Research Article: Perceptions of Environmental Problems by Malaysian Professionals

Abstract

Malaysian environmental professionals were surveyed to determine their outlook on key environmental issues related to Malaysia and to the world. Learning about environmental perceptions from local decision makers was seen as important because of the rapid economic growth of Malaysia and because of concern that this development may result in the loss of a high-quality tropical environment. Study data should be useful in providing understanding of values relating to environmental management within the country. Results showed that air pollution and waste management were perceived of as key local environmental issues, with industrial air emissions and vehicular exhaust two of the major sources of local environmental degradation. Air pollution may be the more difficult of these problems to solve, perhaps conflicting with economic development interests. Loss of critical habitat, ozone depletion and climate change were viewed as important to global-scale environmental conditions, although habitat destruction was seen as somewhat less important to the local situation. River pollution was identified as the major ecological problem in Malaysia, although drinking water quality was not seen as a critical issue. Malaysian environmental professionals' perceptions of global-scale environmental problems are consistent with much of the international environmental community, knowledge that should be helpful in negotiating future international agreements.