Research Framework in Local Communities Participation of Deltaic Mangrove Forest Resources Conservation in Kuching, Sarawak: A Review

Abstract

Mangrove is important as habitat, provide food source, maintain ecological quality, and contribute economic value to human perspective. Nevertheless, mangrove forest resources are threatened, destroyed and exploited due to lacking of conservation awareness and concern, which the area are develop asindustrial, housing and agricultural activities. This research study through research framework are carry out in investigate, defined and determine the attitude of local communities in conservation towards mangrove forest. This research is concentrate at Sarawak area, which involve with quantitative approach through questionnaire methods in collecting data. The contribution through research results, findings, and discussion will become initiative in conserve the mangrove forest resources. Conclusion will be react as summary towards all findings and conclude the achievement of objective in the research study.

Keywords: mangrove, awareness, conservation, attitude, achievement

Citation of Article:
Sabran, N., Hua, A.K., & Ping, O.W. (2016). Research Framework in Local Communities Participation of Deltaic Mangrove Forest Resources Conservation in Kuching, Sarawak: A Review. Journal of Scientific and Engineering Research, 3(4), 142-148.


Introduction

The participation of local communities in the conservation of mangrove forests is vital to sustain a good livelihood for future generations. This is because local communities, as one of the stakeholders in mangrove forests, play an important role in contributing to the conservation efforts. Mangrove forests have been one of the important sources of income for local residents as they depend on mangrove forest resources and the value of these resources have bolstered their income through various activities such as fishing, farming, logging, ecotourism, charcoal production, agriculture and aquaculture activities.These activities would have a negative impact on the forest‟s natural resources as well as local communities if there were no action taken on awareness or conservation programs taken by the responsible authorities. This study will focus on the local community‟s participation and their willingness to pay (WTP) for the conservation of deltaic mangrove forests in the district of Kuching in Sarawak.

Background of Study
Mangroves are trees and shrubs that grow in mangrove habitats and live between the sea and land in the tropical and subtropical coastal areas [1-2]. It is referred to as „mangroves‟ due to its mangrove habitat or ecosystem that includes all its physical, chemical and biological components [3]. Hence, mangrove forests are quite unique compared to other types of forests due to its water salinity and its habitat consisting of fishes, shrimps, birds, crabs, cockles, reptiles and mammals.

These mangrove forests mostly exist in the tropical and subtropical areas, which covers Australasia, South Asia and South East Asia [4]. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Indonesia, Australia, Brazil and Nigeria accommodate roughly 43% of the world's mangrove forests, which comprises a total area of approximately 160,000 km2 [4]. Unfortunately, countries like Vietnam and Ecuador have already lost their mangrove forest, which is close to 50% of all mangroves worldwide, while Indonesia and Thailand have lost even more due to human activities and global climate change [5].

While in Malaysia, the mangroves presently cover 637,164 hectares representing 2.5% of the global mangrove resources [6]. One of the famous mangroves in Malaysia is the Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve in Sarawak and it has been nominated as the best-managed mangrove in the world because of its high productive ecosystem that provides numerous benefits to the local residents in that area [7].

In Sarawak, the mangrove forests cover about 93,000 hectares (9,300 km sq) of the total state land [8]. The mangrove forests are largely found at the river mouths of the Sarawak, Rajang and Trusan-Lawas Rivers (Figure 1.1) [3].The most common species recorded in Sarawak are Rhizophora, Avicenniaand Sonneratia [9]. The mangrove forests in Sarawak are managed by the State Forest Department i.e. through the Sarawak Forestry Department (SFD) and Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC). About 15,983 hectares of Sarawak mangrove areas are gazetted as Totally Protected Areas (TPA) and 28,000 hectares remain as Forest Reserves and Protected Forests [10]. Even though some states in Malaysia have substantially increased their mangrove forest reserves recently, the substantial losses of Malaysia‟s mangrove forests have increased to 119,820 hectares or 17% from 1973 to 2003 [11].

There have been changes in deforestation from year to year that affects the mangrove forests. There has been a 30% decline in mangrove forests in Malaysia over the past five decades from 800,000 ha in the 1950s to 575,000 hectares in 2005 and Sarawak has seen one of the highest mangrove losses besides Perlis, Selangor, Johor, Negeri Sembilan and Penang [11]. In Sarawak, mangrove forests have provided benefits through its diversity of resources especially to socio-economic livelihood such as logging, ecotourism and fisheries activities.These logging activities generate income to Sarawak, especially contributing to Sarawak‟s timber industry [12].

Mangrove forests play a crucial role in maintaining a good ecological system for the biodiversity of the tropical forest. Amri [13] suggests there are tangible and intangible benefits to the local people provided by these mangrove forest resources. Apart from that, the mangroves‟ ecosystem also provides various benefits to the coastal communities ranging from timber, fuel, food and medical herbs and other forest products as well as becoming the feeding and nursery grounds for many aquatic and terrestrial organisms. The existence of mangroves gives a positive impact to environmental protection, especially the rising of the sea level and the salinity of water as well as preventing the coastline from effects of tsunamis and land-erosion. Furthermore, it plays a significant role in economic and ecological fields due to the diversity of its habitat for organisms ranging from bacteria and fungi to fish, shrimps, birds, reptiles and mammals [14]. The species of fauna such as reptiles, birds and mammals are habitats that use these breeding grounds and nurseries for offshore fisheries and for protecting the coastline from erosion [15].Other identified habitats in the mangrove forest areas include saltwater crocodiles, proboscis monkeys, silver leaf-monkeys, long-tailed macaques, flying foxes, otters, bees, crabs, mudskippers, bearded pigs, bats, snakes, monitor lizards, fishes, shrimps and cockles [7].

Mangroves also provide food for migrating birds such as kingfishers, eagles, storks, bar-tailed godwits and grey plovers that travel from Australia and the Pacific Islands to China and Siberia. They migrate from the southern hemisphere to a warmer climate during certain months (July to April) and they use the mudflats and mangrove forest as their transit area during their journey. Besides that, mangrove forests also provide a valuable source of recreational activities for local communities to participate in such as fish, prawn and crab catching, bird watching and wildlife observation (Ibid).

Malaysia is one of the develop country that have multi ethnics and rich of its flora and fauna. It has attracts tourist arrivals every year due to its culture and nature diversity. One of its total revenue Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is coming from tourism sector. In 2014, Malaysia has attracted 27,437,315 tourists arrivals, a growth of 6.7% compared to 2013 [16]. It is expected by 2025, Malaysia total GDP will be 5.8% or RM95.96 billion through its direct contribution in tourism [17]. Meanwhile, Sarawak is known as “Land of Hornbill” represents its tourism receipts in 2014 at RM10.7 billion compared to RM9.6 billion in 2013 [18]. Sarawak is also one of the states that offered more on nature tourism. The diversity of flora and fauna in Sarawak has giving good potential to attract more tourists from outside especially those who loved nature and adventure activities such as bird watching, jungle trekking, river cruising, fishing and wildlife watching.

In 2012, almost 2 million arrivals of international tourists were recorded for Sarawak. More than 40,000 of these tourists were from European countries such as France, Germany, Sweden, Denmark and Norway and mostly interested in Sarawak‟s natural beauty. The increasing of tourists coming to Sarawak has shown that it become one of the desirable destinations in Malaysia. Furthermore, tourism also provides a significant contribution to the local community‟s economic growth through the utilization of mangrove forests. The direct benefit from ecotourism has generated additional income for them and increased their standard of living.

Sathirathai and Barbier [15] and Ronnback [19] both agree that the role of mangroves is very important both economically and ecologically as a natural resource and as a breeding ground for a limited number of plants and species as well as protecting the environment, which offers valuable benefits to the local community. However, both these aspects cannot be separated without causing damage to the area. Therefore, the participation of local communities in utilization, conservation, preservation and management of mangroves should be taken into consideration since it will prepare them on how they should react towards the threat and destruction of mangrove forest resources.

Social Exchange Theory

Social Exchange Theory (SET) has different perspectives in defining this theory. However, this study tries to explain the model participation of local communities in conservation activities in mangrove forest resources in Sarawak. It is a theory that concerned with the understanding the interaction of resources exchange between individual and groups [20]. It is also explains the understanding the social behaviour of the people in undertakings the economic costs and benefits. For example, the local communities are expect to contribute i.e. participate in conservation activities to preserve the natural resources of the mangrove forests in their area; they have to consider the costs and benefits they get from the resources. This theory has provided a conceptual base co-operation among members-owners as it is one of the factor that initiated cooperation among others stakeholders. This situation will give a significant influence on their attitude towards the development of their participation in conservation. 

Problem Statement 

Mangrove forest resources are threatened, destroyed and exploited because there is a lack of conservation awareness and concern among the local communities in the deltaic area of Kuching district.For instance, the mangrove forest areas have been cleared for industrial, housing and agricultural development. Although the government is responsiblefor protecting and preserving mangrove resources, they cannot do it alone, as the local population must help to conserve the mangrove forests. As Chong [3] indicated, it is the local population that has caused damage to the mangrove forests, thus it is responsible, as a public agency, to protect the forests. Furthermore, factors such as the exploitation for aquaculture projects, pollution, cultivation and quarrying activities have led to the destruction of vast areas of mangrove forests. Isager et. al. [21] stated that the conservation program would fail without the participation of the local population. According to Walters [22] and Zareet. al. [23], the participation of the local populationwould enhance the success of reforestation by involving them in conservation programs such as planting new trees. 

In Sarawak, the mangrove forest areas have decreased as much as 25% of the total area from 175,000 ha in 1973 to 130,000 ha in 2005 [11]. Local communities living near the mangrove forest areas depend directly or indirectly on the existence of the mangrove resources. Some depend for their livelihood on mangrove resources, others depend indirectly on the existence of the forest in terms of its protective capabilities, such as against flooding, storms etc. 

It is important that local communities participate in conservation programs so that they can support the actions taken by the government to protect mangrove forests. In order for the government to ensure the success of conservation programs,it is necessary to know the local community‟s level of participation in programs and their willingness to be involved in conservation programs.Although there have been some efforts in conservation programs but the level of participation is still low. According to the Sarawak Forestry Department [24-25], each year there are awareness programs and conservation activities initiated by the department, but due to limited allocations, the involvement of the local community has been limited. Table 1.0 shows that budget allocations provided by the government from 2006 to 2009 were increased due to the tsunami disaster that hit the South East Asian region in December 2004. Numerous precautions and awareness programs were implemented by the government such as mangrove tree planting, which could reduce the effects of tsunamis. However, in 2010 and 2011, there was a slight decrease in government budget allocations due to the decreasing involvement of the local community.

Table 1.1 shows the number of participants in various conservation activities such as seminars, mutual aid programs, study and field trips in Sarawak. It had increased from 2007 to 2009, which relates to the increasing budget allocation and spending from the government. In 2010, the number of participants decreased to 842, due to decreased allocation of government budget spending.

It is crucial to encourage the community to participate in resource management programmes such as trees planting, seedling, and site visits', study trips organized by schools or institutions of higher learning or government agencies. One of the protection and conservation programs carried out successfully in KampungTrusan Jaya, Sematan since 2003 was funded by grants provided by the Global Environment Facility- Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP) under the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). Under this project, forest logging activities were reduced and conservation programs had increased the local community‟s income through alternative income sources such as mud crab farming, homestay programs, and production of traditional food cottage as well as downstream fishery products [5]. 

As of July 2009, Sarawak had planted over 380,500 mangrove trees and other coastal tree species covering over 40km in various areas along the coastal areas in Sarawak [12]. Unfortunately, according to the Sarawak Forestry Department [25], some of the trees had died due to the high tide ocean waves and monsoons as well as the sensitivity of the younger trees. Therefore, a proper intensive planting protection plan should be initiated to save these young trees. Specifically, this study could increase the awareness and willingness of local communities to participate and support the actions taken by the government or other bodies to protect the biodiversity of mangrove forest ecology. For instance, the effective strategies of the government or other bodies through the improvement of awareness programs and educational activities on conservation helps the local communities to be more alert towards the destruction of mangrove forest resources [26]. However, a lack of involvement and understanding by government agencies and local communities could result if there is a lack of institutional support and the project‟s efforts are poorly sustained [20, 27-28]. 

The study equipped the government or policy makers with more knowledge regarding the awareness programs and activities as well as the proper utilization of mangrove forests for future generations. Based on a given statement, more systematic and effective enforcement of the existing legislation should be taken into consideration to protect the mangroves because the illegal collection of mangrove forest has been ignored by some local communities even though they know legal action could be taken by the local authorities against them. 

Research Objectives 

General Objectives 

The main purpose of this study is to analyse the local community‟s participation and their awareness in conservation programs of the deltaic mangrove forest in the district of Kuching, Sarawak.

Specific Objectives 

(i) To determine individual characteristic participate in deltaic area. 

(ii) To clarify local community participate in mangrove activities.

Significance of Study

This study will benefit the local communities by enabling and encouraging them to be involved in more conservation activities. Furthermore, the level of awareness and participation in conservation will increase in their area. In fact, their participation will give them an opportunity and provide better exposure for younger generations to learn about the importance of mangroves to our ecology. Younger generations, especially youths, could play an active role in protecting and improving the mangrove forests, which could change the attitudes of local communities towards future activities or programmes. 

Besides that, the study will be useful to the government as an authoritative body and other policy makers‟ based on their understanding of the critical factors that influence the participationof local communities in conservation efforts through their active co-operation in the future.This will help them make improvements accordingly for the benefit of these communities. 

In addition, the involvement of government bodies such as Sarawak Forestry Department (SFD) and Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) as policy makers will provide better exposure in managing and preserving the mangrove ecosystem as well as greater participation, which could lead to a better sustenance of their livelihood. The realization of the importance of community participation towards the conservation programs would equip the relevant authorities to be more efficient in providing better training in educating the different levels of the community. Furthermore, this study could provide additional knowledge to the existing corpus of literature especially information on mangroves in the Kuching area. This is due to limited studies and research on community participation in mangrove forest conservation in Malaysia, especially in Kuching. It would also benefit others who show interest in mangrove studies through the involvement of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), as one of the institutions of higher learning in Malaysia involved in this field of study. This research could also present information and statistical analysis of mangrove conservation for other researchers to expand their understanding on mangroves in Sarawak, especially pertaining to the participation and awareness of the local communities. Besides, it is a good opportunity for researchersto better understand the livelihood of these local communities that depend mostly on mangrove resources for their everyday activities.

Scope of Study

This study focuses on identifying local community participation in conservation, which will be conducted in the deltaic mangrove forest in Kuching, Sarawak. The participation of these local communities will be analysed based on the variation of their participation and conservation activities involving them that could lead to a better sustainable development of the community in that area. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, this chapter‟s purpose was to develop the research problem, which focuses on local community participation in conservation programs in the deltaic mangrove forest in the district of Kuching in Sarawak. This chapter contains a brief description of mangrove forests and explains its uniqueness and benefits to nature and local communities. Furthermore, this chapter also discussed the deterioration of mangrove forests that occur each year that has significantly affected various habitats in this area. 

One of the problems is the lack of local community participation in conservation, as many stakeholders, such as local authorities i.e. SFD and SFC, should play an important and creative role in increasing local community participation, especially those who depend directly on its resources. The statement of the problem that is presented in this chapter provides the foundation for formulating the aims and objectives of the study, i.e. to analyze the participation of local communities in conservation programs and the willingness to pay for conservation by local communities who are living in the periphery of the deltaic mangrove forest in Kuching, Sarawak. Therefore, the information that will be derived from this study will suggest to relevant authorities (SFD and SFC) the need for sustaining the mangrove forests in the delta area of Kuching district.

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Sungai Melaka sebagai suatu daya tarikan pelancongan baru di Negeri Melaka: Satu ulasan kritis

Abstrak

Sektor pelancongan banyak menyumbang kepada pendapatan negara. Kerajaan mempromosikan pelbagai tema dan program bagi menarik perhatian para pelacong. Kesannya, jumlah ketibaan pelancong ke Malaysia meningkat dari setahun ke setahun. Artikel ini mengulas Sungai Melaka sebagai daya tarikan pelancongan. Negeri Melaka merupakan destinasi pelancongan yang bertemakan sejarah namun kini digandingkan dengan pelancongan alam sekitar yang berfokus kepada Sungai Melaka. Fungsi utama Sungai Melaka yang asal adalah sebagai sumber air, makanan, pertanian, penternakan, pengangkutan, dan pekerjaan. Kini kerajaan negeri membangunkan semula Sungai Melaka menjadi seperti ‘Venice of the East’, iaitu sebagai salah satu program pelancongannya. Pembangunan semula secara fizikal telah menjadikan Sungai Melaka lebih menarik. Perubahan fizikal ini juga telah menyebabkan fungsi asal Sungai Melaka berubah. Pembangunan ekonomi moden dan pembandaran di sekitarnya juga telah meningkatkan tahap hubungan manusia-sungai. Pada masa yang sama kelebaran dan kedalaman sungai turut meningkat. Pencemaran sungai juga mula berlaku. Oleh itu, pembangunan, perancangan, dan pengurusan harus dilakukan oleh semua pihak termasuk kerajaan, swasta, penduduk tempatan, dan masyarakat bagi mengekalkan kebersihan Sungai Melaka.

Kata Kunci: fungsi sungai, pelancongan, pencemaran sungai, pendapatan, pengindahan sungai, program


Abstract
As a lucrative economic contributor countries such as Malaysia promote their tourism industry by developing new tourist destinations and attractions. This study reviews the Malacca River as a new environmental tourist attraction in historic Malacca. Malacca River’s original main function was to serve as a source of water for human and animal consumption, agricultural activities, transport, and employment opportunities. Recently, the state government has started to rebuild Malacca River as ‘Venice of the East’. The renovative physical beautification programmes of the river have changed its original functions. The sprouting modern commercialization activities and urbanization of it’s surrounding have increased the levels of human-river relationship. At the same time, river pollution has also begun to occur along with the widening and deepening of the river. All this point to the plain imperative that development, planning and management of the Malacca River should be taken seriously by all parties concerned (government, private sectors, local residents and community) to maintain its cleanliness.

Keywords: Malacca River, river beautification programme, river function, river pollution, tourist attractions, tourism industry


Citation of Article:
Hua, A.K. (2016). Malacca River as a new Malacca's tourist attraction: a critical review. Geografia. Malaysian Journal of Society and Space, 12(1), 108-117.

Pengenalan

Pelancongan merupakan salah satu sektor industri perkhidmatan yang utama di Malaysia. Kerajaan Malaysia telah merangka strategi Pembangunan Pelancongan Nasional dalam Rancangan Lima Tahun Malaysia yang bermula dari tahun 1966 (Rancangan Malaysia Pertama) sehinggalah ke hari ini (Hua, 2015). Kesannya, sektor pelancongan telah menyumbangkan pendapatan yang sangat memberangsangkan. Sebagai buktinya, pada tahun 2001 pendapatan daripada sektor pelancongan adalah sebanyak RM 24.2 bilion dengan jumlah ketibaan pelancong dicatatkan sebanyak 12.78 juta orang (TDC Official Portal, 2015). Jumlah tersebut terus meningkat kepada RM 32 bilion dengan jumlah ketibaan pelancong mencapai 16.43 juta orang pada tahun 2005 (TDC Official Portal, 2015). Pendapatan negara melalui sektor pelancongan tidak pernah merosot, malah meningkat sehingga ke tahap yang cemerlang pada tahun 2013 iaitu sebanyak RM 65.44 bilion dengan jumlah ketibaan pelancong sebanyak 25.72 juta orang (TDC Official Portal, 2015). Jadual 1 memperincikan jumlah ketibaan pelancong dan jumlah pendapatan negara yang disumbangkan oleh sektor pelancongan bagi tempoh 1998-2013.

Pelbagai tema dan program telah dilancarkan oleh kerjaan bagi mempromosikan sektor pelancongan di negara Malaysia seperti ‘Visit Malaysia Year’ pada tahun 1990 dengan tema ‘Fascinating Malaysia; Year of Festival’, tema ‘Fascinating Malaysia; Naturally More’ pada tahun 1994 dengan tema ‘Celebrating 50 years of Nationhood’ pada tahun 2007; tema ‘ Clebrating 1 Malaysia Truly Asia’ pada tahun 2014; dan tema ‘Endless Celebrations’ pada tahun 2015 (MyFEST Official Portal, 2015; TDC Official Portal, 2015). Inisiatif dan strategi yang digubal serta dilancarkan dalam usaha membangunkan sektor pelancongan perlu mengenal pasti bentuk-bentuk produk pelancongan yang berpotensi dimajukan.

Secara umumnya, di Malaysia aktiviti pelancongan hanya ditumpukan ke negeri-negeri tertentu yang mempunyai potensi dalam menyumbangkan produk pelancongan (Salleh, 2002; Choy, 2013; Samsir et al., 2014; Zaimah et al., 2015; Hua, 2015). Produk pelancongan yang berpotensi termasuklah tema dan kawasan (Jadual 2) yang berikut:

(1) Pelancongan sumber alam semula jadi

(2) Pelancongan kebudayaan dan adat setempat (contoh budaya makanan)

(3) Pelancongan tempat bersejarah

(4) Pelancongan bersempenakan pantai dan sungai

(5) Pelancongan bersempenakan membeli-belah.

Melaka khususnya ibu negerinya Melaka Bandaraya Bersejarah, sebagai mana namanya merupakan ikon bagi pelancongan bersejarah di Malaysia. Keunikan dan keistimewaan Melaka sebagai pusat tamadun Melayu telah melonjakkan negeri Melaka sebagai Tapak Warisan Dunia UNESCO pada 7 Julai 2008 (UNESCO Official Portal, 2015). Ini merancakkan lagi promosi ‘Visit Malaysia Year’ dan seterusnya menggalakkan kedatangan pelancong ke negeri Melaka. Namun, menyedari hakikat bahawa pelancongan tempat bersejarah secara sendiri tidak cukup untuk menarik pelancong dari dalam dan luar negara secara berterusan, pihak kerajaan negeri telah membangunkan pelbagai objek tarikan pelancongan yang lain seperti pusat membeli belah moden di Air Keroh dan pusat rekreasi dan peranginan AFamosa di Alor Gajah. Kecantikan alam semula jadi negeri Melaka juga turut dimajukan sebagai daya tarikan pelancong khususnya di pantai Tanjung Keling dan Tanjung Bidara. Selain itu, Zoo Melaka dan aktiviti Night Safari, Taman Buaya Melaka, Taman Rama-Rama dan Reptilia, Taman Mini Malaysia dan Taman Mini ASEAN, Kampung Buku Malaysia Melaka, Hutan Rekreasi Sungai Udang, Tasik Ayer Keroh, Kolam Air Panas Gadek dan Menara Taming Sari merupakan objek tarikan pelancong di negeri ini (Portal Rasmi Kerajan Negeri Melaka, 2015). Terbaharu, Sungai Melaka sebagai elemen persekitaran semula jadi yang menarik juga telah dibangunkan sebagai objek tarikan pelancong di negeri ini (Choy, 2013). Kini Melaka River Cruise, adalah aktiviti kedua terpenting di negeri Melaka selepas objek pelancongan bersejarah. Oleh itu, Sungai Melaka menjadi terkenal sebagai salah satu destinasi pelancongan di negeri ini.

Artikel ini bertujuan mengulas secara kritis kepentingan Sungai Melaka sebagai produk pelancongan. Ulasan ditumpukan kepada fungsi sungai dahulu dan kini, konsep pembangunan pelancongan Sungai Melaka dan impak persekitarannya (Department of Environment, 2012). Menurut laporan yang diterbitkan oleh Jabatan Alam Sekitar 2012, kebersihan dari segi kualiti air Sungai Melaka berada pada tahap sederhana bersih. Kajian ini dijalankan berdasarkan kepada kaedah pemerhatian dan penelitian pelbagai dokumen rasmi untuk menilai keberkesanan Sungai Melaka sebagai salah satu destinasi pelancongan utama di negeri Melaka.

Sungai dalam Sejarah Malaysia

Merujuk kepada sejarah negeri Melaka, pentadbiran Melaka bermula pada abad ke-14 di bawah pemerintahan Parameswara. Baginda adalah Putera Raja Palembang yang ditewaskan oleh Majapahit dalam peperangan merebut takhta kerajaan Majapahit. Kebijaksanaan Parameswara sebagai pengasas Kesultanan Melalyu Melaka telah menjadikan Melaka sebagai pusat perdagangan entrepot bagi persinggahan para pedagang terutama pedagang dari Arab serta dari Timur dan Barat yang melalui Selat Melaka. Letakan negeri Melaka di tengah-tengah perjalanan antara negara China dan India melalui Selat Melaka menjadikannya amat strategi bagi aktiviti perdagangan (Portal Rasmi Kerajaan Negeri Melaka, 2015). Kesibukan Selat Melaka sebagai laluan perdagangan telah memberi kelebihan kepada Sungai Melaka sebagai pembekal pelbagai sumber alam seperti air minum, rempah-ratus dan makanan selain jalan perhubungan ke kawasan pedalaman.

Semasa pemerintahan Parameswara, Sungai Melaka sudah menjadi laluan pengangkutan utama bagi menghubungkan antara kawasan pedalaman dan kawasan bandar (Rajah 1). Dengan kata lain, penduduk membina petempatan berdekatan dengan tebing Sungai Melaka dan amat bergantung kepada sungai tersebut untuk mendapatkan bekalan air minum dan bagi kegunaan harian seperti mandi-manda, membasuh, juga sebagai pembekal bahan makanan khususnya ikan dan sebagainya. Sungai Melaka juga penting sebagai pembekal air bagi kegiatan pertanian dan ternakan di kawasan pedalaman. Keadaan ini telah mewujudkan satu ikatan yang kuat antara manusia dengan sungai melalui aktiviti sosio-budaya, kerohanian, warisan, dan ekonomi. Keadaan Sungai Melaka bertambah maju apabila Selat Melaka diiktiraf sebagai pusat perdagangan dan semakin ramai penduduk yang datang dari negeri lain ke negeri Melaka untuk membina petempatan berhampiran dengan sungai. Pertambahan bilangan perahu (sampan) di Sungai Melaka menggambarkan kepentingan sungai tersebut sebagai jalan pengangkutan sama ada untuk mengangkut penumpang atau barangan termasuk produk ternakan dari satu tempat ke satu tempat lain di sepanjang sungai tersebut. Kemajuan Sungai Melaka sebagai jalan pengangkutan juga telah mewujudkan peluang pekerjaan dalam bidang tersebut.

Peranan Sungai Melaka dalam membantu membangunkan negeri tersebut berubah apabila orang Barat datang menjajah. Semasa penaklukan Melaka penjajah, khususnya orang Portugis, Inggeris dan Belanda yang datang menggunakan kapal telah menyerang negeri tersebut melalui Sungai Melaka. Perkara ini boleh dibuktikan melalui pembinaan meriam di Bukit St. John di tebing Sungai Melaka mengadap laut dan kawasan pedalaman; juga melalui pembinaan Kota A’ Famosa yang digunakan sebagai kubu bagi tujuan menyerang hendap musuh yang cuba mendarat di daratan negeri Melaka (Portal Rasmi Kerajaan Negeri Melaka, 2015). Petempatan penduduk di sepanjang Sungai Melaka juga terjejas. Penduduk yang tinggal di tebing sungai tersebut terpaksa melarikan diri ke kawasan yang lebih jauh dari Sungai Melaka bagi mengelakkan daripada terkena serangan penjajah. Peperangan juga telah mewujudkan kawasan perkuburan Belanda dan Inggeris di beberapa tempat di tebing sungai tersebut. Penjajah Barat juga turut meninggalkan budaya dan tradisi masing-masing di negeri Melaka, seperti yang terdapat di Kota Belanda dan Perkampungan Portugis tidak jauh dari tebing Sungai Melaka (Portal Rasmi Kerajaan Negeri Melaka, 2015).

Kini, segala-galanya tinggal kenangan. Detik-detik dan peristiwa yang bersejarah yang berlaku pada masa lampau telah disaksikan oleh Sungai Melaka. Kini peninggalan tapak-tapak warisan sejarah Melaka masa lampau itu telah dapat digilap kembali sebagai objek pelancongan yang bertaraf dunia.

Pembangunan Sungai Melaka sebagai tarikan pelancongan

Secara tradisinya, sungai telah memberikan pelbagai manfaat kepada penduduk dari segi bekalan sumber air harian bagi kegunaan untuk penyediaan makanan dan minuman, mandi dan basuh; juga aktiviti ekonomi pertanian, penternakan dan pengangkutan. Kini, peranan sungai ini telah dikembangkan lagi kepada aktiviti atau program yang berteraskan rekreasi dan pelancongan. Kerajaan negeri Melaka telah mengambil inisiatif dalam membangunkan Sungai Melaka untuk menjadi pusat tarikan pelancongan moden di negeri ini. Inisiatif ini dilakukan melalui projek pengindahan dan pemulihan sungai menggunakan konsep tertentu seperti yang dijelaskan berikut ini.

Konsep pembangunan pelancongan Sungai Melaka

Pembangunan pelancongan yang berteraskan sumber air seperti Sungai Melaka sangat mementingkan beberapa faktor seperti berikut:

1. Tarikan pelancongan

Dalam usaha membangunkan kepentingan sungai kepada masyarakat, ianya adalah penting untuk mewujudkan pelbagai aktiviti yang boleh dikaitkan dengan sungai seperti aktiviti pelayaran, aktiviti berkayak, aktiviti rekreasi, pertandingan memancing, menyambut hari gotong-royong, dan sebagainya, yang boleh menarik perhatian dan minat pelacong untuk menyertai bersama.

2. Penghayatan alam sekitar

Sungai membekalkan air, yang merupakan sumber alam semula jadi yang diperlukan oleh pelbagai spesies flora dan fauna. Keadaan ini mewujudkan satu ekosistem yang besar, di mana ianya melambangkan kewujudan alam sekitar semula jadi di sepanjang Sungai Melaka. Contohnya, pelbagai spesies ikan yang terdapat di dalam sungai dengan dikelilingi oleh pokok-pokok atau hutan kecil yang menjadi habitat kepada spesies burung dan bunga-bungaan di sepanjang Sungai Melaka yang menarik perhatian rama-rama, akan mewujudkan tarikan pelancongan melalui alam sekitar yang tersendiri.

3. Keselamatan sejagat

Aktiviti yang dijalankan di sepanjang sungai mengutamakan keselamatan pelancong dan masyarakat setempat. Sebagai contoh, penggunaan jaket keselamatan semasa pelayaran, atau menubuhkan unit anggota keselamatan air. Sekira berlaku sebarang kecemasan semasa menjalankan aktiviti yang melibatkan Sungai Melaka (seperti perkara lemas air), maka anggota keselamatan air akan menjalankan tugas-tugas menyelamat agar tiada sebarang kemalangan buruk berlaku terhadap Sungai Melaka.

4. Kemudahan penginapan

Tarikan pelancongan melalui pelbagai aktiviti dan program semestinya akan meningkatkan ketibaan pelancong ke negeri Melaka. Oleh itu, pembinaan kemudahan penginapan yang diperlukan adalah banyak dan mementingkan kualiti demi keselesaan pelancong. Sebagai contohnya, peti keselamatan berkunci yang dapat membantu pelancong merasa selamat untuk meninggalkan barangan penting di dalam bilik hotel.

5. Kemudahan asas

Bagi memastikan keselesaan pelancong semasa melancong, adalah wajib untuk mempunyai banyak tandas awam dan tong sampah. Hal ini kerana pelancong tidak perlu untuk menahan untuk menggunakan tandas di hotel sahaja dan kewujudan tong sampah adalah untuk mengelak pelancong daripada membuang sampah di merata tempat. Selain itu, perkhidmatan restoran juga diperlukan dalam kuantiti yang banyak bagi memudahkan pelancong untuk mendapatkan makanan dengan mudah dan berpeluang merasai makanan tempatan negeri Melaka. Bagi menggalakkan pelancong asing, pengurup wang amat diperlukan di negeri Melaka supaya pelancong asing mudah untuk membuat pertukaran wang.

6. Kelestarian alam sekitar

Kadar ketibaan pelancong ke negeri Melaka semasa cuti sekolah adalah sangat tinggi. Oleh itu, pihak terlibat seperti penjual di gerai-gerai di sepanjang Sungai Melaka perlu menjaga kebersihan alam sekitar, dan memberi nasihat kepada pelancong agar menjaga tingkah laku supaya tidak mencemarkan alam sekitar terutama sumber air di dalam sungai. Selain itu, pihak kerajaan negeri boleh menubuhkan satu jawatankuasa bagi memantau keadaan semasa di sepanjang Sungai Melaka supaya tidak ada pencemaran berterusan terhadap sumber air Sungai Melaka.

7. Elemen institusi

Dalam usaha membangunkan dan menguruskan sektor pelancongan dengan baik, institusi akan memainkan peranan dalam menjayakan objektif tersebut melalui perancangan keperluan manusia, pendidikan, program latihan, strategi pemasaran dan program promosi, struktur organisasi awam dan swasta, polisi pelaburan, ekonomi, persekitaran dan program sosial-kebudayaan.

8. Penyelidikan

Aktiviti penyelidikan tentang sektor pelancongan amat penting terutama dalam membangunkan, menguruskan, dan merancangkan terhadap segala program yang dijalankan dalam usaha meningkatkan ketibaan pelancong ke negeri Melaka. Sememangnya penjanaan pendapatan melalui sektor pelancongan adalah lumayan, namun kualiti alam sekitar terutama sumber air sungai adalah perlu dijaga dan diawasi supaya pencemaran dapat dielakkan daripada berlaku di dalam Sungai Melaka.

Program pemulihan dan pengindahan sungai

Menurut buku Sungai Melaka: The Rejuvenation of a National Cultural Heritage (Pesona Metro, 2009), terdapat beberapa objektif dalam membangunkan projek pengindahan dan pemulihan Sungai Melaka seperti memastikan pengekalan hubungan antara sungai dengan aktiviti perdagangan bandar dan warisan sejarah serta mewujudkan aktiviti di tepi sungai secara komersial yang boleh menarik pelancong; mengembalikan semula kehidupan di tepi sungai dengan mencipta semula watak yang mendiami kawasan tepi sungai; membangunkan bandar bertaraf dunia dengan berkonsepkan bandar di tepi sungai di samping menekankan elemen budaya dan sejarah tanpa meminggirkan kelestarian elemen geografi; memperkenalkan konsep taman dan laluan pejalan kaki yang dilengkapi dengan landskap indah; dan mewujudkan persekitaran yang selesa serta bersih supaya dapat dikembangkan untuk dijadikan kawasan perniagaan dan pada masa yang sama menjadi tempat percutian.

Bagi mencapai objektif tersebut di atas, projek pengindahan dan pemulihan Sungai Melaka telah dilaksanakan. Projek tersebut boleh dibahagikan kepada tiga fasa. Pada Fasa Pertama, pembangunan Sungai Melaka dibahagikan kepada dua bahagian: pertama, projek pembangunan kawasan dari Jambatan Hang Jebat ke Kampung Morten, dan kedua pembangunan kawasan dari Jambatan Chan Koon Cheng ke Jambatan Tan Kim Seng di Jalan Laksamana. Manakala Fasa Kedua pula merangkumi pembangunan kawasan dari Jambatan Chan Koon Cheng ke jambatan Hang Tuah dan disambung sehingga ke hilir Sungai Melaka yang menghala ke Kampung Morten. Akhir sekali ialah Fasa Ketiga, projek pembinaan yang meliputi seksyen di sekitar pelabuhan lama dari Jambatan Tan Kim Seng berhadapan Plaza Stadthuys ke Flor De La Mar dan Jambatan Abdul Aziz berhampiran dengan muara Sungai Melaka. Pembinaan struktur ini telah mengubah ciri-ciri fizikal sungai. Projek ini sebahagiannya berusaha memulihkan Sungai Melaka supaya airnya menjadi lebih bersih dan jernih serta bebas daripada sisa kumbahan mentah. Ini melibatkan penguatkuasaan polisi melarang pembuangan bahan sisa ke Sungai Melaka, sebaliknya air sisa kumbahan dialirkan ke dalam roji untuk rawatan sebelum dilepaskan ke Sungai Melaka. Proses pemulihan sungai ini juga bertujuan menggalakkan pertumbuhan semula pelbagai spesies tumbuhan sungai seperti pokok nipah dan berembang di sepanjang laluan pejalan kaki di seberang Kampung Mortem. Program tersebut juga adalah bagi mengeratkan semula hubungan antara penduduk dengan sungai melalui aktiviti rekreasi dan aktiviti memancing selain dapat menggalakkan pertumbuhan pelbagai aktiviti komersial di sepanjang sungai tersebut. Proses pemulihan sungai ini dapat meningkatkan lagi jumlah kedatangan pelancong ke negeri Melaka. Kini pelancong berkunjung ke Melaka bukan hanya untuk menghayati nilai-nilai sejarah, malah juga berpeluang merasai keindahan alam sekitar melalui Melaka River Cruise di samping menghirup udara nyaman atau mendengar desiran tiupan bayu laut berhampiran Sungai Melaka (Rajah 2).

Perbincangan

Program pemulihan dan pengindahan Sungai Melaka telah memberi impak ekonomi yang cukup besar kepada sektor pelancongan negeri Melaka. Hal ini dapat dikesan melalui peningkatan bilangan pelancong yang berkunjung ke negeri Melaka, khususnya ke Melaka Bandaraya Bersejarah. Merujuk kepada laporan The Star Online (2014), sebanyak 13 juta pelancong melawat Melaka pada tahun 2011, dan jumlah tersebut meningkat kepada 13.7 juta pada tahun 2012, dan 14 juta pada tahun 2013. Dari segi ekonomi pula, negeri Melaka telah mengalami pembangunan yang pesat kebelakangan ini dan sektor pelancongan menyumbang sejumlah besar pendapatan negeri. Jika merujuk kepada pendapatan negara, sebanyak RM 18.1 bilion telah disumbangkan melalui pelancongan pada tahun 2005 (Saleh, 2008) dan jumlah tersebut terus meningkat kepada RM 53.4 bilion pada tahun 2009 (Yusof, 2012). Oleh itu, pendapatan melalui pelancongan ke negeri Melaka turut mencatatkan peningkatan. Begitu juga dari segi peluang pekerjaan yang dijana melalui sektor pelancongan (Hua, 2015).

Di samping sumbangannya kepada ekonomi negeri, aktiviti pelancongan sungai juga memberi pelbagai impak persekitaran yang tidak kurang pentingnya. Projek pengindahan dan pemulihan Sungai Melaka telah menjadi salah satu faktor dalam membantu meningkatkan peratusan ketibaan pelancong ke Melaka. Keadaan ini menguntungkan pelbagai pihak yang terlibat dalam sektor pelancongan, namun fungsi utama Sungai Melaka akan mengalami ‘seribu’ perubahan daripada yang asal, seperti yang terdapat pada Rajah 3. Ekosistem Sungai Melaka turut berubah.

Secara fizikal, asalnya Sungai Melaka berfungsi untuk memenuhi keperluan air bersih kepada penduduk khususnya kegunaan harian termasuk minuman, memasak, mandi dan membasuh pakaian; juga aktiviti pengangkutan, pertanian, penternakan dan sebagainya. Kini sungai juga berfungsi untuk dijadikan parameter asas bagi meramalkan kejadian banjir melalui aliran air, kelajuan air, air bawah tanah, perparitan dan sebagainya. Selain itu sungai juga berfungsi untuk meramalkan kerosakan alam sekitar seperti hakisan tanah dan tanah runtuh, pemendapan, musim kemarau dan sebagainya. Terbaharu sungai adalah objek tarikan pelancongan yang sangat berpotensi untuk dimajukan. Fungsi sungai semakin dinamik. Bagaimanapun, keadaan fizikal sungai juga sangat sensitif kepada proses pembangunan. Apabila pembangunan fizikal sungai berlaku, bukan sahaja fungsi sungai yang berubah, ciri-ciri fizikal sungai khususnya tebing, dasar dan kualiti air juga turut berubah.

Peningkatan hubungan antara sungai dan manusia melalui aktiviti ekonomi seperti pelancongan, perindustrian dan perdagangan memberi tekanan kepada keadaan fizikal sungai. Perubahan guna tanah melalui proses urbanisasi yang pesat juga turut menambah tekanan kepada daya tampung fizikal sungai. Pertambahan penduduk bandar dan aktiviti ekonomi di tebing Sungai Melaka meningkatkan bahan sisa yang dibuang ke dalam sungai. Ini meningkatkan beban fizikal dan penurunan kualiti air. Ekosistem Sungai Melaka juga turut terjejas. Contohnya pembuangan sampah ke dalam sungai akan mengganggu hidupan air sungai dan menjejaskan ekosistem tersebut. Dari segi fizikal, kelebaran dan kedalaman sungai juga turut berubah. Sungai akan menjadi semakin sempit dan cetek. Ini mengakibatkan berlakunya bencana alam seperti banjir kilat. Perubahan fizikal sungai, khususnya akibat kehilangan tutup bumi semula jadi, sehingga meningkatkan air larian permukaan daripada pelbagai arah masuk ke dalam sungai dan menyebabkan pencemaran sungai berlaku. Pencemaran air akan meningkat apabila aktiviti manusia yang terkawal seperti pelancongan, perkilangan, penternakan dan pembukaan petempatan berdekatan dengan sungai, membuang sisa terus ke dalam sungai.

Perubahan fungsi Sungai Melaka khususnya melalui pengenalan aktiviti pelancongan seharusnya tidak menjejaskan kualiti fizikal sungai. Bagi memastikan keadaan fizikal sungai terpelihara, penduduk tempatan dan masyarakat (termasuk pelancong) seharusnya menjaga kebersihan Sungai Melaka bagi mengelakkan daripada berlakunya pencemaran. Pihak kerajaan negeri dan pihak swasta perlu bekerjasama untuk menubuhkan satu jawatankuasa untuk mengawal guna tanah dan kegiatan aktiviti manusia yang melanggar peraturan, dan menguruskan Sungai Melaka agar selalu berada dalam keadaan yang bersih. Sebagai bukti daripada laporan Jabatan Pengairan dan Saliran (2015), satu program yang bertemakan ‘Projek Pengindahan dan Pembersihan Sungai Melaka Fasa 2’ diadakan dengan bertujuan membersihkan sungai Melaka daripada sampah-sarap. Antara yang terlibat adalah kakitangan JPS daripada Negeri Sembilan dan Negeri Melaka, yang bekerjasama untuk menjayakan program ini. Program-program ini dipercayai banyak membantu dalam membersihkan sungai Melaka daripada terus berlaku pencemaran air.

Kesimpulan

Sungai Melaka menjadi salah satu penyumbang utama dalam sektor pelancongan kepada negara. Pembangunan yang dilakukan terhadap fizikal sungai akan mengubah landskap tersebut menjadi menarik dan memberangsangkan. Walau bagaimanapun, perubahan fizikal sungai akan membawa kepada perubahan fungsi Sungai Melaka secara keseluruhannya. Jika ketidakcekapan dalam perancangan dan pengurusan berlaku, maka alam semula jadi yang terdapat di dalam Sungai Melaka akan ‘hilang’. Keadaan ini akan menyebabkan sektor pelancongan merudum dan kerajaan terpaksa menanggung perbelajaan kos-kelangsungan untuk memastikan sektor ini terus hidup dalam ekonomi negeri. Oleh itu, semua pihak perlu bertanggungjawab dalam menjaga kebersihan dan bekerjasama dalam memberi cadangan dan idea untuk menyelesaikan masalah jika berlaku sebarang kerosakan seperti pencemaran.

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Yusof YWA (2012). Developing Model of Transformation Leadership and Organizational Commitment in Homestay Program. 3rd International Conference on Business and Economic Research Proceeding (pp. 1-11). Golden Flower Hitel, Bandung, Indonesia.

Zaimah R, Er AC, Sarmila MS, Habibah A, Hamzah J, Sahazali N, Hanani N, Jalil A (2015) Kepuasan pelancong dengan Melaka sebagai destinasi pelancongan lestari: Satu kajian persepsi. Geografia-Malaysian Journal of Society and Space 11(1), 135-142.

Sustainable Tourism in Poring Hot Spring Sabah: An Experience

Abstract

Poring Hot Spring are one of the tourists attraction destination in Sabah, which applied the sustainability concept in maintain the tourists’ arrival to the area. Based on the sustainability applied in Poring Hot Spring, there are several categories to be concern namely the natural environment, services, facilities accommodations and transportations, and friendly approach in local citizen towards the tourists. Due to these advantages, the tourists arrival will be increase and this will help the Poring Hot Spring to be more develop with practices the conservation and preservation concept from destruction towards the environment of flora and fauna.

Keywords: Sustainability, Flora and Fauna, Services, Accommodations and Transports, Friendly

Citation of Article:
Hua, A.K. (2016). Sustainable Tourism in Poring Hot Spring Sabah: An Experience. International Journal of Academic Research in Environment and Geography, 3(1), 24-28.


Introduction

Tourism industry becomes important and grows rapidly. Since 1950, the tourism sector has contributed to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The sector continues to be a major source of foreign exchange, which contributed to economic growth, investment and creates job opportunities. A total of 16.4 million tourist arrivals in 2005 have contributed about 18.1 billion (RM) to national income (Prime Minister's Office, 2012; Hua, 2015). The government has focused on the development of the tourism sector in the budget presentation of the 9th Malaysia Plan (RMK 9) to attract more tourists, especially from the foreign or international tourists. In moving forward with the mission, the government has launched the theme of ‘Visit Malaysia Year’. The good response would further enhance the country's economy as well as to promote Malaysia as the tourist destination. The development of the tourism sector in Malaysia has been benefits the changes and potential of the tourism industry in the future. The advantages of tourism industry become a catalyst for national income, the integrated approach implemented in the planning and implementation of sustainable tourism (Nurulashila Khalid, 2006).

Tourism and environment are interconnected with each other. Normally, the tourism is developing in the area with surrounding by the environmental characteristics. The concept of sustainability is crucial in promoting to tourist area. In the tourism sector, sustainability can be refers as the availability of an area in the sustainable use of environmental or sustainable in promoting the area to tourists (Hunter, 1997; Hall & Lew, 1998). Sustainability emphasizes the preservation of the environment in generating economic interests, cultural and social development of the local community together in conducting tourism activities to minimize damage to the environment (Little, 1972; Peace & Turner, 1990). The approach used to ensure the sustainability of tourism development is positively towards the local community, tourism companies and tourists (Bramwell & Lane, 1993; Ritchie & Crouch, 2003). Nowadays, sustainability becomes a major tourist attraction factors that applied into a tourist area.


Results and Discussion

Poring Hot Springs Pool is a well-known hot spring tourist area, located at the foot of Mount Kinabalu, Sabah. Poring Hot Spring is part of the Kinabalu Park, which is under the jurisdiction of the Sabah Park. Poring Hot Spring was founded in 1965 after the Kinabalu Park was gazetted in 1964 (Trustees of The Sabah Parks Official Portal, 2016). At that time, around Poring Hot Spring is largely dominated by the village and indirectly, they have given the name to this place of Poring. The term comes from the English village ‘Poring’ means bamboo. Poring is a large bamboo tree species that grow in the area, and even to this day the Poring Hot Spring area is still dominated by bamboo trees. There are rumors saying that the area was first explored by Poring at the time of the Japanese occupation, which is in the year of 1962 and 1965. However, the Poring was firstly discovered and explored by the village in ancient times, which is in the 30s.

Physical characteristic

There are several factors to attract the tourists who want to come to the Poring Hot Spring. Among these are the natural conditions in the area, activities and services provided, the price offered is fair (which is affordable), and so on. Poring is well known with its characteristic of hot springs that containing sulfur minerals in helping for freshen up. At the places, there is a heated indoor pool and outdoor hot tubs. The difference between the two hot tubs is the cost and facilities that provided. The closed heated pool is more attract the foreign tourists who love the quiet and calm atmosphere. These hot tubs will be charged to visitors. The outdoor hot tubs are also available with 24 small hot tubs. The hot springs is derived from the underground that stems out are reached boiling temperature up to 70 °C on hot day while on normal day the hot springs pool temperature can reach at an average temperature between 40 – 60 °C. The hot tubs will not have any charged.

The climber who has climbed Kinabalu Mount will usually come to this place to eliminate fatigue by soaking in hot water. Visitors can enjoy hot water from the hot tub that containing mixed sulfur with the family on weekends. Poring are also has two waterfall namely waterfall Kipungit (Figure 1) and waterfall Langanan (Figure 2). Activities of barbecue and picnic can also be carried out in the waterfall area. The road to Kipungit waterfall will take about 15 minutes (1km). This waterfall has a height of approximately 10 meters and is suitable for recreational areas. Meanwhile, the Langanan waterfall is the longest waterfalls in Poring with 120 meters in length. The trip journey from the Kipungit waterfall takes approximately 90 minutes. In additional, every tourist that visits Poring will have an opportunity to see the Rafflesia flower outside the entrance of Poring where it was under the custody of local citizens and a fee of RM10 per person will be applies. Rafflesia is the biggest flower in the world. There are two different types of Rafflesia species, namely Kethii (Figure 3) and Pricei (Figure 4). The Rafflesia Life expectancy is growing for about 7 days, but the Rafflesia will takes a longer time to grow for about 9 months to 12 months.

In additional, tourists are satisfied and attracted to the services provided because the management of Poring has a variety of fun activities during the stay there. Among the activities available at the Poring is the "Canopy Walkway" (Figure 5) that has been officially opened on May 02, 1990. The canopy has a long suspension bridge of 157.8 m and a height of 41 feet above the trees. Canopy walkway with 6 bridges long and each bridge is connected from tree to tree. The next activity conducted in the Poring Hot Spring is a butterfly (Butterfly Farm) which was founded in 1989. The butterfly park has an area of five acres of the total area Poring Hot Spring. In the park, there are about 60 species of butterflies and these species have been classified into eight families of species of butterflies that found in Poring Hot Spring. Another attraction is the tropical garden, where the garden consists of deer, wild monkeys and an orang-utan. The tropical garden has an area of 5 acres of the total area Poring Hot Spring.

Another factor that successfully to attract the tourists are the facilities provided. At the Poring Hot Spring, there are various facilities provided for the convenience of visitors. Among of them are accommodation, transportation, infrastructure, and so on. From an accommodation view, there are four types of accommodation, namely cabins, hostels, chalets and campsites. The price of accommodation is divided into two categories, which is for citizens and foreigners. The minimum prices charged will be for 2 days and 1 night. Accommodations include a full breakfast and dinner only. If the guests are request to have the lunch and the noon tea, they have to pay extra. The food packages of breakfast and dinner is not available for renting campsites. In terms of transport, the vehicle can only be reached in the entrance area because the Poring site is totally for conservation and preservation of the natural and it should not be widely explored. In the garden of Poring, visitors are encouraged to walk at the prepared pedestrian-only. The distance from Kota Kinabalu to Poring Hot Spring is 136 km, which takes about 3 hours. The bus service that to-and-return trip are in charged by the silk Sactuary Lodges (SSL) from the Kinabalu Park HQ to Poring Hot Spring will takes one and a half hours.

Meanwhile, the facilities provided will be included with prayer rooms (for muslim), toilets, changing rooms, showrooms, souvenir shops, restaurants and so on. This facility is available to travelers for their comfort in the Poring Hot Spring. For example, the showrooms will be display about the sketch origin Poring history and aspects of the use of bamboo as a dominant plant in Poring Hot Spring. Therefore, this situation may indirectly provide an opportunity for visitors and tourists to gain more knowledge about Poring Hot Spring.

Another factor in attracting the tourists to come to Poring Hot Spring is in terms of the price offered for the hotel at there. According to a general study, the price of the activities offered is still low if compared to tourism activities in other locations. Similarly, the cost for transportation and accommodation are affordable for tourists to enjoy with the low price. For example, the price for the campsite, citizens and foreigners are the same charge of RM40 per person. For dormitories of Serindit, contains 10 beds for each dome and the total for the dome are four. The price charged is RM100 to RM120 for Malaysian citizens and foreigners. Accommodation in Twin Share Kelicap was charged RM310 and RM350 for Malaysian citizens for foreigner and it is provide a room for two people. For the chalet, the accommodation at River Lodge is RM755 to RM830 for Malaysian citizens and foreigners. The price is almost the same for the accommodation at Jungle Lodge, where it is subjected to RM590 and RM660 for Malaysian citizens to foreigner. The most expensive for accommodation at Poring are the Palm Villa, where the fee charged is RM3500 for Malaysian citizens and foreign nationals.


Conclusions and Recommendations

As conclusion, sustainability concept is important in the tourism sector as an attraction for tourists to visit at tourism destination that they wish for. As such, the sustainability that applies in the Poring Hot Spring are the natural environmental include flora and fauna, excellent services provided, complete facilities with low prices include hotels and transports, and most importantly are the local citizen that they are very friendly in dealing with tourists from local or international. Tourists will be able to pay for almost everything when the sustainability is continuously carried out especially in preserving the environment in order to meet their satisfaction. With this emphasis, the diversity of wildlife of flora and fauna in Poring Hot Spring will continue to be preserved and tourists from local and international will continue to grow with sustainability as an attraction for their arrival (Hua & Marsuki, 2014).


References

Bramwell B., & Lane, B., 1993, Sustainable tourism: An evolving global approach. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 1(1), 1-5.

Hall C. M., Lew A. A., 1998, Sustainable tourism. A geographical perspective. Addison Wesley Longman Ltd.

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.

Hua A.K., September 2015, Melaka sebagai pusat pelancongan dunia: Dapatkah dipertahankan? Geografia: Malaysian Journal of Society and Space, 11(9), 75-85.

Hunter C., 1997, Sustainable tourism as an adaptive paradigm. Annals of tourism research, 24(4), 850-867.

Little W., 1972, The Shorter Oxford English Dictionary on Historical Principles (3rd edn.), Revised and ed. by C.T. Onions, Clarendon Press, Oxford.

Nurulashila Khalid, 2006, Pelancongan Membeli Belah: Kepuasan Pengunjung Terhadap Kemudahan-Kemudahan Awam Di Pekan Borong Nilai 3, Negeri Sembilan. Thesis Report, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris.

Peace D., Turner R.K., 1990, Economic of Natural Resources and the Environmental, Harvester Wheatsheaf, Hemel Hempstead.

Pejabat Perdana Menteri, 2012, Strategi Pembangunan Pelancongan National dalam Rancangan Lima

Tahun Malaysia. Ritchie J. B., Crouch G. I., 2003, The competitive destination: A sustainable tourism perspective. Cabi.

Trustees of The Sabah Parks Official Portal, 2016, The History of Kinabalu Park. Retrieved from http://www.sabahparks.org.my/index.php/the-parks/parks-of-sabah

River Corridor Development Based Water Quality Studies: A Review of Research Framework

Abstract

River water quality become ‘victim’ of human development through agricultural, industrial, residential, sewage treatment plant, municipal waste, and commercial activities. These research studies carry out to investigate, identify, and determine the water quality condition through WQI methods towards Sungai UTM. Research framework become initiative towards this research study in assist to archive the objective study in solving issues and problems involve with river water pollution.

Keywords: River water quality, river water pollution, WQI, Sungai UTM, research framework

Citation of Article:
Maarof, N., & Hua, A.K. (2016). River Corridor Development Based Water Quality Studies: A Review of Research Framework. Journal of Scientific and Engineering Research, 3(3), 169-171.


Introduction

According to the Department of Environment (DOE, 2008) peninsular Malaysia has 150 major rivers, the longest river in the peninsula is the Pahang River where it flows as far as 432 kilometers before entering the South China Sea. The rivers that exist in other states like Kelantan, Terengganu, Dungun, Endau, and Sedeili also flows out in the South China Sea. While in Sabah and Sarawak have larger rivers of peninsular Malaysia. There is the longest river Rejang River which is located in Sarawak State where it flows as far as 563 kilometers.

However, the problem of water pollution is an issue that is often spoken of today. This problem occurs due to the disposal of sewage from municipal and industrial process into the aquatic system and caused water quality to deteriorate (Hua and Kusin, 2015). The report released by the Department of Environment (DOE, 2008) found that the main causes leading to the deterioration of water quality is domestic sewage, industrial, animal husbandry and agro-based industries. There are many parameters used to assess the water quality of a river. It includes physical parameters (pH and dissolved oxygen), nutrients (ammonia and phosphate) and metals (cadmium and copper).

In general, the pollution can be defined as any substance harmful to humans or the environment which enters into water sources where it is not supposed to be present, and if present, higher than allowed. Based on gross observations factor that greatly contributed to the pollution of a river that is from the activities of land use by humans around it.

There are two sources of pollution and pollution from point sources of pollution also causes not dotted. The cause of colon refers to the sources of contamination and can easily be detected with the naked eye where the activities continue to distribute this type of waste and disposed of directly through a duct system into rivers such as domestic sewage, waste from animal husbandry, agricultural distribute sewer filth, industrial waste. The cause is not the cause of which was dotted agents and material contamination is not known. They pollute rivers with rain water action either by surface runoff or through seepage into the ground. The contaminants are carried by runoff into rivers and some seeped into the ground. Therefore, to maintain the interest it requires an increase in river water quality. It can be achieved through the maintenance of the river. Therefore, a maintenance plan must be produced.

Problem Statement

The most critical question is about water quality in the River UTM, where it will flow to major rivers such as Sungai Skudai. As we all know, the UTM is close to the infrastructure around the university. This river goes through a row of student residential block, administrative buildings, roads, blocks faculty, and research labs around the university. In recent years, the water quality of the River UTM start undisputed as more and more compact development is being carried out in early 2009 (Ma’arof and Hua, 2015). For example, the building blocks of a new faculty, the construction of laboratories located along the river corridor UTM. In fact, the river is also through many rows of food stalls around the university. This is to some extent will produce effluent that goes along intentionally or unintentionally.

The causes of pollution that exist are from various domestic activities or the activities of a very high land use along the river corridor UTM. As told from the beginning, the development of land use that arise along the river corridor UTM is one of the causes. Problems arise as a result of activities in food waste disposal, soil erosion and possibly laboratory waste or waste from construction material which is not disposed of properly. Looking at the problems that exist, indirectly aquatic life in the river will be affected and cause discomfort to the health and aesthetic values.

In addition, another problem that arises is that high deposition rates makes the riverbed became increasingly shallow. The deposited sediments can lead to increased flow velocity of the river flow. If this happens, the water will spill out and sloped areas around the lower. Suspended debris in the water will be washed away into the river after heavy rains in the neighborhood. This is to some extent can muss and give off an unpleasant smell to the locals and have an adverse impact on aesthetic value.

If the problem persists pollution UTM River water quality will be affected not only in terms of water quality of the river but UTM own aesthetic value and it in turn can threaten the health of students and employees who carry out activities in the vicinity. Although the river is small but it should be noted that the flow of the river will be entered into the main river that will surely be one of our fresh water resources. Therefore, it is important for us to evaluate and assess the impact of development and land use activities are available along the river corridor on the quality of Sungai UTM that a maintenance plan can be generated.

Research Objective

The objectives of the study can be divided into three, which is;
1. To assess the water quality of UTM River based on Water Quality Index (WQI) through an
     assessment of the BOD, COD, SS, NH3N, DO, pH.
2. To determine the pattern of land use along the UTM potentially contributing to pollution of the
     River UTM.
3. Recommended UTM River corridor plan for the preservation of water quality of the River UTM.

Scope of Study

Sungai UTM consists of two major rivers. A study will involve a river in the north. This river starts from the recreation area of the forest reserve of 134 acres and it flows through a number of locations including residential blocks in UTM students at the College of Tun Hussein Onn, cafeteria, and faculty and blocks others. The study will be carried out starting from the cafeteria Arkebchengal. In the middle of this river goes through the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Civil Engineering Laboratory, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Electrical and downstream of the area where the ends Leisure UTM to UTM hockey field.

Determination of water quality based on several parameters, namely SS, pH, COD, BOD, NH3N, and DO will be determined (Hua, 2015). In additional, the control method will also be proposed to limit the pollution sources to improve and maintain water quality, either in physical or chemical parameter.

Importance of Study

This study is important in determining the level of the river water quality UTM. UTM River water quality will be evaluated based Air Quality Index (IKA). Air Sungai UTM will either be classified as a class I, II, III, or IV. Also, at the same time the study will identify all the causes that led to the pollution of the River UTM. Identification of pollution sources can help identify contamination that can be limited to UTM River water quality can be maintained. In addition, this research can also provide guidance in drafting or proposing a plan for the river corridor UTM for UTM River water quality maintenance.


Conclusion

Research framework indicate that water quality study will involve with determination of raw water through analysis of BOD, COD, SS, NH3N, DO, and pH, in identify the Water Quality Index (WQI). WQI are important in investigate the water quality condition of Sungai UTM, which being disruption through human activities like agricultural, industrial, residential, sewage treatment plan, commercial activities, municipal waste, etc. that have connection with the rapid development of particular area. Generally, land used development are exist in urban area due to the demand from local resident towards daily usage. Therefore, this research study through research framework is important to indicate and proved on the efficacy of WQI in define the water quality studies in Sungai UTM.


References

[1]. DOE (2008).Malaysian Environmental Quality Report 2008.

[2]. Hua, A.K. &Kusin, F.M. (2015). A Review of Applied GIS Based in Sustainable Water Resources Management in Malacca River.International Journal of Scientific Research in Science, Engineering and Technology. 1(3), 157-162.

[3]. Hua, A.K. (2015). Kualitisumber air di Malaysia: Satuanalisis.Geografia-Malaysian Journal of Society and Space. 11(6), 98-108.

[4]. Ma’arof, N &Hua, A.K. (2015). Kualiti air Sungai UTM: Satu penilaian awal berpandukan enam parameter Indeks Kualiti Air. Geografia-Malaysian Journal of Society and Space. 11(1), 107-115.