Sustainable Highland Development through Stakeholders’ Perceptions on Agro EcoTourism in Cameron Highlands: A Preliminary Finding

Abstract

Cameron Highlands was discovered in 1885 and was developed as a hill station. It first served as a quaint retreat destination for the British residence where the urban morphology of its little town centres were strongly characterised by colonial architecture such as bungalows, institutional buildings and government offices, shophouses and market stalls. Eventually due to economic pressure and location potentials, more land was opened for tea plantations and vegetable and flower industries. Conversely, recent rapid uncontrolled developments in the built environment and agricultural sectors have tarnished its natural environment, old-world charm and historical values. If this trend persists, the popularity of Cameron Highlands as a vacation destination for local and foreign visitors may be badly affected. This research paper seeks to determine the perception of local stakeholders and tourists of the development in Cameron Highlands and whether they agree that agro-ecotourism can be used as a tool to achieve sustainability in the area. This paper is an assessment of a pilot test to determine initial perceptions toward Cameron Highlands development. The pilot test sample size was 41 respondents, comprising local authorities, local communities and NGOs, as well as local and international tourists. The results showed that the majority agreed that agroecotourism can generate a sustainable income and preserve the environment while ensuring sustainability through fair trade.

Keywords: -


Citation of Article:
Ariffin, A. R. M., Ali, Z. M., Zainol, R., Rahman, S., Ang, K. H., & Sabran, N. (2014). Sustainable highland development through stakeholders’ perceptions on agro ecotourism in Cameron Highlands: A preliminary finding. In SHS Web of Conferences (Vol. 12, p. 01086). EDP Sciences.

Introduction

Cameron Highlands was discovered by the British surveyor William Cameron in 1885 [1]. The area was later developed as a Hill Station by the British government. The Cameron Highlands countryside is endowed with invaluable historical and natural environments, and is a popular tourism destination in Malaysia. The highlands are also well known as one of the oldest and largest hill resorts in Malaysia [2]. During British colonial rule, Cameron Highlands was a popular rest area because of its cool climate and scenic settings. After the Malaysian independence in 1957, the highlands were promoted as a tourism destination and become more popular in the 1980s with the availability of hotels and better roads. Thereafter, through the 9th Malaysian Plan, the Malaysian government opened opportunities for farmers to expand and diversify agricultural products and other related industries, such as agrotourism. The importance of local participation in tourism was also promoted in the 7th Malaysian Plan 1996 to 2000 [3]. All of these factors led to the development of agro-and ecotourism products. In general, agrotourism includes the promotion of areas such as tea plantations and strawberry farms, as well as vegetable and flower farms as tourism destinations; while ecotourism encompasses the promotion of forest reserves, forest trails/jungle trekking, waterfalls and rivers [4]. Initial tourism development in Cameron Highlands only focused on tea plantations [5].

1.1 Marriage Between Agriculture and Ecotourism

Agrotourism can be defined as ‘any practice developed on a working farm with the purpose of attracting visitors’ [6]. Meanwhile, ecotourism can be defined as ‘responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people’ [7]. Both tourism activities are believed to be able to bring economic value and increase visitor numbers to Cameron Highlands with less harm to the environment. For example, the natural ambiance and climate of a geographical location can increase tourist satisfaction levels [5]. In addition, agrotourism generates a steady income to farmers, eventually increases land value and also generates job opportunities to the community [5]. With increased tourist numbers local incomes and wages increase rapidly. These activities promote the economic value of Cameron Highlands and the country as a whole. A number of destinations worldwide use tea plantations as an agro-tourism attraction, such as Lembang in Indonesia [9] Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka [9], and Darjeeling in Indian Himalaya [10]. The natural environment is regularly used as ecotourism attractions, such as Taman Negara [11], Kota Kinabalu in Sabah [12], and Bario in Sarawak [13], all of which are in Malaysia.


2. Cameron Highlands Issues & Challenges

Cameron Highlands has shown rapid development in agricultural and mass tourism since the 1980s. Past researches on Cameron Highlands has shown that there has been a reduction in its environmental quality as a result of recent rapid development. Monitoring highland areas and the scale of development has been difficult because of its high altitude and remoteness [14]. Illegal farming activities are also hard to curb. Sensible development and land use planning need to be take into consideration of the natural and sensitive habitats; serious damage could result from reckless overdevelopment [15]. A study by Yee and Chan (2006) concurs with this stand; they found that over development in highland areas is a main cause of landslides. St the same time, other studies have shown that Cameron Highlands’ agricultural produce and tourism activities have contributed positively towards the country’s economic growth.

Farming methods used is another issue to be considered in order to ensure sustainability. It has been highlighted that agriculture that permits the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and unsystematic agricultural practices, are factors that contribute to the degradation of environmental quality in highland areas [16]. Kunasekaran et al (2011) reports that agrotourism itself when not done is the correct manner can lead to air pollution; land development for tourism purposes will cause more pollution; mass development will increase temperature, negatively affecting agriculture, and agricultural pesticides and fertilizers will lead to environmental pollution. These multiple factors need to be taken into consideration as they too will affect the popularity of Cameron Highlands as a tourist destination. This has been shown by Hiong (2007) who reported that green scenery, peacefulness and unique biodiversity are among the expectations of visitors to Cameron Highlands. Hiong also expressed his concern about development activities, which would affect not only the area’s natural beauty but also tourist satisfaction level.


3. Methodology

The paper’s main objective is to gather the perception of various stakeholders, pertaining to the environment, tourism activities, and acceptance and views of agro ecotourism. This paper is part of a larger research effort. In achieving its objectives, this study was carried out using a quantitative approach through questionnaire surveys. This survey is a pilot test carried out to examine the sustainability of highland communities, heritage and livelihoods through agro-ecotourism development in Cameron Highlands. The pilot test sample involved 41 respondents chosen randomly from the Tanah Rata area. The respondents include various Cameron Highlands stakeholders including five (5) people from the local authorities, and eighteen (18) people from the local community, including Orang Asli, business owners and Regional Environmental Awareness Cameron Highlands (REACH) representatives for non-governmental organizations (NGOs). In addition, eight (8) local tourists and ten (10) international tourists were also surveyed. The selected area for this pilot study was the Tanah Rata district, an area of rapid development after the Brinchang and Ringlet districts.

The questionnaire for the pilot test is divided into three (3) main sets, targeting the local authority, local community and NGOs, and tourists. The questionnaire has two sections; Section A focuses on demographic profiles while section B inquires about perceptions and impacts of agro-tourism. Some questions in section B differ between the three sets. For example, the questionnaires for the local authorities concentrates on environmental impacts, the questionnaire for local communities concentrates on business perspectives, and the questionnaire for tourists concentrates on their experience with agro-ecotourism. A large portion of the questions were prepared in Likert Scale, consisting of 5 parameters (1-strongly disagree, 2-disagree, 3-no comment, 4-agree, 5-strongly agree), with the total number of questions per set ranging from 20 to 25 questions. The study used the face-to-face questionnaire survey method. The survey was audio recorded and photographs were taken as a record and for documentation purposes.


4. Discussion

The following sections will discuss the preliminary findings of the research:

4.1 Local Authorities

Five of the 41 respondents were staff from the local authorities. All respondents were Malaysian males in the civil service who had been in the civil service for more than five years and were also living permanently in Cameron Highlands. A majority of these respondents (80%) were Malays and the remaining respondents were Indian. There are no Chinese participants in the government sector because most Chinese in Cameron Highlands are self-employed in private business. In this study, it was deemed important to determine education levels of the respondents so as to analyse the accuracy of their responses. However, this study showed that those who worked or lived in Cameron Highlands for a longer period of time were better able to answer the questions due to their longitudinal experience in the area rather than their education level. The analysis of the demographic profile was shown to have an impact on the perception of impacts of agro-tourism in Cameron Highlands. A majority of the respondents (90%) were largely positive about the statement on the impact of agroecotourism. For example, most respondents agreed that the increase in land-use and development has negative impacts such as soil erosion and floods. It is thus important for local authorities to protect the environment by promoting environmental awareness to local communities and to take a bit of time to listen to public views. However, it was found that 80% of the respondents suggested that the local authority should provide incentive for agro-eco tourism in the study area. Furthermore, only 44% of the total respondents were satisfied with the agro tourism facilities provided by the local authority. Local authorities therefore need to promote agro-ecotourism, and provide more incentives and facilities to the local communities so that they can benefit from agro-ecotourism activities in Cameron Highlands.

4.2 Local Communities & NGOs

Based on the analysis of the demographic profile of the local communities and NGO participants surveyed, the target of 18 questionnaires to be answered by this group of respondents was successfully achieved. Not dissimilar to the ethnicity mix that lives in Cameron Highlands, the majority of those who participated in this study were Malay, followed by Indians, and Orang Asli. The others participating in the survey included Sikh, and Chinese: both the Chinese respondents were Cantonese. In this group there were more male respondents than females. Most of the respondents work and live in Cameron Highlands, where most of them are private employees, in the farming and retail businesses. Even though a majority of the respondents do not have tertiary qualifications, the reliability of their answers can be accepted as they have lived and worked in Cameron Highlands for more than 10 years.

The pilot test showed that many understood that agrotourism is based on the agricultural sector. A majority of respondents (61.1%) perceived that agriculture is the main attraction in Cameron Highlands, and an even higher percentage (83.3%) perceived that tourism has positive impacts on the economic sustainability of Cameron Highlands. The local community also understood that tourism as it has been carried out thus far put pressure on the environmental sustainability and natural resources of Cameron Highlands, with a majority ‘agreeing’ to the statement given.

The results also showed that the locals agreed that uncontrolled tourism development had increased the temperature and changed the climate in Cameron Highlands. A majority of the respondents also agreed that switching to agro-ecotourism would increase the sustainability of economic, environmental and social aspects of their businesses. The local community also agreed that there should be strict regulation in land use. Although many believed that the local authorities did not necessarily consider public views, they did feel that the local authority and NGOs are committed to environmental issues.

4.3 Local & International Tourists

The demographic survey results show that the 18 respondents that participated in the questionnaire were both local and international tourists. Apart from Malaysian tourists, the others were from Germany, Japan, Australia, and Canada. Most of the international tourists originated from temperature countries, thus proving that Cameron Highlands is still favoured for its pleasant and cool weather. A majority of respondents had tertiary education and professional jobs in their own country, and were willing to spend on their visit. About 64% of the respondents were satisfied with the Cameron Highlands environment, while the remaining respondents had ‘no comment’ or were ‘dissatisfied’ with the environment.

While a majority (80%) agreed that preserving the natural environment and practising safer agricultural methods were necessary, they (83%) believed that the existing tourism development trends had increased local temperatures and negatively affected the agricultural business. They were supportive of the idea of agro-ecotourism not only to increase the quality of life of local residents (61%), but also as aids to educate and preserve the quality of the environment (67%). Nevertheless, a few responded with ‘no comment’, perhaps indicating they were not clear about the meaning of agroecotourism.

The results also show that the tourists believed that mass tourism and uncontrolled visitor numbers had a negative impact on nature and the indigenous people. A majority (67%) of the respondents felt that Cameron Highlands is suitable as a family tourist destination, and agreed that agro-ecotourism contributed to the survival of the Cameron Highlands community as agro-ecotourism enthusiasts would purchase local products and crafts.

5 Initial Results

The analysis of the pilot test showed that the local authorities, local community and NGOs, as well as tourists generally agreed that agro-ecotourism can bring economic sustainability to Cameron Highlands and the country. However, rapid uncontrolled development and land use is perceived to have negative impacts on environmental sustainability, especially on the terrain and local climate as evidenced by increasing temperatures. The pilot test provided a brief insight into the need for Cameron Highlands to prosper with appropriate planning; in this case in agricultural and tourism decision-making. Thus, it is important for all stakeholders to frequently discuss pertinent issues and play a role in ensuring sustainability in highland development. For example, the local authorities should take more serious steps to preserve the environment, and be open to public views, as well as work on sustainable solutions especially in the agricultural sector. Local communities should come together to not only drive the economy of Cameron Highlands, but to take part in environmental community projects so as to meet social community needs and care for the environment. Tourist awareness of carrying capacity and limits of change, as well as sensitivity to the needs and privacy of the local community especially the indigenous people should be increased and emphasized.


6. Conclusion
The findings in this study show that the local authorities, local communities and NGOs support the idea that agro-ecotourism can boost the economic value of Cameron Highlands and the country. However, this is a huge challenge with illegal and uncontrolled land clearing which has resulted in various environmental problems and issues such as soil erosion and floods, and most importantly a change in the micro-climate. This will lead to a negative impact on the entire ecosystem and ecotourism businesses in Cameron Highlands, which are highly dependent on nature and cool climates. Past environmental awareness campaigns for the local community did little to change the situation. In conclusion, protecting the environment is not the sole responsibility of the local authorities, but local communities and NGOs should play a role in caring for the natural environment. Overall, this pilot study achieved its main target, even though there were several problems in the questionnaires that need to be fine-tuned and improved for the actual full-scale survey.


7. Acknowledgement
The authors would like to thank the University Malaya Research Grant Programme titled Historical Hill-Station Settlement as a Sustainable development area: the Case of Cameron Highland (UMRGRP009C-13SUS: Sustainable Highland Community, Heritage and Livelihood Through Eco- Ago-tourism development in Cameron Highland) under the Sustainability Science Research Cluster which supported field and desk research that helped produce this paper.


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Public perception towards environmental awareness Case study: Malacca River

Abstract

Water is an important resource for all living and non-living beings. However, there is a shortage of fresh water nowadays. This situation is related to various factors. One of these factors is water pollution. Water pollution occurs in Malacca state. Specifically, it affects the Malacca River. The main cause of water pollution is factories. If factories continue their activities, the environment will be harmed. Action is needed to stop this pollution before it destroys the environment. This research will explore the level of awareness of citizens in regards to water pollution. This research is divided into three parts. Part A analyzes the respondents’ biodata. Part B investigates citizens’ perceptions of river ecology. Part C describes citizens’ perceptions of water pollution in the river. This study is a starting point meant to discover how great of a threat citizens view water pollution. Malaccan citizens have the right to voice their opinions regarding the water pollution. Their knowledge of the ecosystem showed that they still love the environment. They are embedded with moral and ethical values that dispose them towards caring about the environment. They know that they still have a responsibility to the environment. The people realized they can protect the environment from destruction. Malaccan citizens hope that by taking early steps, they can stop the polluting manufacturing activities.

Keywords: water pollution, factories, environment, awareness, destruction.

Citation to Article:
Hua, A. K., & Marsuki, M. Z. (2014). Public perception towards environmental awareness. Case study: Malacca River. International Journal of Academic Research in Environment and Geography, 1(2), 53-61.

Introduction

Natural freshwater resources have diminished more and more (Jackson et al, 2001). This situation has led to world concern about water resources. Since lack of water is a limit to growth, many debates have been underway to generate ideas to sustain freshwater levels. Malaysia is one of the countries that are currently facing water issues. Although this problem is not immediately threatening, it may cause danger to human society in the long run. Malacca is one example of an area under threat of water shortage. Malacca is a state known as “The Historical State”. Various developments were carried out by its state government. These developments included basic facilities that have helped local citizens in all aspects, such as the construction of factories which have provided employment opportunities for the people. Most factories are built near the river in order to get access to a steady water source. Water is used to aid in the process of producing a new product. Eventually the end of the manufacturing process also produces waste fluid chemical which is poisonous. These waste chemicals cannot be recycled for any other purpose. Such chemicals should not be disposed of by dumping them into the river or planted to solve problems (Hizar, 2009). These actions have caused the environment to be contaminated; this contamination has spread to water, vegetation, soil, and the atmosphere. Destruction occurs when the environment starts to get harmed by human activities. An act stated by Allah s.w.t., says (Ismail, 2012);

“Visible damage on land and sea because of what the hands of men, because God let them taste a part of (the consequences) of them, so they come back.” - Surah al-Rum, verse 41

According to Dr Hafizan Juahir, Head Department of Environmental Modeling, Research Centre For Environmental Forensics (ENFORCE) University Putra Malaysia, the water in our rivers is decreasing as a result of the land use activities that are too high, especially in residential areas. For example, he revealed that the length of Langat River, the main river between the rivers in Selangor and a source of raw water, is 149.3km. However, clean water only makes up 49.3 miles, while the remaining 100km is already polluted (Sinar Harian, 2012). He added that the Langat River is already at grade 3 or 4; if the water quality becomes worse than this, it will be considered a dead river. Before natural resources are destroyed, early steps are needed to prevent such harmful activities from happening. The purpose of this research is to explore the awareness of citizens of the negative changes in the environment. The case study for this research mainly concentrates on water pollution in the Malacca River.

Water is the main resource needed by citizens to carry out daily activities (Acreman, 1998). Water was a source for drinking, bathing, and cooking in the past. Water also became an important method of transportation and communication between peoples. The judgments showed that citizens are highly dependent on water to continue with their lives. However, with the passing of time rapid development became the priority in the state of Malacca. This rapid development caused people to forget their responsibilities toward the environment. Again, referring to Dr Hafizan Juahir, river conditions in the Hulu Langat district are now increasingly threatening as a result of too much development, especially condominiums, houses, and increasing population having a negative impact on the quality of water as a result of washing water, domestic waste, and rubbish in the river. So, the issue started to evolve when water in the river started to get polluted. The problem was felt when a group of fisherman could not manage to catch fish in the river (Nasbah, 2010). The main reason for this was that the fish was being poisoned to death (Johnson and Griffith, 1996). This situation gives an impression that rapid development leads to the destruction of important natural resources such as fresh water. As a result of water pollution, Malaccan citizens only depend on tap water to obtain water prepared by the state government and never have water resources taken from the river.


Materials and Methods

This research study is focused on public perception. The respondents involved are Malaccan citizens who were surveyed on the existing water pollution conditions in Malacca. This study involved about 200 respondents spread over the two regions that the Malaccan River spans. The two regions mentioned are the Alor Gajah and Central Malacca. The study area for two regions was a little bit different. Alor Gajah is an area for the upstream of Malacca River, while Central Malacca is an area for the downstream of Malacca River. These two areas have a different population because Alor Gajah is a relatively rural area, while Central Malacca is an urban area. Therefore, most of the population will be concentrated at the Central Malacca for job opportunities. However, the total population of Malacca state consists of the total for three regions. As a result, the sample size needed to be re-calculated to obtain the correct sample. According to Krejcieand and Morgan, the population size studied can be calculated using a formula. The formula is stated as below:

This calculation gave an answer that 200 respondents was a suitable sample size. From the viewpoint of Muhamad Najid, it is suitable to have 200 respondents involved in a study. However, he added that a larger sample size is better, if possible, due to the increased accuracy of the results obtained from a larger sample size. So, the questionnaire will be separately distributed to two regions, which are 100 questionnaires at Alor Gajah and 100 questionnaires at Central Malacca.

The desired information was collected with questionnaires. The questionnaire was divided into several parts. Part A provided the information about respondent biodata. Part B asked about citizen perception of river ecology. Part C asked about citizen perception of water pollution in the river. The format for the questionnaire is in index form. The index included options of strongly disagree, disagree, normal, agree, and strongly agree. Each level corresponds to a certain value of percentage. Strongly disagree stands for 0% to 20%; disagree stands for 21% to 40%; normal stands for 41% to 60%; agree stands for 61% to 80%; and strongly agree stands for 81% to 100%.

Once the questionnaire was prepared, the survey distributed via questionnaires along the Malacca River. Citizens who live near the river provided accurate information when answering the questionnaires. After the questionnaires were completed, the data was keyed-in into the computer. The survey was stored in the computer as a softcopy. Computers helped to analyze the data. The computer also provided new information for making a decision in the research.


Results and Discussions

The information from part A shows the respondents’ biodata. The number of male and female respondents was about even. The ages of the participations ranged from adolescent to adult. Most of the respondents were married. For this reason, the majority of respondents had lived in Malacca state for more than 20 years. Most of the Malaccan citizens surveyed were Muslims, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity were the next most common religious affiliations. The education level item showed that the majority of respondents have a secondary level education. Most of the respondents have job in the private sector or are self-employed.

The results from part A are an important factor in influencing other parts of the questionnaire. The answers provided by the respondents will have connections with other parts. From a general point of view, the majority of respondents that were surveyed are educated. This gave them the opportunity to work in the private sector, for instance as factory workers. This situation results in the number of men being greater than the number of women in the factories, since the workers will stay there for a period of time. It is an opportunity for people to meet with other couples in Malacca state. The results showed that the majority of respondents are married and adult. Since they are already married, they will have already bought a house and lived in the area for a longer time. The experience and maturity of the respondents helped in the research study. This is because the information that the respondents provided was more true and accurate.

In part B, the information collected was more concerned with citizen perceptions of river ecology. The table shows that respondents had given their answers based on their experience and opinions. In their view, they are strongly agreed that water is the habitat of aquatic life. They know that polluted water in the river will affect the ecosystem. Respondents strongly agreed that evaporation of polluted water from the river is a cause of air pollution and bad odors. They also agreed that surface water runoff from acid rain will cause river water contamination. Moreover, the acidic surface water will cause contaminated groundwater. The respondents also agreed that water pollution can weaken the soil structure.

Part C provided respondent information that is connected with part B. Part C provided results about citizen perception of water pollution in the river. The table below shows that citizens rejected the statement that the Malacca River is clean. The water in the river cannot be of daily use to the citizen. Respondents strongly agree that industrial waste will cause the water to turn black in color, to become smelly, and to be contaminated. Respondents also strongly agree that polluted water causes disease and becomes a dirty habitat to animals. They realize that contaminated water can cause aquatic species to become extinct. Finally, they agree that water pollution can affect plant species.

Since respondents have lived in Malacca state for a long period of time, they have undergone many difficulties. Respondents realize that water is important for all living and non-living beings. They are aware that humans need water to continue living their lives. Allah s.w.t. says which means (Ismail, 2012):

“He who made the earth unfold, the sky as a canopy for you, and He sends down rain from the sky, and producing fruits as food for you.” - Surah al-Baqarah, ayat22

In other words, it’s important for human to thankful for water resources. Management or sustainability of water resources is very important to done wisely to avoid facing the problems associated with water. Even the aquatic animals need water as their habitat. The aquatic animals live in the water to find food and protection. It is a certainty that the animals need water (Smakhtin, 2003). In addition, animals such as fish also provide food for humans. Humans are one of the predators in the food chain. An interaction exists between humans, fish, algae, and water to create a natural ecosystem. This situation has created a complete balance in this world. However, development through land use, chemical construction, and natural demand can cause environmental destruction.

One example of such destruction in Malacca state is when factory construction causes water pollution (Petts, 1988) in the Malacca River. The main cause of water pollution is the chemical factories. The chemical factories produce waste chemicals when they generate a new product. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are an example of the early products of the chlorine industry, which were to prove highly damaging to the environment (Jacobson & Jacobson, 1996). According to the report, PCBs are non-flammable oily liquids or waxes which found use as hydraulic fluids, as additives to oils, in sealants, in electrical applications, and in paints. PCBs has proven difficult to untangle all of the toxic impacts, but many are suspected of promoting cancers, damaging the immune and reproductive systems, and interfering with hormone systems through endocrine disruption (Jacobson & Jacobson, 1996). PCBs are dangerous. Additional, the waste chemicals are dumped down the drain and let flow into the river (Figure 1). This continued action causes water pollution and eventually causes poisoning. Eventually the chemical waste turned the Malacca River black (Figure 2). It also produced a type of bad smell detectable as one gets close to the river. The water in the river became black, smelly, poisonous, and contaminated. For another example, consider the situation of Sungai Juru and Sungai Simpat Ampat, Penang. The river water found to be contaminated as a result of waste from residential area, manufacturing sector, agriculture and livestock flowing into the river. Therefore, the river water became black and foul-smelling (Berita Harian, 2014).

When water pollution exists in a river, it has a high probability of killing the animals that use it as their habitat (Haslour, 1983). Eventually, this pollution will kill almost every animal living in the water. Agriculture activities have led to large increases in the levels of nitrogen and phosphorus in the environment (WWF) [15]. When in water, this overabundance of nutrients, in a process called eutrophication, can fuel the excessive growth of phytoplankton and algae, which can have devastating consequences. Harmful algal blooms can kill fish, marine mammals and seabirds and harm humans. If this situation continues, the contaminated water can cause aquatic species to become extinct. This because when the algae and other organisms that had been allowed to bloom because of the nutrient excess eventually die off, bacteria may suck up all the oxygen from the water as the algae decompose. This create a “dead zone” where fish cannot live (WWF) [15]. Moreover, the dead fish and polluted water can easily spread disease to human society. However, this may give dirty animals an advantage by providing them a chance to live in the river. Polluted water in the river will affect the natural ecosystem and destroy the food chain. This is the main reason that respondents give for strongly agreeing that water pollution may affect the ecosystem. In their opinion, if fish cannot live in the river, it is not possible for humans to use the water of the river either.

Malaccan citizens had experienced the way of life in Malacca state. They had explored and understood how to overcome bad situations when living close to the river. During the hot season, they need to face the bad smell produced by the river (Cees, 1974). The hot weather had evaporated the water in the river into gas. The gas was released into the air surrounding the river. This caused the Malaccan citizen to move to and stay in areas far from the river. However, this does not resolve the problem. When the gas is released into the air, this may cause the air to get polluted. According to the World Wild Life organization (WWF) [15], when water in the atmosphere mixes with certain chemicals (particularly sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides emitted during the burning of fossil fuels), mild acidic are formed. So, this air pollution may mix up with moisture and cause even more pollution. When it rains, acidic water pours from the clouds and the rain is acid rain. Acid rain also weakens tress in forests and contributes to air pollution that can harm humans (WWF) [15].

Acid rain drops onto the land and creates a water surface. The water on the land is acidic water. This surface water will flow from a higher area to a lower area. The surface water runoff will mix with existing water and cause contamination. This will increase the percentage of water pollution when the mixture flows into the river. This acid rain can leach toxic aluminum from the soil, which at low levels can stress fish in lakes and streams or, at higher concentrations, kill them outright (WWF) [15]. In addition, surface water runoff may absorb into ground to become groundwater. When acidic surface water is absorbed into the ground, it may also cause contamination. This situation can pose dangers to society because groundwater is a resource for people. Therefore, acid rain will aid in the pollution of the clean water.

The surface water runoff is easy to contaminate the clean water with and the acidic water can also affect the soil structure. Soil needs adequate sources of nutrients for plants to undergo the growth process. Pesticides and other chemicals used on crop plants have helped farmers increase their yields. However, scientists have found that overuse of some of these chemicals changes soil composition and disrupt the balance of microorganisms in the soil (WWF) [16]. This stimulates the growth of harmful bacteria at the expense of beneficial types. Plus, the presence of acidic water will cause substantial changes to the structure of the soil due the ability of acidic water to destroy soil structure by changing the natural chemical composition of the soil. Broadly speaking, soil is the basis of wealth upon which all land-based life depends (Carter, 2003). Indirect damage to ecosystem is largely caused by changes in the soil chemistry. Increasing soil acidity through acid rain can affect microorganism which break down organic matter into nutrient form for plant to take up (Carter, 2003). When acid rain falls, it can affect forests because acid rain is absorbed into the soil making it virtually impossible for these trees to survive. As a result, trees are more susceptible to viruses, fungi, and insect pests. At the moment, acid rain moves through the soils, it can strip away vital plant nutrients through chemical reactions, thus posing a potential threat to future forest productivity. Moreover, the number of micro-organisms present in the soil also decreases as the soil acidifies, and this situation depletes nutrients available to plant life, as micro-organisms play an important role in releasing nutrients from decaying organic material (Carter, 2003). When this situation happens, plants find it difficult to carry out processes of growth and eventually die. If both the soil and the groundwater are acidic, plant species will be destroyed. The majority of the respondents are in agreement that water pollution can affect soil nutrients and can cause destruction to plant species.

Acidic water can cause natural disasters such as flash floods to occur. This is because of the changes in soil structure that are caused by acidic water. The main result of this situation that when plants has difficulty surviving, this will affect the soil structure because the root are unable to hold the soil and cause erosion. By the way, death plant can increase the probability of water surface runoff. For example, when the trees are unable to hold the soil and the raining fall is greater, this will increase the erosion potential because the impact of raindrops on the soil surface can break down soil aggregates and disperse the aggregate material (Ritter, 2012). The lighter aggregate material such as very fine sand, silt, clay, and organic matter are easily removed by the raindrop splash and runoff water; while greater raindrop energy or runoff amounts are required to move larger sand and gravel particles (Ritter, 2012). The water surface runoff will then flow into the river. Water surface runoff has the ability to transport the soil and together with the other material along the way into the stream. While traveling in the river, high water energy has a strong impact and erodes the river banks. This increases the chance of erosion. Other than acid rain, this will also increase the percentage of pollution in the river due to the erosion and other material transport. When energy transport has reached a maximum level, then transported material will be deposited in an area. This usually happens in the river downstream. The soil deposits in the river will decrease the depth of the river. This situation will increase the probability of flash floods due to sedimentation. Destruction of property is another consequence.


Conclusion

With the results and explanations provided above, respondents had displayed their knowledge of the polluted state of the Malacca River. Respondents strongly disagree that the Malacca River is clean until it can be used. Water pollution in the Malacca River has caused a lot of destruction to the environment. The cause of this destruction stemmed from human activities since humans are the key for all protection and can play the roles of savior or destroyer. Humans are an intelligent species. Humans know how to create technology to fulfill their demands. They design technology to produce food in large quantities and in a short amount of time. They use the natural resources available to them. They cut down trees to make paper. They clear the forest to build buildings. They create a car to facilitate movement. They use water for processing chemicals. Every action performed by humans is to facilitate their own lives. Because of this, they have forgotten their responsibilities towards the environment, as in the case of the Malacca River.

Sometimes, the rapid development not only brings benefits, but also has a harmful impact on humans. For example, humans create the manufacturing industry that can lead negative impact on the environment, such as contaminated water. When this happens, contaminated water will easily spread infectious diseases, which will affect the quality of human life. In the context of Islam, Allah s.w.t. says;

“…and diligently (to get) what Allah has given to you from (the award) at the Last Day and do not forget to reward you in the world, and do good as Allah has been good to you and do not do damage, surely Allah does not love to those who do the damage.” - Surah al-Qasas: 77

This verse clearly shows that Allah s.w.t. remind people to be kind to all creatures, including the environment, as Allah s.w.t. has done good for them. This means that in the developments of human beings, they must preserve the environment in the form of flora and, as Allah s.w.t is good to humans. If Allah s.w.t. created the environment in a beauty and balanced, then people are also obliged to keep the beauty and balance of nature as originally created by Allah s.w.t.. So, humans need to aware that they have a big responsibility in protecting the environment from destruction. This is because Islam teaches humans to be grateful. It is important for humans to remember that they are created from natural elements, such as water and earth. Therefore, they should appreciate all these elements by themselves in terms of preserving and conserving the environment (Abidfana, 2009). Allah s.w.t. says;

“And to Thamud, We sent their brother Salih. He said: “O my people! Worship Allah!
Actually there is no God but from it. He brought you forth from the earth and settled you therein. So ask forgiveness of Him, then turn to the faithful and faith. Verily, my God is near, ready to answer.” - Surah Hud, Verse 61

This research study is to show that water is essential for all creatures. Water is among one of the natural resources created by Allah s.w.t. to be used wisely. Human are too selfish and too greedy for fulfillment of desires without any regard for the environment, and this situation has caused destruction to occur. The destruction is refers to the absence of clean water for drinking or bathing because of contaminated water. This situation has not yet occurred because humans still feel that they have adequate water resources. However, clean water resources will not last long if the water pollution activities is continuous and there is no other alternative for the restoration of water resources. So, not only will human life be affected, the original ecosystem will also be threatened as a result of contamination. People may have forgotten that they are in need of enough clean water to sustain life, and that they themselves are actually composed of liquid (known as blood) to form proteins and other parts of organs. Therefore, early awareness is very important in helping to protect water resources from further destruction.

However, the situation is quite different in Malacca. Malacca is famous due to its history that existed in the state from the founding of the Sultanate, becoming the starting point of the center of government, a world trade center, experiencing colonialism by foreign powers, and so on. This has caused Malacca to be recognized by UNESCO World Heritage Site at 7 July, 2008 (UNESCO Official Portal). Therefore, Malacca has become an attraction to the tourist especially from worldwide to come and visit the state. So, the tourism activities become important to the country because it can generate economic revenue. However, many changes have taken place until the present day. This is because the state government feels that tourism alone is not enough to support Malacca. In desperate need for development, this has led to extremely exploitative land use. At the same time, without realizing it, the environment becomes affected, which also causes water sources to be harmed as a result of rapid development. Due to increased development and job creation, there is no reason to destroy the environment. The Malacca River is in serious condition. If no action is taken to stop human activities, the environment will be destroyed one day. Malaccan citizens are very hopeful that government can stop the harmful activities before it is too late.

Water is not an irreplaceable resource. Humans have tried to create machines that can recycle water and succeeded. However, the water pollution problem is still not resolved since successfully recycled water cannot be produced to match the original water quality. The recycled water was not drinkable. If society continues to promote water pollution, then this problem cannot be resolved. Take the Malacca River in Malacca state as an example. If government promoted environmental awareness while factories continued to pollute, then the solution will not be reached. Malaccan citizens are aware of the environmental problems. They hope that factories can find another solution by not dumping their chemical waste into the river. Lastly, Malaccan citizens want the water quality in the river to be maintained for the next generation.


Acknowledgement

The author is very thankful to Dr. Mohd Zuhdi bin Marsuki, lecturer in Environmental Ethics, Faculty of Science and Technology Studies, University of Malaysia, for motivating and guiding me to finish writing this journal.


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Sungai Melaka dan Pelan Pembangunan Sumber Air negeri: Kajian kes persepsi warga tempatan

Abstrak

Pembangunan pesat ekonomi yang menyaksikan pembinaan pelbagai kilang tanpa kawalan telah mencemarkan Bandar dan air sungai Melaka sehingga kerajaan negeri terpaksa melancarkan program radikal untuk merubah Negeri Melaka kepada Bandar Teknoloji Hijau atau ‘Green Technology City’. Antara pendekatan yang digunakan dalam Teknologi Hijau adalah melibatkan program biodiesel, program tenaga solar, penggunaan kereta elektrik, dan program pemuliharaan sungai. Program ini telah dirumuskan sebagai dasar atau polisi yang sesuai untuk mengekalkan persekitaran dalam jangka masa panjang. Undang-undang dan peraturan memainkan peranan penting dalam menjayakan program Teknologi Hijau. Walau bagaimanapun, pelaksanaan ini akan mengambil masa da jarak masa ini akan mendorong pihak yang tidak bertanggungjawab untuk terus mencemarkan air Sungai dan alam sekitar Melaka. Berdasarkan kajian soalselidik yang melibatkan 200 penduduk tempatan kajian ini mendapati bahawa meskipun pada umumnya warga tempatan amat menyanjung program mesra alam ini namun mereka merasakan adalah paling mustahak bagi kerajaan negeri memberikan tumpuan kepada penyelesaian sumber air sungai Melaka. Ini kerana ‘sedar sebelum hilang’ adalah lebih baik daripada ‘cari selepas hilang’.

Kata Kunci: Bandar Teknologi Hijau, degradasi alam sekitar, pencemaran air, pengurusan sumber air, persekitaran lestari, perundangan dan peraturan alam sekitar

Abstract

Decades of high speed economic development which saw various factories being constructed without much control has polluted both the Malacca City and River to the extent that the state government has to embark on a set of radical programmes to transform the city state into a Green Technology City. Examples of the efforts made are the biodiesel programme, the solar valley programme, the electric car charging stations, and a river conservation programme. Equipped with proper and adequate legislation and regulation instruments the goals are long term sustainable environment for the state. However, the necessary time lag between policy implementation and goals realization may cause irresponsible parties to continue to pollute the Malacca River and degrade the surrounding environment. From the questionnaire survey of 200 local residents this research found that although the local citizens approved of and lauded the state environmental programmes they were of the opinion that it was crucial for the state government to concentrate more on water resource solutions. For saving the water resource before it disappears is better than searching for it after it disappears.

Keywords: environmental degradation, environmental legislation and regulation, Green Technology City, sustainable environment, water pollution, water resource management

Citation of Article:

Hua, A. (2014). The Malacca River and the state Water Resource Development Plan: a case study of citizen perception. Geografia. Malaysian Journal of Society and Space, 10(6), 57-65.

Pengenalan

Negeri Melaka merupakan negeri ketiga terkecil selepas Perlis dan Pulau Pinang.Negeri Melaka terletak di antara Negeri Sembilan di utara dan Johor di selatan. Sementara itu, ia bersempadan dengan laut di sebelah barat, yang dikenali sebagai Selat Melaka. Menurut sejarah, Negeri Melaka telah diasaskan oleh Parameswara ketika beristirahat di bawah pokok yang dikenali sebagai pokok Melaka (Malacca state Government’s Official Portal). Parameswara adalah raja terakhir dari Singapura dan memerintah negara tersebut dari tahun 1389 sehingga tahun 1398, apabila mereka tersingkir daripada institusi beraja. Sejarah yang terpahat di Negeri Melaka ini bermula apabila Parameswara sedang berehat di bawah pokok berhampiran sungai dan melihat anjingnya sedang memburu seekor kancil. Kemudian, ketika mempertahankan dirinya, kancil tersebut menendang anjing itu dan terjatuh ke dalam sungai. Jadi, Parameswara mengambil peluang tersebut dengan menamakan negeri ini sebagai negeri dan ianya kekal sehingga hari ini.

Memandangkan Negeri Melaka terletak di lokasi yang strategik, Parameswara telah mengambil kesempatan untuk membangunkan Negeri Melaka sebagai sebuah pelabuhan antarabangsa. Kewujudan Selat Melaka menjadi satu titik permulaan untuk menghubungkan Negara China dan India terutama kapal-kapal perdagangan yang berlayar dari timur dan barat. Keadaan ini memberi peluang kepada pedagang untuk menjalankan aktiviti perdagangan di Negeri Melaka. Antara barangan yang diperdagangkan di Negeri Melaka adalah sutera dan porselin dari China, kain dari Gujerat dan Koromandel dari India, kapur barus dari Borneo, cendana dari Timor, buah pala dan bunga cengkih dari Maluku, emas dan kertas hitam dari Sumatera, dan bijih timah dari Malaya (Malacca state Government’s Official Portal). Aktiviti perdagangan dan perniagaan masih dijalankan walaupun terdapat beberapa perubahan dalam pentadbiran disebabkan oleh peperangan dan penaklukan oleh negara Barat. Jadi, pelbagai kenangan yang tidak dapat dibawa pulang oleh penjajah dari negara-negara Barat ke negara asal mereka, telah menjadi sejarah utama di negeri Melaka seperti Fort A Famosa, Gereja Christ, Tokong Cheng Hoon Teng, dan sebagainya. Kenangan ini juga membantu Negeri Melaka untuk menjadi sebagai tempat bersejarah dikenali Tapak Warisan Dunia UNESCO pada 7 Julai 2008 (Department of Town and Country Planning, Malacca).

Sehingga hari ini, Negeri Melaka telah menjadi popular dan merupakan tunggak utama dalam menjana ekonomi dan pendapatan melalui aktiviti pelancongan kepada negara Malaysia.Situasi ini amat sesuai kepada keluarga mahupun sekumpulan orang muda untuk menjalankan aktiviti pelancongan disini dengan mempelajari dan mendalami keunikan tempat-tempat bersejarah serta keindahan alam semula jadi di Negeri Melaka. ‘Taman Mini Malaysia & Taman Mini ASEAN’, ‘Taman Rama-Rama & Reptilia’, ‘Taman Botanikal Melaka’, ‘Kolam Air Panas Gadek’, dan sebagainya, adalah beberapa contoh keindahan alam semula jadi yang terdapat di Negeri Melaka (Malacca state Government’s Official Portal). Sementara itu, beberapa tempat yang popular dengan bertemakan bangunan sejarah boleh dijadikan kunjungan umum seperti ‘Istana Kesultanan Melaka’, ‘Stadthuys’, ‘Masjid Kampung Keling’, ‘Baba dan Nyonya Heritage Museum’, dan tempat-tempat lain yang menarik. Selain itu, penempatan Negeri Melaka juga memainkan peranan penting dalam menarik pelancong seperti Kampung Morten yang diisytiharkan sebagai perkampungan orang Melayu lama yang tinggal berdekatan dengan Sungai Melaka.

Merujuk kepada kedudukan geografi, koordinat bagi negeri Melaka adalah N2º19'35.3'', E102º20'44.5'', dimana kedudukan ini adalah berpandu kepada Sistem Geodetik Dunia 1984 atau WGS84. Negeri Melaka boleh dibahagikan kepada tiga wilayah utama dengan jumlah kawasan Melaka adalah 1,650 km², iaitu Melaka Tengah, Alor Gajah dan Daerah Jasin. Ketiga-tiga daerah ini dapat dihubungkanbmelalui jalan raya. Salah satu contoh yang dapat dilihat ialah melalui pembinaan PLUS atau Projek Lebuhraya Utara Selatan Berhad.Hal ini telah memudahkan perjalanan dari negeri-negeri lain seperti dari Kuala Lumpur atau Johor untuk datang ke Negeri Melaka dengan memandu kenderaan sendiri. Sebagai contoh, perjalanan dari Kuala Lumpur ke Negeri Melaka hanya mengambil masa satu setengah jam, dan ia mengambil masa tiga jam dari Singapura ke Melaka (Malacca state Government’s Official Portal).

Pembangunan Negeri Melaka masih diteruskan sehingga hari ini. Berbagai bangunan telah dibina untuk aktiviti pentadbiran. Hal ini telah menyediakan pelbagai peluang pekerjaan terutama dalam sektor kerajaan, sektor swasta, bekerja sendiri, dan berniaga. Aktiviti-aktiviti dalam peluang pekerjaan utama disediakan kepada penduduk tempatan adalah pekerjaan dalam perkilangan. Di antara aktiviti-aktiviti perkilangan yang terlibat di Negeri Melaka adalah LIPTA PLASTIC INDUSTRIES SDN BHD, GUOLENE PRODUK (Melaka) SDN BHD, MENILAI PRODUCT SDN BHD dan lain-lain [The Melaka (Malacca) Official State E-Commerce Portal]. Aktiviti perkilangan memainkan salah satu peranan penting dalam pertumbuhan ekonomi Negeri Melaka dan juga Malaysia, selepas aktiviti pelancongan.

Walau bagaimanapun, pelbagai kilang yang dibina berdekatan dengan Sungai Melaka akan mendatangkan kesan yang merbahaya kepada penduduk tempatan. Salah satu sebab yang berkaitan dengan masalah ini adalah kilang yang memproses bahan kimia. Kilang ini akan memproses cecair kimia yang mentah dan menghasilkan produk diperlukan serta menghasilkan sisa bahan buangan. Kebanyakan kilang akan mengambil pendekatan yang lebih mudah dengan membuang sisa-sisa bahan buangan ini ke dalam sungai tanpa mengambil berat terhadap alam sekitar (Rajah 1). Keadaan menyebabkan sungai menjadi tercemar (Jabar, 2010). Masalah ini dapat dibuktikan melalui pengalaman penduduk tempatan, dimana mereka pergi ke sungai untuk menangkap ikan dan menyedari bahawa ikan di dalam sungai mati akibat keracunan yang berpunca daripada pencemaran air sungai (Nasbah, 2010). Masalah ini tidak boleh dipandang ringan kerana Negeri Melaka merupakan kawasan bersejarah yang harus dilindungi daripada kehancuran terutama melibatkan alam sekitar seperti air sungai yang merupakan habitat kepada segala hidupan air. Jadi, kerajaan Negeri Melaka harus mengambil tindakan untuk mengurangkan pencemaran terhadap air sungai di sungai Melaka.

Kaedah yang digunapakai oleh kerajaan Negeri Melaka untuk mengurangkan pencemaran air sungai dengan memperkenalkan polisi atau dasar sumber air di Negeri Melaka. Hal ini dapat ditunjukkan beberapa contoh seperti Program Teknologi Hijau, Program Membersihkan Sungai Kita dan Program Cintailah Sungai Kita, serta Program Tidak Menggunakan Beg Plastik (Green Technology Corporation Malacca Portal). Selain itu, kerajaan Negeri Melaka juga telah merumuskan perancangan jangka masa panjang dengan mengaplikasikan undang-undang dan peraturan untuk mengawal pencemaran air melalui Pelan Tindakan Menghasilkan Sisa & Pelan Tindakan Sisa Sifar, Pelan Tindakan Pengurangan Toksik, dan Pelan Tindakan Perlindungan Habitat (Green Technology Corporation Malacca Portal); dan juga melibatkan Akta-Akta Air 1920, Akta Perkhidmatan Kumbahan 1993, sertaAkta Kumbahan dan Effluen-Effluen Perindustrian. Dengan cara ini, sumber air yang mengalir di dalam sungai dipercayai dapat dilindungi daripada terus mengalami pencemaran. Oleh itu, dasar atau polisi dan perancangan jangka masa panjang dengan melibatkan undang-undang dan peraturan yang sesuai untuk memelihara sumber air di Negeri Melaka telah digunakan.Walau bagaimanapun, penduduk tempatan Negeri Melaka masih berasa tidak selesa dengan pencemaran yang wujud di Sungai Melaka, kerana mempercayai bahawa pencemaran air di Sungai Melaka adalah berterusan dan keadaan ini tidak menunjukkan penambahbaikan terhadap sumber air. Sebagai contohnya, keadaan warna air sungai di Sungai Melaka kelihatan semakin hitam dan berwarna gelap serta mengeluarkan bau yang busuk dan tidak menyenangkan. Oleh itu, kajian ini dilakukan bertujuan untuk menilai tahap keberkesanan aplikasi dasar atau polisi dan perancangan yang digubal oleh kerajaan Negeri Melaka untuk melindungi sumber air di Sungai Melaka. Kajian ini akan menumpukan kepada persepsi rakyat Melaka, dimana penduduk adalah benar-benar melihat dan mengalami perubahan yang berlaku terhadap sumber air di Sungai Melaka. Hal ini kerana program yang digubal oleh kerajaan Negeri Melaka akan memberi impak kepada penduduk Negeri Melaka dan akan menjadi satu peluang untuk berfungsi sebagai bukti yang penting untuk menilai dan mengkritik idea-idea yang dicadangkan oleh kerajaan Negeri Melaka agar program tersebut dapat diubah untuk lebih berkesan dalam melindungi sumber air Sungai Melaka.

Metodologi

Kajian penyelidikan ini menumpukan kepada persepsi penduduk Negeri Melaka. Responden yang dipilih adalah penduduk tempatan Negeri Melaka kerana mereka dipercayai mempunyai lebih banyak pengalaman dengan pencemaran air di Sungai Melaka. Sungai di Negeri Melaka merentasi dua kawasan, iaitu Daerah Alor Gajah dan Daerah Melaka Tengah. Walau bagaimanapun, saiz sampel untuk kajian penyelidikan ini perlu dikira semula kerana jumlah penduduk bagi Negeri Melaka adalah melibatkan tiga daerah. Menurut Krejcie dan Morgan (1970), saiz penduduk boleh dikira dengan menggunakan formula berikut:

Kajian penyelidikan ini melibatkan sebanyak 200 responden untuk membantu dalam memberikan maklumat.Muhammad Najib (1999) telah menyatakan bahawa 200 responden untuk sesuatu kajian kes adalah mengikut piawaian dan ianya sangat sesuai dalam kajian ini. Bagaimanapun, beliau juga menambah bahawa kajian penyelidikanakan menjadi lebih baik jika jumlahnya boleh ditingkatkan dan ditambahkan lagi. Hal ini kerana jika saiz sampel yang lebih besar, maka lebih besar peratusan sampel untuk tepat dan dapatdigunakan dalam penyelidikan.

Maklumat kajian penyelidikan ini dapat dikumpulkan melalui soal selidik. Soal selidik ini boleh dibahagikan kepada dua bahagian. Bahagian A akan menghasilkan maklumat mengenai penglibatan penduduk Negeri Melaka dalam mengurangkan pencemaran di Sungai Melaka. Bahagian B pula akan menghasilkan informasi tentang perancangan jangka masa panjang dan keberkesanan undang-undang dan peraturan yang digubalkan oleh kerajaan Negeri Melaka. Format yang disediakan dalam borang soal selidik ini adalah berbentuk indeks, iaitu sangat tidak setuju (0% -20%), tidak setuju (21% -40%), normal (41% -60%), setuju (61% -80%), dan sangat setuju (81% -100%). Apabila soal selidik telah disediakan, borang ini akan diagihkan kepada penduduk tempatan yang tinggal berdekatan dengan Sungai Melaka. Selepas soal selidik telah selesai dijawab oleh penduduk tempatan, maka maklumat daripada soal selidik yang dihasilkan akan dimasukkan ke dalam komputer. Kemudian, komputer akan membantu dalam menganalisis data tersebut untuk menghasilkan maklumat baru agar dapat membuat keputusan dalam penyelidikan ini.

Keputusan

Keputusan bagi bahagian A dan bahagian B dapat ditunjukkan di dalam Jadual 1 dan 2 seperti di bawah. Dalam bahagian A, penglibatan penduduk Negeri Melaka dalam mengurangkan pencemaran di Sungai Melaka menunjukkan sikap yang positif, yang bermaksud bahawa secara keseluruhannya penduduk negeri Melaka amat bersetuju dengan dasar yang digubal oleh kerajaan Negeri Melaka. Salah satu contoh yang boleh dianggap sebagai dasar yang berjaya adalah Program Tidak Menggunakan Beg Plastik, Program Tidak Menggunakan Produk Plastik dan Program Kitar Semula. Hampir 95% daripada responden yang bersetuju untuk program ini. Penduduk tempatan memilih untuk sangat bersetuju bahawa pada setiap hari Jumaat dan Sabtu (iaitu pada hujung minggu di negara Malaysia) akan mengurangkan penggunaa beg plastik di setiap pembelian produk dari pasar raya besar. Walau bagaimanapun, keberkesanan program ini masih berada di tahap yang minimum kerana pelaksanaan polisi ini tidak dijalankan secara universal. Hal ini kerana apabila membeli produk-produk tertentu di pasar-pasar kecil, penjual akan tetap menggunakan beg plastik untuk membungkus barang-barang mereka. Selain itu, jika sesorang membeli-belah di pasar raya dan memohon untuk menggunakan beg plastik, maka beg plastik masih relevan untuk digunakan pada hujung minggu. Keadaan ini menunjukkan bahawa program ini tidak dapat dilaksanakan dengan baik dan berkemungkinan tidak dapat berjaya.

Program Teknologi Hijau Malaysia, merupakan satu idea baru yang dibangunkan oleh kerajaan negeri Melaka. Visi dan misi utama untuk program ini adalah untuk mengubah negeri Melaka menjadi sebuah negeri yang bertemakan bandar hijau. Dalam erti kata lain, kerajaan Negeri Melaka sedang cuba untuk mengubah bandar ini untuk menjadi sebuah "bandar hijau" dengan menggunakan Program Biodiesel, Program Melaka Bebas Asap, Projek Pemulihan Sungai, Program Bas Elektrik, dan Program Green Seal Melaka. Untuk program ini, seramai 171 penduduk tempatan Negeri Melaka memilih untuk memberikan pendapat mereka dengan memilih setuju tentang program ini yang ditetapkan oleh kerajaan Negeri Melaka. Namun, 28 orang memilih jawapan dari biasa kerana mereka fikir idea ini akan mengambil jangka panjang untuk berjaya melaksanakan. Dalam pemikiran mereka, ‘Bagaimana Program Melaka Bebas Asap berjaya jika rokok masih lagi banyak dijual?’ dan ‘Mengapa kerajaan Negeri Melaka tidak mengambil berat tentang sektor air apabila air tawar pada masa kini telah menjadi berkurang berpunca daripada pencemaran air?’

Program Membersihkan Sungai Kita dan Program Cintailah Sungai Kita juga menunjukkan kesan yang positif, di mana 172 orang adalah cinta untuk mengikuti program ini. Program ini diperkenalkan oleh kerajaan melalui Jabatan Pengairan dan Saliran, Malaysia. Kempen ini merangkumi semua aspek dan faktor-faktor bagi setiap negeri. Di Melaka, program ini dianjurkan oleh Perbadanan Pembangunan Sungai dan Pantai Melaka (PPSPM) untuk membersihkan sungai dari sampah-sarap (Utusan, 2014). Selain daripada itu, kerajaan Negeri Melaka juga telah menganjurkan projek yang dikenali sebagai Projek Pemulihan Sungai Melaka untuk melindungi kualiti air sungai (Green Technology Corporation Malacca Portal). Namun, 27 orang merasa hanya biasa tentang hal ini kerana mereka berfikir bahawa kerajaan negeri telah melancarkan banyak projek tentang kesedaran alam sekitar, tetapi air di dalam sungai tidak pernah berubah. Sebagai contoh, semasa musim panas, air di dalam sungai masih mengeluarkan bau yang tidak menyenangkan, menyebabkan kesukaran bagi penduduk tempatan yang tinggal berdekatan sungai. Jadi, penduduk tempatan mempunyai beberapa soalan yang tidak dapat diterongkai oleh mana-mana pihak, iaitu ‘Mengapa beberapa program atau projek-projek yang dilancarkan tetapi pencemaran air di Sungai Melaka tidak pernah pada kadar penurunan?’ dan ‘Mengapa kerajaan negeri tidak mencari kaedah untuk mencegah pencemaran air, tetapi lebih suka mencari penyelesaian selepas perkara atau isu-isu ini timbul?’

Program lain yang tidak boleh dipanggil sabagai satu kejayaan adalah Program Simpan Air dan Program Mengumpul Air Hujan. Analisis di bawah menunjukkan bahawa 75 orang memilih normal dan 15 orang tidak bersetuju dengan program ini. Alasan utama untuk hasil informasi ini adalah bahawa mereka percaya jika kilang tetap terus mencemarkan sungai dan mengganggu ekosistem air, dan bekalan air tidak cukup bagi pengguna, bagaimana mereka boleh cuba untuk menjimatkan air jika kerajaan Negeri Melaka tidak mengambil berat dan tidak memilih pendekatan untuk menghalang daripada terus berlaku? Bagaimana air dapat dikumpulkan dari air hujan dan digunakan dalam kehidupan seharian sedangkan air hujan pada masa kini adalah keberangkalian dalam keadaan hujan berasid? Berkemungkinan air hujan boleh digunakan untuk mencuci baju, tetapi adakah air hujan dapat digunakan untuk mencuci tubuh manusia?

Dalam mengelakkan isu-isu pencemaran ini berulang dan menggangu kehidupan, satu lagi perancangan jangka masa panjang serta undang-undang dan peraturan-peraturan telah digubal oleh kerajaan Negeri Melaka untuk melindungi Sungai Melaka. Kerajaan Negeri Melaka merancang idea tentang Pelan Tindakan Pengeluar Sisa & Pelan Tindakan Sisa Sifar, Pelan Tindakan Pengurangan Toksik, Pelan Tindakan Perlindungan Habitat, Akta Air 1920, Akta Perkhidmatan Kumbahan 1993, dan Akta Kumbahan dan Effluen-Effluen Perindustrian; yang dipercayai bahawa perancangan ini dapat menyimpan dan melindungi bukan sahaja air tetapi juga terhadap alam sekitar. Jadual 2 di bawah ini menunjukkan bahawa 87% orang bersetuju dengan Pelan Tindakan Menghasilkan Sisa dan Pelan Tindakan Sisa Sifar, manakala hanya 13% orang merasa biasa sahaja tentang pelan tersebut. Seterusnya, 92% responden mempunyai pendapat mereka sendiri di dalam Pelan Tindakan Pengurangan Toksik, manakala hanya 8% memilih biasa. Akhir sekali, Pelan Tindakan Perlindungan Habitat menunjukkan bahawa hanya 12% atau 24 orang memilih normal manakala 88% atau 176 orang memilih setuju.

Dari perspektif umum pula, kita boleh melihat bahawa hampir setiap penduduk tempatan negeri Melaka mempunyai pemikiran yang positif. Hal ini kerana mereka percaya kerajaan Negeri Melaka telah mewujudkan idea-idea yang bernas untuk mengatasi pencemaran air dengan mengurangkan sampah yang dihasilkan daripada kilang-kilang. Bahan buangan dan bahan kimia yang tidak diingini harus dibuang atau diproses di kawasan yang sesuai tanpa merosakkan alam sekitar. Jadi, pengeluar dalam skim Pelan Tindakan Pengeluar Sisa akan membantu dengan menetapkan bahan buangan kimia ini di satu kawasan khas dan tetap agar tidak mengganggu alam sekitar. Selain itu, kerajaan Negeri Melaka juga mengumumkan bahawa proses kimia setiap kilang mesti menggunakan bahan-bahan mentah yang lebih mesra alam sekitar. Alasan utama adalah kerana apabila terdapat kilang-kilang tertentu yang masih mengabaikan kesedaran alam sekitar, bukan hanya akan melambakkan sisa kimia ke dalam sungai atau di atas tanah, malah akan mendatangkan bahaya kepada kehidupan manusia. Dengan bahan kimia yang kurang berbahaya, bahan kimia sisa tidak akan menyebabkan pencemaran kepada alam sekitar. Hal ini boleh melindungi alam sekitar, mengurangkan peratusan pencemaran, dan menjadi bahagian yang berjaya dalam Pelan Tindakan Sisa Sifar.

Pelan Tindakan Pengurangan Toksik juga merupakan salah satu idea untuk melindungi alam sekitar, di mana ia mempunyai hubungan antara Pelan Tindakan Pengeluar Sisa dan Pelan Tindakan Sisa Sifar. Kerajaan Negeri Melaka tidak hanya memaksa kilang-kilang untuk menggunakan bahan yang mesra alam sekitar dan membuang sampah ke dalam tempat-tempat tertentu, tetapi juga mendorong penduduk tempatan negeri Melaka untukmengurangkan penggunaan bahan-bahan toksik dalam kehidupan seharian. Salah satu contoh dapat diketahui adalah melalui pencucian sabun daripada dobi.Penduduk yang membuka kedai dobi harus menyedari tentang perkara dan isu ini serta tidak harus untuk melepaskan air secara terus ke atas permukaan tanah.Hal ini boleh menyebabkan pencemaran air.Mereka harus mengumpulkan sisa air dan membuangnya di tempat-tempat tertentu yang disediakan oleh kerajaan Negeri Melaka atau mengambil pendekatan dengan mengubah bahan pencuci yang lebih mesra alam sekitar.Satu lagi idea yang diperkenalkan oleh kerajaan negeri Melaka adalah Pelan Tindakan Perlindungan Habitat. Pelan tindakan ini menumpukan kepada hidupan liar atau haiwan yang semakin pupus, terutama haiwan air yang bergantung kepada air sebagai habitat utama. Pencemaran air mempunyai kebarangkalian yang sangat tinggi untuk membunuh haiwan akuatik akibat keracunan.Jadi, kerajaan negeri perlu sedar dan mencegah produk yang tidak diingini daripada memasuki ke dalam sungai, di samping menjalankan aktiviti pemulihan di Sungai Melaka.

Pelan tindakan jangka masa panjang tidak dapat berjaya jika undang-undang dan peraturan tidak memainkan peranan dalam terlibat bersama melindungi alam sekitar. Banyak responden sangat menyokong Akta Air, Akta Perkhidmatan Kumbahan 1993, dan Akta Kumbahan dan Effluen-Effluen Perindustrian untuk mengekang orang yang yang tidak bertanggungjawab cuba merosakkan alam sekitar. Jadual menunjukkan bahawa 157 responden mengundi untuk bersetuju dan 38 responden untuk normal, dengan 5 responden tidak memberikan jawapan mengenai Akta-Akta Air 1920. Seterusnya, Akta Perkhidmatan Kumbahan 1993 menunjukkan bahawa 6 responden tidak setuju, 25 responden memilih untuk normal, dan 169 responden memilih untuk bersetuju. Sementara itu, 164 orang memilih setuju, 32 orang memilih normal dan 4 orang memilih untuk tidak bersetuju dalam menyatakan pendapat mereka dalam Akta Kumbahan dan Effluen-Effluen Perindustrian.

Kerajaan Negeri Melaka telah mengaplikasikan Akta Air 1920 sehingga melarang pembuangan apa-apa harta benda, produk, bahan buangan, cecair yang tidak diingini, dan bahan-bahan berbahaya yang lain ke dalam sungai. Sikap buruk orang tertentu akan baik-baik saja dengan wang atau penjara (Law of Malaysia). Perkhidmatan Kumbahan 1993 menangani dalam pembersihan, dan pengosongan sistem kumbahan, dan yang paling penting adalah keperluan saliran yang sepatutnya dilakukan dalam kumbahan agar persekitaran dapat dikekalkan senantiasa bersih. Tindakan ini juga perlu mempunyai pengurusan, operasi dan penyelenggaraan sistem pembetungan awam yang baik, hanya bertujuan untuk menjaga kebersihan awam (Law of Malaysia). Sementara itu, Akta Kumbahan dan Effluen-Effluen Perindustrian ialah satu perjanjian antara peraturan dengan pihak pengusaha industri. Dalam hal ini, tidak ada kelulusan kepada sesiapa sahaja untuk melepaskan atau menyebabkan atau membenarkan penunaian mana-mana bahan terancam dan terasing berikut ke dalam mana-mana perairan pedalaman yang mempunyai sebarang pelarut mudah terbakar, mana-mana tar atau cecair lain, tak boleh bercampur dengan air, dan sampah, habuk papan, kayu, manusia atau haiwan sisa pepejal atau perkara-perkara lain (Law of Malaysia). Undang-undang Malaysia menunjukkan bahawa alam sekitar dapat dilindungi dari segi kualiti dan kuantiti sumber air di sungai.Walau bagaimanapun, terdapat beberapa responden yang tidak begitu yakin dengan pelaksanaan undang-undang terhadap individu tertentu kerana pencemaran yang masih berleluasa untuk berlaku di negeri Melaka. Jadi, apakah indikator yang sesuai untuk digunakan untuk melindungi alam sekitar ini daripada kehancuran? Apakah yang akan berlaku jika sistem undang-undang gagal untuk menghukum individu tertentu yang tidak bertanggungjawab, seperti yang telah berlaku sebelum ini? (Sharom, 2002). Beberapa responden ingin mengetahui bagaimana jika Akta Kumbahan dan Effluen-Effluen Perindustrian sangat pasti akan melindungi alam sekitar jika peraturan yang masih mengamalkan "syarat-syarat tertentu boleh diterima jika syarat tersebut masih dapat mengancam alam sekitar?" (Law of Malaysia).

Kesimpulan

Kajian penyelidikan ini telah dirancang untuk menilai dan mengetahui bagaimana keberkesanan dan keberjayaan dasar dan undang-undang yang berlaku di negara ini telah diaplikasikan dalam kehidupan rakyat Malaysia, terutama terhadap sebagian besar responden yang berasal dari Negeri Melaka. Mereka telah tinggal di Negeri Melaka untuk tempoh yang lama dan menyedari apa yang berlaku di negeri ini. Negeri Melaka adalah negeri yang aman, penuh dengan sejarah, terutama pelbagai peralatan dan pembinan yang berkaitan dengan perang.Tempat bersejarah dapat dikekalkan jika tiada apa-apa gangguan. Namun, jika dan setelah air tercemar, keadaan ini akan memberi impak kesan yang besar kepada alam sekitar dan akhirnya akan menjejaskan aktiviti ekonomi dan aktiviti pelancongan. Kerajaan negeri Melaka telah memainkan peranan yang penting untuk menjaga kualiti negeri Melaka dalam mengekalkan untuk generasi akan datang. Bagaimana pula dengan penduduk tempatan Negeri Melaka? Faktor-faktor pencemaran juga mungkin berasal dari sikap buruk individu. Sesetengah orang yang sangat tamak, mementingkan diri sendiri, sombong, atau malas, yang boleh menyebabkan alam sekitar untuk terus dicemari dan menghadapi gangguan sebelum mendapat kemusnahan. Pada masa itu, kita akan melihat kesalahan orang lain orang, dan bukannya kepada kita diri sendiri. Jadi, pada masa ini, ‘Jangan menuding jari kepada orang lain jika kita tidak proaktif dalam mempertahankan alam sekitar!’

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