The environmental resource management paradox in an impoverished urban population: a case study from Malaysia

Abstract

This study is an attempt to investigate the poverty-environment paradox from the perspective of an emerging country, namely Malaysia. To test the paradox, this study assesses attitude and behaviour of the urban poor with reference to solid waste management and their willingness to pay for an improved solid waste collection and disposal service in their residential areas. Empirical results nullify the null hypothesis, favouring urban poor as their attitude and behaviour are found to be environmentally sound and surprisingly ethical. Also, their willingness to pay for improving environmental conditions is considered to be good news for local governments, who could use this strategy in their efforts to improve the environmental conditions related to household waste management and to reduce urban poverty. Policies and initiatives, which are aiming at improving living conditions of urban poor and raising awareness among stakeholders, are crucial for reducing both the environmental degradation and urban poverty.