Public Perception in Water Resources Development Case Study: Malacca River

Abstract

Malacca is a historical-based tourism destination. Tourism activities attract international and local tourists, together with local residents, which concentrate in Malacca Central especially near the Malacca River. Rapid development through land use and uncontrolled human activities cause contamination occur in Malacca River. Therefore, this research study has been conducted to determine public perception in water resources development. Quantitative approach applied, where questionnaire with Likert scale form are distributed for 400 respondents at Alor Gajah and Malacca Central along and adjacent to Malacca River. Meanwhile, research analysis used is chi square (x 2 ) test with Cronbach’s Alpha is 0.759. Analysis of results showed majority respondents agreed on Malacca River is polluted due to rapid development and human activities. Pollution in the Malacca River causes poisoning, death and extinction of aquatic animals, spreads various infectious diseases, affects soil saturation and plant species, harms local residents through bad odor or acid rain and natural disaster, and destroys the natural environment overall. Hence, government, the private sector, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and local residents should join and work together to protect the river from destruction.