax: 03 7967 4473
Email: terbit@um.edu.my
Website: www.umpress.com.my
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