Kinabalu Area Research Articles

TikTok influencers’ credibility and its impact on local cosmetic purchase intention

Influencer marketing has become a highly profitable strategy in today’s marketing landscape, with TikTok emerging as a significant platform influencing consumer behaviour. This study examines the impact of TikTok influencers on the Malaysian cosmetic industry, focusing on credibility traits (i.e., trustworthiness, expertise, and attractiveness) and their influence on consumers’ purchase decisions. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected via an online Google Form survey targeting female TikTok users aged 18 to 34, who are currently residing in the Greater Kota Kinabalu area. The study adjusts established measurement items for TikTok and analysed data using SmartPLS 4.0. Results indicate that the trustworthiness and attractiveness of TikTok influencers positively affect consumers’ intention to purchase local cosmetics, while expertise shows no significant impact, possibly due to the target audience’s age and familiarity with cosmetics. These findings have practical implications for cosmetic brands, highlighting the importance of trustworthiness and physical attractiveness in influencer endorsements, thus offering valuable insights for the cosmetic industry.

AN URBAN HOUSEHOLD LIVING WAGE: AN EMPIRICAL OVERVIEW

As Malaysia is rapidly progressing towards the status of a high-income nation, it is imperative that all of its residents strive for at least a minimally decent standard of living. Keeping a comfortable standard of living is becoming increasingly challenging for many families as the cost of living continues to rise. The goal of this research is to learn how much is the living wage for the household residing in Kota Kinabalu need to get by. In this research, a "household" is a person or a group of people, whether they are related or not, who live in the same house and make financial decisions together. This research used the Anker Formula to determine a fair living wage. This research adopts a quantitative approach for data collecting by distributing self-designed questionnaires to respondents in and around Kota Kinabalu. The results of the study reveal that the total living wage required by households with varied numbers of full-time workers varies modestly. Overall, a worker in the Kota Kinabalu area needs RM 2393.06 a month as a living wage to maintain a minimum acceptable standard of living. Literature demonstrates that the cost of housing, food, transportation, communication, healthcare, education, household size, the number of full- time workers, and savings all play important roles in determining a family's ability to make ends meet. Authorities should place greater weight on these considerations when determining the minimum wage legislation, especially in densely populated areas like Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Application of Modified Slope Mass Rating (M-SMR) System in Ultrabasic Rock: A Case Study in Telupid, Sabah, Malaysia

Modified Slope Mass Rating (M-SMR) was proposed as a geomechanically classification scheme for sedimentary Crocker Formation rock slope in the Kota Kinabalu area, but has never been applied in ultrabasic rock. Then, this study was conducted on ultrabasic rock cut slopes in Telupid, Sabah, Malaysia. This system was used to characterize and to propose preliminary rock cut slope design, slope stabilization, protection measures, and recommendation levels for slope re-investigation. The UCS test, Deere RQD method, a weighted average of discontinuity set spacing, weighted average and statistical mode, weighted average, and new approach of adjustment factor (NAAF) methods were used to evaluate the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), RQD, discontinuity spacing, discontinuity condition, water flow and discontinuity orientation parameters, respectively. The result of this study shows that the M-SMR classes for the slopes are class III (moderate), IV (poor,) and class V (very poor). Recommended and highly recommended for slope re-investigation by well-trained, experienced, or expert engineering geologist/geotechnical engineer are for classes III, IV, and V, respectively. The recommendation for slope stabilization and protection measures are local trimming, surface drainage, horizontal drain, weep hole, systematic bolting, dowels, concrete detention or buttress, shotcrete, wire mesh or rope nets, and rock trap ditch.

Application of Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) for Landslide Hazard Analysis (LHA) in Kota Kinabalu area, Sabah, Malaysia

A very good Landslide Hazard Analysis (LHA) model was developed using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method for the area of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The AHP is defined as theory of measurement through pairwise comparisons and relies on the judgements of experts to derive priority scales that measure intangibles in relative terms. The derived priority scales are synthesised by multiplying them by the priority of their parent nodes and adding for all such nodes. Weighted value of different spatial factors from the best models calculated with the AHP method were derived. The results showed that the geology (27% variance), geodynamic features (14% variance), slope conditions (26% variance), hydrology/hydrogeology (14% variance), types of land use (3% variance), and engineering characteristics of soils (8% variance), and rocks (8% variance) play an important role in landslide susceptibility analysis. In terms of Landslide Hazard Map (LHM), the analyses resulted of Kota Kinabalu area suggests that 2.78% of the area can be categorised as Very Low Hazard, 14.14% as Low Hazard, 19.74% as Moderate Hazard, 51.63% as High Hazard, 11.34% as Very High Hazard and 0.37% as Extremely High Hazard. Model accuracy assessment of LHA was performed using consistency ratio (CR) equal to 0.0129 (< 0.1) (acceptable) and 93.50 % accuracy of the validation prediction. Thus, the newly developed method works satisfactory and high reliability; and is applicable to further research development in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, and potentially to expand with different environmental settings.

A Living Wage for Households: Analysis of Urban Households in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

As Malaysia steps closer to become a high-income nation, it is time for all citizens to aspire to at least a minimum acceptable standard of living. The rising cost of living poses difficulties for households to maintain an adequate standard of living. This study aims to investigate the living wage of household in Kota Kinabalu. In this context, a household refers to an individual or a group of individuals, whether related or not, who live together in the same house and make economic decisions together. The living wage calculation in this study applied the Anker Formula. For data collection, this study employs a quantitative approach strategy in which self-developed questionnaires are distributed to respondents around Kota Kinabalu. The study results indicates that the total living wage needed for the household with different number of full-time workers is slightly different. Overall, the living wage needed for a worker living in Kota Kinabalu area are RM 2541.36 per month to be able to afford a minimum satisfactory living standard. Previous literature shows that housing cost, food cost, transportation cost, communication cost, healthcare cost, education cost, household size, number of full-time workers and savings are the factors that significantly influenced the living wage. On this basis, the authorities should emphasize more on these factors when setting the minimum wage policy particularly in the urban area such as Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Mapping Of Population Behaviour During The Early Phase Of COVID19 Disease Spread In Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Using PCA-GIS

Coronavirus 2019 (COVID19) has now become a pandemic. In the early stages of the pandemic, Kota Kinabalu was one of the districts in Sabah with the greatest number of COVID19 positive cases. Despite the government’s announcement of the Movement Control Order (MCO), some residents were unable to follow the rules. As a result, the number of COVID19 positive cases in Sabah has increased, particularly in the Kota Kinabalu district. The increase of COVID 19 cases is indeed influenced by the behavior of the population in a place. The behavior of the population during previous pandemics has already shown how human attitudes can affect the spread of disease in the area. In Sabah, it is also seen to occur, such as violating the movement control order. Due to a shortage of manpower, it is difficult to identify and monitor residents who violate this MCO. Geographical factors in Sabah are also among the reasons why authorities find it difficult to keep control over all areas. In addition, the lack of technology, such as Geographic Information System (GIS), has made it difficult for authorities to monitor all locations. As a result, using Principal Component Analysis (PCA), this study was undertaken to identify the primary determinants of population behaviour that cause the spread of COVID19, which was then mapped using Geographic Information System (GIS). Only zones that registered positive cases of COVID19 from March to August 2020 were included in this study, which included a total of 100 respondents in the Kota Kinabalu area. Population behaviour, factor location, and responder location are among the data sources. To investigate the pattern of population behaviour in Kota Kinabalu, this study used factor analysis using PCA and the classification method using GIS. The study’s findings include a behaviour pattern map for the Kota Kinabalu district, which influences COVID19 distribution in the early phases of the pandemic. This study can assist various parties in identifying a potential area in Kota Kinabalu that has a high risk of COVID19 infection.

A Species Checklist of Wild Orchids in Selected Sites in Kadamaian, Kota Belud, Sabah

A brief orchid diversity study was conducted from 14th to 19th October 2019 in Kadamaian, located northwest of Kinabalu area, through a scientific geographic expedition. A convenience sampling method was employed with only the flowering individuals collected and preserved as herbarium specimens. A total of 58 species and 32 genera were identified during the field visits to the Mount Nopungguk, Melangkap Noriou, Ulu Sungai Melawa, and basecamp site. The finding comprises of 43 epiphytes, 13 terrestrials, and two mycoheterotrophs. Appendicula congesta, Bulbophyllum disjunctum, Dendrobium kiauense, and Goodyera rostellata are species endemic to Borneo found during the expedition along with Crepidium multiflorum, a hyper-endemic species to Kinabalu area. Several rare species which narrowly distributed to primary forest habitat were discovered, including jewel orchids; Cystorchis variegata var. variegata and Anoectochilus geniculatus, and two mycoheterotrophs; Aphyllorchis pallida and Lecanorchis multiflora var. multiflora.

Technology Integration among Science Teachers in the Implementation of the 21st Century Learning

The Ministry of Education (MOE) has launched a reformation of the curriculum through Kurikulum Standard Sekolah Menengah (KSSM) start since 2017. The new curriculum is focused on the aspects of the competencies and skills that can fulfil the need of 21st century education. Teachers play an important role in determining the outcomes of 21st century learning in terms of their knowledge and skills. Thus, the purpose of this study was to find out the integration of technology among secondary school Science teachers in their implementation of 21st century learning. The design of the study was a quantitative approach with survey method. A set of questionnaires was adapted on a 5-point Likert scale to measure the skill level among the teachers. The study involved 100 Science teachers from 11 secondary schools around Kota Kinabalu area, Sabah. Descriptive statistics and inference statistics such as mean, standard deviation, t-test and one-way ANOVA were performed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25.0. The findings showed that the mean scores of secondary school Science teachers in Kota Kinabalu are high (mean = 3.73). T-test and one-way ANOVA test revealed that (i) there was no significant difference in teacher skills based on gender (ii) there was significant difference in teacher skills based on the number of courses attended.

Factors Impacting Customer Satisfaction in the Hotel Restaurant at Kota Kinabalu, Sabah: A Study of Hotel Restaurant Attributes

The purpose of this research was to access the influence of hotel restaurant attributes towards customer satisfaction in the hotel restaurant. In this paper, three of the hotel restaurant attributes will be discussed. The main objectives of this study are to examine the relationship between food quality, service quality and atmosphere towards customer satisfaction in the hotel restaurant. This study using a quantitative approach and questionnaire has been distributed to the respondents who have dined in at the hotel restaurant in the Kota Kinabalu area. Meanwhile, the data for this study will be analyzed using Partial Least Square via Structural Equation Modelling. The result shows that food quality, service quality and atmosphere have a significant effect on customer satisfaction. This study will assist the hotel industry in Kota Kinabalu as generally in obtaining a better picture of the key factor that determines customer satisfaction to stay competitive with another freestanding restaurant.

Geohazard Assessment in the Kota Kinabalu area, Sabah, Malaysia

This study focused on the Flood Susceptibility Analysis (FSA) and Landslide Susceptibility Analysis (LSA)of the Kota Kinabalu area, Sabah by using Multi Criteria Evaluation Model (MCE) for FSA and Deterministic Model for LSA. The study area had been affected by flood and landslide throughout the years. The aims of this study are to determine the flood susceptibility level and landslide susceptibility level of the study area and to identify the contributing factors that leads to the geohazards. Thus, a few mitigation measures can be recommended. The contributing factors that leads to the geohazards had been identified through desk studies and fieldwork. The data were obtained and digitized using ArcGIS software and the thematic maps were produced. The factors that contributing to the geohazards such as slope gradient, elevation, topographic curvature, flow accumulation and drainage distance were retrieved from the topographic database, whereas the land use, rainfall, soil types and soil properties were obtained from various agencies. Several areas are considered as susceptible, such as areas of Taman Kingfisher, Kg. Bantayan, Menggatal area, and Kg. Tebobon. To avoid or minimize the flood disasters, the Flood Susceptibility Level Map and the Landslide Susceptibility Map can be used in future development planning and a few structural controls can be implemented such as the land use planning of the area and hazard zoning. This study can be used as a resource for consulting, planning agencies and local governments in managing risk, land-use zoning and remediation efforts to mitigate risks.

Prehospital Care Service (PHC) in Kota Kinabalu

Background: PHC services particularly the ambulance call is traditionally a hospital-based system. Within the Kota Kinabalu area, there are 3 tertiary hospitals that provide the ambulance call service; and also provide the interfacility transfer, disaster management and medical team standby. How about the health clinics? Health clinics play a major role for primary healthcare and the interfacility transfer of patient from the health clinics to the hospital.&#x0D; Keywords: ambulance, health clinic, prehospital care

Ecological implications of pedogenesis and geochemistry of ultramafic soils in Kinabalu Park (Malaysia)

In Sabah, Malaysia, ultramafic rock outcrops are widespread (totalling 3500km2, one of the main outcrops in the tropical zone), and predominantly of the peridotite type. However, strongly serpentinised peridotite is also locally common, particularly along fault lines in the Mt. Kinabalu area. This study aimed to determine the extent of chemical variation in ultramafic soils in relation to the degree of serpentinisation and the weathering intensity, and consequent potential ecological implications linked to resulting soil chemical fertility. It was hypothesized that young soils and soils derived from bedrock with a significant degree of serpentinisation strongly differ from typical Geric Ferralsols and result in soil chemistries with more adverse properties to plant life (e.g. low availability of the essential nutrients N, P, K and Ca and high concentrations of potentially phytotoxic Mg and Ni). Ultramafic soil diversity linked to the age of the soil or the degree of serpentinisation would thus be a main factor of plant diversity and distribution. The diverse topography of Kinabalu Park (ultramafic soils present between 400 and 2950masl) has given rise to high pedodiversity with the broad overall ultramafic soil types being: (i) deep laterite soils (Geric Ferralsols); (ii) moderately deep montane soils (Dystric Cambisols) with mor humus; (iii) shallow skeletal soils at high altitude (Eutric Cambisols Hypermagnesic); and (iv) bare serpentinite soils (Hypereutric Leptosols Hypermagnesic) at low altitude (200–700masl). Leptosols on serpentinite and Eutric Cambisols have the most extreme chemical properties in the whole Kinabalu Park area both with very high Mg:Ca molar quotients, with either high available Ni (Cambisols) or high pH (Leptosols). These soils host specific and adapted vegetation (high level of endemism) that tolerates geochemical peculiarities, including Ni hyperaccumulators. Geric Ferralsols present far less chemical constraints than Hypermagnesian Cambisols soils to the vegetation and host a tall and very diverse rainforest, not so different than that on non-ultramafic soils. It therefore appears that altitude, soil age and degree of bedrock serpentinisation are the main determining factors of soil properties: the qualifier “ultramafic” alone is not sufficient to define soil geochemical and ecological conditions in the Kinabalu Park area, probably more than in any other ultramafic region in the world.

Depreissia decipiens, an enigmatic canopy spider from Borneo revisited (Araneae, Salticidae), with remarks on the distribution and diversity of canopy spiders in Sabah, Borneo.

Depreissia is a little known genus comprising two hymenopteran-mimicking species, one found in Central Africa and one in the north of Borneo. The male of Depreissia decipiens is redescribed, the female is described for the first time. The carapace is elongated, dorsally flattened and rhombus-shaped, the rear of the thorax laterally depressed and transformed, with a pair of deep pits; the pedicel is almost as long as the abdomen. The male palp is unusual, characterized by the transverse deeply split membranous tegulum separating a ventral part which bears a sclerotized tegular apophysis and a large dagger-like retrodirected median apophysis. The female epigyne consists of one pair of large adjacent spermathecae and very long copulatory ducts arising posteriorly and rising laterally alongside the spermathecae continuing in several vertical and horizontal coils over the anterior surface. Relationships within the Salticidae are discussed and an affinity with the Cocalodinae is suggested. Arguments are provided for a hypothesis that Depreissia decipiens is not ant-mimicking as was previously believed, but is a mimic of polistinine wasps. The species was found in the canopy in the Kinabalu area only, in primary and old secondary rainforest at 200–700 m.a.s.l. Overlap of canopy-dwelling spider species with those in the understorey are discussed and examples of species richness and endemism in the canopy are highlighted. Canopy fogging is a very efficient method of collecting for most arthropods. The canopy fauna adds an extra dimension to the known biodiversity of the tropical rainforest. In southeast Asia, canopy research has been neglected, inhibiting evaluation of comparative results of this canopy project with that from other regions. More use of fogging as a collecting method would greatly improve insight into the actual species richness and species distribution in general.

The Relationship between Perceived Supervisor Support, Perceived Organizational Support, Organizational Commitment and Employee Turnover Intention

This study aims to investigate the influence of perceived supervisor support, perceived organizational support and organizational commitment towards employees’ turnover intention. It has been discovered through previous literature that perceived supervisor support, perceived organizational support and organizational commitment are associated with employees’ turnover intention. This study collected data from 260 respondents selected from eight three-star hotels in Kota Kinabalu area. Each of the independent variables - perceived supervisor support, perceived organizational support and organizational commitment were regressed towards employees’ turnover intention (dependent variable). The findings show that there is a significant relationship between perceived supervisor support, perceived organizational support and organizational commitment towards employees’ turnover intention. This study suggests that more attention shall be given from the hotel management towards the employees to reduce the turnover intention. Apart from that, the study was able to gather some useful information for the hoteliers and managers pertaining to the respondents’ profile and what exactly the employees expect from the organization.

Sedimentary facies analysis and depositional model of the Palaeogene West Crocker submarine fan system, NW Borneo

This study outlines a sedimentological analysis of the Palaeogene West Crocker Formation (WCF) around the Kota Kinabalu area of SW Sabah, which represents a large submarine fan depositional system within part of what was the complex and tectonically active margin of NW Borneo. The newly acquired and often extensive outcrop data summarised in this study has resulted in a more complete synthesis of the Crocker fan depositional system than has been previously possible. Seven facies (F1–F7) have been identified which constitute three main facies groups: (1) sand-dominated facies (F1–F3), comprise high- to low-density turbidites and form the dominant part of the WCF, (2) debris flow-dominated facies (F4–F6) comprises mud- and sand-dominant debris flows and mass transport deposits (MTD), which form a secondary but highly distinctive part of the WCF, and (3) mudstone-dominated facies (F7), represent a subordinate part of the WCF.Analysis of the vertical facies successions (from proximal to distal), has resulted in recognition of five major genetic units: (1) channel-levee complex; characterised by thick (30–60m) thinning and fining upward facies succession, which are dominated in their lower part by thick-bedded (1–6m), amalgamated high-density (Lowe-type) turbidites with rare debrite beds; the upper part is dominated low-density (Bouma-type) turbidites, without associated debrite beds. (2) Channelised lobes; characterised by 2–10m thick, coarsening upward, which are overlain by 5–20m thick fining upward facies successions; these successions are dominated by high-density turbidites (c. 0.5–1m thick) and linked co-genetic turbidite–debrite beds (0.1–0.5m thick), with subordinate mudstone facies. (3) Non-channelised lobes; comprise 5–20m thick coarsening upward facies successions; these start with mudstone facies, which pass gradually upwards into linked co-genetic turbidite–debrite beds; sandstone bed thickness increases upwards, while the debrite caps tend to become thinner upwards; high-density turbidites (2–3m thick beds) form amalgamated units at the top of these successions. (4) Distal lobes; represented mudstone-dominated intervals with mainly thin (1–10cm thick) low-density turbidites and occasional muddy debrites. (5) Mass transport complexes (MTCs); characterised by highly deformed slumped units (up to 2.5–5m thick).It is inferred that the five genetic units were deposited within four proposed laterally contiguous depositional environments are: (1) inner fan channel-levee complex; (2) mid-fan channelised lobes; (3) mid-fan non-channelised lobes; and (4) outer fan distal lobes. The West Crocker submarine fan is interpreted as a multiple-sourced, shelf-fed, Type II, low-efficiency, sand-rich depositional system.

Application of GIS in landslide risk assessment (LRA): A case study of the Kota Kinabalu area, Sabah, Malaysia

This paper introduces a landslide risk assessment (LRA) concept to develop a comprehensive model, which can significantly benefit stakeholders and is best suited for local conditions. The first step was to develop a semi-quantitative database through extensive desk, field and laboratory studies, including compilation of secondary data. In addition, information from remote sensing studies, engineering geological mapping, characterisation of observed hazard parameters and soil and rock testings was also included. The next step was to establish criteria for landslide hazard identification. Seven main related parameters are taken into account; i.e. 1) geology, 2) geodynamic features, 3) slope conditions, 4) hydrology/hydrogeology, 5) types of landuse, 6) engineering characteristics of soils, and 7) engineering characteristics of rocks. All the parameters were compiled and analysed with the landslide distribution map (LDM) to generate a landslide hazard map (LHM). The LDM is based on landslide locations in the study area obtained from field studies and satellite image interpretation. The third step is a vulnerability survey (physical, social and environmental) and compilation of secondary data for elements at risk (population and properties value) to produce the population map (PM) and property value map (PVM). Finally, the landslide risk map (LRiM) was produced by superimposing the LHM, PM and PVM. In terms of landslide hazards, the LHM of Kota Kinabalu area suggests that 2.78% of the area can be categorised as having very low hazard, 14.1% as low hazard, 19.7% as medium hazard, 51.6% as high hazard, 11.3% as very high hazard and 0.4% as extremely high hazard. In terms of landslide risks, the LRiM indicates that 13.1% of the area is in very low risk zone, 20.3% in low risk zone, 16.1% in medium risk zone, 17.5% in high risk zone, 23.1% in very high risk zone and 1.0% in extremely high risk zone. Areas with low degree of landslide hazards may not necessary will have low risk to landslides and vice-versa. This study shows the ability of the Geographic Information System approach as a powerful intergrative tool in handling semi-quantitative data in spatial LRA research.

Detecting deforestation with a spectral change detection approach using multitemporal Landsat data: A case study of Kinabalu Park, Sabah, Malaysia

Tropical deforestation is occurring at an alarming rate, threatening the ecological integrity of protected areas. This makes it vital to regularly assess protected areas to confirm the efficacy of measures that protect that area from clearing. Satellite remote sensing offers a systematic and objective means for detecting and monitoring deforestation. This paper examines a spectral change approach to detect deforestation using pattern decomposition (PD) coefficients from multitemporal Landsat data. Our results show that the PD coefficients for soil and vegetation can be used to detect deforestation using change vector analysis (CVA). CVA analysis demonstrates that deforestation in the Kinabalu area, Sabah, Malaysia has significantly slowed from 1.2% in period 1 (1973 and 1991) to 0.1% in period 2 (1991 and 1996). A comparison of deforestation both inside and outside Kinabalu Park has highlighted the effectiveness of the park in protecting the tropical forest against clearing. However, the park is still facing pressure from the area immediately surrounding the park (the 1 km buffer zone) where the deforestation rate has remained unchanged.

Engineering Geology of the Kota Kinabalu Area, Sabah, Malaysia

The geolo gy of the Kota Kinabalu area provides a favourab le settin g for engin eerin g geological in stabili ty. Kota Kinabalu is unde rl a in by th e Late Eocene - Early Miocene Crocker Formati on and Quatern ary Allu vium. The Crocker Formation is composed of thi ck sandstone unit, interbed ded sandstone - shale unit and shale unit. These rock units a re dissected by numerous lin eaments with compl ex structural sty les developed during seri es of regional Tertiary tectoni c activities. The tectonic complexiti es reduced the ph ys ical and engineerin g properties of th e rock masses and produced in te nsive di splacements and di scontinuiti es among the strata , res ultin g in hi gh degree of weatherin g process and in sta bili ty . The weath ered materials a re un sta bl e and may cause subsid ence, slidin g and fa llin g induced by hi gh pore pressure subj ected by both shallow and deep hydrodynamic processes. This paper describes the engineerin g geolog ica l investi gation, appreciation of th e complex geology, examination of material properties under specifi c geological laboratory te sts, field test in g and mapping, verification of the mechani sm of fai lure and the deduced possible causes of s lope fa ilures, settlement, land subsid ence and foundation in stability . Much of the fi ndings could not have been ascertained without sound understanding of the sit e geo log ical evoluti on, inh erited un fav ourable geological re li cs and the peculi ar but hazardous e ng in eerin g properties in the Kota Kinaba lu area . Geological evaluation shou ld be prioriti zed and take into consid eration in th e ini tia l step in a ll infrastructure program. Thi s engin eerin g geological study may playa vit al ro le in eng in eering geologica l pro bl ems assessment to ensure th e publi c safety ..

A GIS-based multi-criteria decision making approach to forest conservation planning at a landscape scale: a case study in the Kinabalu Area, Sabah, Malaysia

This paper presents a geographic information system (GIS)-based multi-criteria decision making approach for forest conservation planning at a landscape scale. This approach enables decision makers to evaluate the relative priorities of conserving forest areas based on a set of preferences, criteria and indicators for the area. Compromise programming techniques are used to integrate the forest conservation priority maps of decision groups where a separation distance is calculated. A clustering analysis was applied to identify potential conservation areas as the basis of delineating potential new protected areas. The study was conducted in the Kinabalu area, Sabah, Malaysia where two polygons neighboring the Kinabalu Park were delineated. A group of 11 polygons totaling 2050 ha has also been detected in the western part of Kinabalu Park. The study recommends the inclusion of a forest polygon (359 ha) neighboring Kinabalu Park and another (4361 ha) to the west of the park as new protected areas. A green corridor linking the potential new protected areas and Kinabalu Park should also be constructed to facilitate animal movement and interaction. This study reveals that riparian vegetation is an important aspect to forest conservation and the legislation to protect riparian zones should be strengthened.

Deforestation Detection in Kinabalu Area, Sabah, Malaysia by using Multi-sensor Remote Sensing Approach

This paper examines use of multi-sensor remote sensing approach for deforestation detection in the tropics. Multi-sensor satellite data of Landsat-MSS of 1973 and Landsat-TM of 1991 and 1996 were employed. Accuracy of image-to-image registration was below 1 pixel. Relative radiometric normalization of Landat-MSS 1973 and Landsat-TM 1991 to Landsat-TM 1996 as the reference image was carried out to remove the unwanted variabilities between all the satellite images. Image differencing algorithm with Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was examined for deforestation detection. The performance of the NDVI image differencing algorithm for deforestation detection between 1973 and 1996 was investigated at three test sites covered with reliable ground truths. The accuracy of detection was satisfactory that the algorithm was used in deforestation detection of the whole study area in two change periods i.e. I: 1973-1991 and II: 1991-1996. Although false deforestation pixels in period I were also detected, it can easily be rectified using a land use map of 1984. In total, 2,445ha of forest, which is almost 1% of the study area, were cleared from 1973-1996 and most of them were deforested in period I (2,090ha). This study concludes that the multi-sensor approach is a useful solution for deforestation detection because of better temporal coverage. It can also provide more satellite data for the application and thus lessen data acquisition problem due to cloud cover which is a consistent problem for the tropics.