Pahang National Park Research Articles

The Potential of Tourism Sustainability through SWOT Analysis: The Case study of Pahang National Park, Malaysia

The tourism industry can have a huge impact on a location and community. Thus, it is very important for an area to know what tourism potential can be created and used as a tourism product. Thus, this study aims to explore the potential attraction of tourism activities in Pahang National Park area. As such, a qualitative study was conducted through focus group discussion and unstructured in-depth interview. The data was transcribed by N-vivo software to get the potential characteristic factors before analyzed by SWOT analysis and generate the mitigation strategies by SWOT matrix. Result shows that, Pahang National Park has great potential in the tourism industry with its natural beauty, ecological diversity, cultural heritage, and tourist adventures. However, to optimize this potential, national parks need to address weaknesses in accessibility, infrastructure, and environmental impacts while taking advantage of opportunities in tourist ecological growth, educational programs, infrastructure development, and cultural experiences. Threats such as environmental degradation, competition, natural disasters, regulatory changes, and health issues need to be faced with appropriate strategies to ensure continuity and long-term success in the Pahang National Park tourism industry. The development of potential and income opportunities based on the environment/natural resources can be a “tool” to improve the standard of living and reduce the poverty rate of the community, especially the rural population.

The Impact of the Ecosystem on Health Literacy Among Rural Communities in Protected Areas: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study.

Protected areas are crucial for the maintenance of human health and well-being. They aim to preserve biodiversity and natural resources to secure various ecosystem services that are beneficial to human health. Their ecological characteristics can influence local health literacy. Typically, communities surrounding protected areas have limited economic opportunities due to restriction policies to protect the ecosystem, resulting in socioeconomic disparities. The local community faces obstacles in gaining access to health care facilities and health information due to these limitations. It is difficult for them to locate, comprehend, and apply information and services to make better health-related decisions for themselves and others. This study protocol examines the impact of the ecosystem on health literacy among rural communities in protected areas. This study comprises 5 phases. In phase 1, we conduct a systematic review to identify the issue of health literacy in protected areas. In phase 2, we will collect data from stakeholders in a protected area of Pahang National Park and analyze the results using Net-Map analysis. In phase 3, we will conduct a survey among the adult community in Pahang National Park related to health literacy, socioeconomic status, health expenditure, and quality of life. In phase 4, informed by the results of the survey, we will determine suitable intervention programs to improve health literacy through a focus group discussion. Finally, in phase 5, we will conduct a costing analysis to analyze which intervention program is the most cost-effective. This study was funded by Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) and strategic research partnership grants, and enrollment is ongoing. The first results are expected to be submitted for publication in 2024. This is one of the first studies to explore health literacy among rural communities in protected areas and will provide the first insights into the overall level of health literacy in the protected community, potential determinants, and a suitable intervention program with expected cost analysis. The results can be used to promote health literacy in other protected areas and populations. International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number Registry ISRCTN40626062; http://tinyurl.com/4kjxuwk5. PRR1-10.2196/51851.

Managing the impact of COVID-19 crisis on tourism sector in protected area: A case study in Pahang National Park

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused major disruptions to the world economy and the tourism industry, particularly in rural areas like the Pahang National Park in Malaysia. This study utilized qualitative research through the phenomenology approach to understand the impact of the pandemic on local tourism businesses in Pahang National Park. Through in-depth interviews with 12 informants from various backgrounds, the study found that there were four main impacts of COVID-19 on the rural tourism sector in Pahang National Park, including a lack of tourist arrivals, closure of small tourism-related businesses, loss of income, and job insecurity. The study aims to provide insight into creating safety measures and action plans for the tourist industry, and suggests that diversifying and having a secondary source of income can help protect livelihoods. The success of rural tourism in times of crisis depends on the development of new economic models and practical community tourism strategies.

Floor plants’ leaf shape and Phyllagathis rotundifolia’s soil organic matter in Kuala Keniam Trail, Pahang National Park

Abstract Kuala Keniam forest in the Pahang National Park is a part of the oldest and most complex ecosystem in the world with multispecies of plants and structures. Unfortunately, near to none information was documented on the geometrical aspects of leaves. Thus, this study aims to pre-document on the variety of shapes of leaves along the trail and classify them. Photographs of the plants and all site activities were taken and documented by using the digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) and smartphone-digital cameras. Secondly, this study also aims at understanding this one particular herbaceous plant, known as Phyllagathis rotundifolia (tapak sulaiman) which is commonly found along the trail, and traditionally used to relieve gastrointestinal problems and fever. The composition of the soil organic matter of the plant were collected for better understanding of the type of soil needed for mass-cultivation and medical purposes. The Walkley-Black (WB) titration method was used to analyse the soil, where the oxidation of organic matter by potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7)-sulfuric acid mixture followed by back titration of the excessive dichromate by ferrous ammonium sulphate (Fe (NH4)2(SO4)2.6H2O) were monitored. Findings from the Kuala Keniam trails were documented and analysed. Thirty distinct-leaves have been identified and classified into 10-distinct leaf shape categories. Rich soil contents such as iron, carbon and phosphorous were also detected, thus creating Kuala Keniam as an excellent environment for the growth of beneficial shrubs and herbs

DECORATIVE ARTS OF THE BATEK INDIGENOUS PEOPLE: A SYSTEMATIC DOCUMENTATION OF FEATURES

Background and Purpose: The present paper discussed the features of Batek Hep tribe of the Tembeling River, Pahang National Park dwellers’ decorative arts, and the characteristics of three features which include the influence of Fibonacci numbers and Golden ratio in these decorative arts as well as whether its symmetrical elements are leaning towards the vertical or horizontal axis.
 
 Methodology: The study adopted a qualitative approach where a content analysis was conducted. The arts being studied were the carvings on Batek bamboo dart cases. Initial impressionistic exploratory overview suggested some similar patterns. Therefore, a hundred bamboo dart containers were conveniently documented by systematic labelling, photographed, and analytically documented. Each bamboo dart casing was then purposively visually analysed. Immerging features were coded and themed. Simple quantification in terms of the carvings and the diameter and the base segment height of 26 bamboo dart cases was performed to put forth the three analysed art forms that is available and visible in Batek arts for the purpose of discussion.
 
 Findings: The findings suggest that Batek decorative arts were mostly vertically symmetrical and conform to initial reported representations. The influence of Fibonacci numbers and Golden ratio could also be seen in these decorative arts. There were also repetitions of a sequential pattern that could be found on the dart cases.
 Contributions: The significance of this study is, not only it documents an endangered artistic element, but it also serves as a mechanism to set apart the Batek Hep’s decorative arts from other indigenous’ decorative arts through systematic and analytical study on the characteristics of its features. Therefore, the findings contribute to the Malaysian artistic heritage pool of knowledge.
 
 Keywords: Batek hep, decorative arts, Fibonacci numbers, golden ratio, symmetrical elements.
 
 Cite as: Abd Halim, N., Tengku Sharif, T. I. S., & Ramli, N. (2021). Decorative arts of the batek indigenous people: A systematic documentation of features. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 6(2), 273-295. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol6iss2pp273-295

FOREST VALUATION USING TRAVEL COST METHOD (TCM): CASES OF PAHANG NATIONAL PARK AND SRENGSENG JAKARTA URBAN FOREST

This study aims to estimate the economic value of a recreational park by using the travel cost method (TCM). Case studies have been done for Pahang National Park, Malaysia, and Srengseng urban forest, Jakarta, Indonesia. The data was obtained from a structured interview with visitors. The data was analysed by using Poisson and negative binomial model. Based on the survey result, it is known that the Srengseng urban forest is local public good used by local public residents whereas the Pahang National Park is visited by visitors from all over the world. The frequency determinants of visits to the urban forest are cost, age, occupation, gender, and visitor’s satisfaction; meanwhile, visit the national park is affected by travel cost, age, education, income and number of visits. The TCM method utilized in this research resulted in the Srengseng Urban Forest total economic benefit of RM0.44 million per year and the Pahang National Park total consumer surplus of RM15.3 million.

FOREST VALUATION USING TRAVEL COST METHOD (TCM): CASES OF PAHANG NATIONAL PARK AND SRENGSENG JAKARTA URBAN FOREST

This study aims to estimate the economic value of a recreational park by using the travel cost method (TCM). Case studies have been done for Pahang National Park, Malaysia, and Srengseng urban forest, Jakarta, Indonesia. The data was obtained from a structured interview with visitors. The data was analysed by using Poisson and negative binomial model. Based on the survey result, it is known that the Srengseng urban forest is local public good used by local public residents whereas the Pahang National Park is visited by visitors from all over the world. The frequency determinants of visits to the urban forest are cost, age, occupation, gender, and visitor’s satisfaction; meanwhile, visit the national park is affected by travel cost, age, education, income and number of visits. The TCM method utilized in this research resulted in the Srengseng Urban Forest total economic benefit of RM0.44 million per year and the Pahang National Park total consumer surplus of RM15.3 million.

Being Neighbor to a National Park: Are We Ready for Community Participation?

In Malaysia, many local communities reside within and around protected areas. Conflict, misunderstanding and mistrust often occur between the local communities and the protected area management. This study explores the perception and readiness of a chosen community on community participation in national park management. Questionnaires were distributed to 34 villagers in Kampung Bantal, Ulu Tembeling, Pahang, a remote village neighboring the Pahang National Park. The respondents indicate positive attitude towards community participation. This close knit community has the potential and strength to initiate community participation initiative. However, they require encouragement towards participation and in enhancing their community self-empowerment.

Historical and Current Legislations of Taman Negara National Park Peninsular Malaysia

The study was conducted to discuss the historical and current legislation pertaining to the establishment and administration of the Taman Negara National Park, Peninsular Malaysia. Established in 1938 and 1939 as King George V National Park, the park was named Taman Negara National Park after independent in 1957. Estimated to be 130 million years old and with an area of 4,343 sq kilometers, the highest mountain in the peninsular, Gunung Tahan (2,187 meter) is allocated in the area. Taman Negara National Park is a combination of three protected areas in three states, Taman Negara Pahang National Park, Taman Negara Kelantan National Park and Taman Negara Terengganu National Park. Currently all the three states has its own legislation, namely Taman Negara Enactment (Pahang) No.2, 1939 [En.2 of 1938], Taman Negara Enactment (Kelantan) No.14, 1938 [En.14 of 1938] and Taman Negara Enactment (Terengganu) No.6, 1939 [En.6 of 1358]. In Malaysia, some laws are federal legislation. Others are state enactments. Not all legislation enacted will apply to the whole Peninsular, the state of Sabah and Sarawak. To provide for the establishment and control of National Parks and for matters connected herewith, the Federal National Parks Act (Act 226) was introduced in 1980. This federal act shall not apply to the three states. Since this is the constitutional position, constraints especially on uniformity of laws either to promote or enforced, particularly in respect matters stated and List 1 Federal List (Ninth Schedule of Article 74, 77 Legislative Lists), List II – State List (Article 95B (1) (a) and List III – Concurrent List (Article 95B (1) (b) often exists. Thus, there are some matters which the National Parks fall under the legislative authority of both the Federal and State Governments. However, forestry and land fall under the jurisdiction and legislative authority of the state in accordance with the Concurrent List of the Ninth Schedule. The areas of jurisdiction of Federal and State Governments as defined in the Constitution lead to non-uniform implementation of rules and regulations between states. The objective of this paper is to review the laws and legislation pertaining to the management of the National Park in Peninsular Malaysia. Specifically the constraints arises between the federal and states jurisdiction toward the management of land and conservation of the protected area.

Participatory of Local Operators in Ecotourism Services Delivery: The Nature-based Tourism Development in Pahang National Park, Malaysia

This article offers a look at the participation of local operators in delivery of ecotourism services, concentrating on the development of nature-based tourism at Pahang National Park and Taman Negara National Park in Malaysia. According to the author, the development of nature-based tourism depends on the managing agency and conditions by various endogenous and exogenous factors of stakeholders, including local communities. In the case of Malaysia, Taman Negara is administered by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks and consists of three separately managed state parks.

Insulin Secretion in Response to β3-Adrenergic Receptor Agonist AJ-9677 Is Mainly Stimulated by the Factor other than Free Fatty Acids

River water quality is important for ecological health. The Tembeling River is the main river flowing through the Pahang National Park and is used as a resource for navigation as well as for recreation purposes. Recreational use of water may offer health benefits to human. Waters contaminated with chemicals that are either toxic or irritating to the skin or mucous membranes are unsuitable for recreational purposes. The objective of the study was to evaluate the heavy metal chemicals changes before and after monsoon. Water samples from five tributaries (Sg Tahan, Sg Keniam, Sg Trenggan, Sg Perkai and Sg Tenor) were monitored for temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and concentrations of eight dissolved metals (Ag, Cd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn) over six different sampling periods; 3 before the onset of the seasonal monsoon and three after the monsoon period. All sampling stations were located within the recreational zones, where conditions are homogenous. Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, Ni and Zn concentrations were significantly higher before the monsoon compared to the period after. However, concentrations of Ag and Cd showed an opposite pattern compared to the other metals. Seasonal patterns of Ag and Cd in the forested area were characterized by decreased concentrations of them following monsoon but gradual increased levels of Ag and Cd were recorded as the water flow reduced. Ag, Fe, Pb, and Cd were found to be present at higher concentrations than the recommended standards. The sources contributing to high concentrations of metals were found to be of natural origin. The results suggest that the water supply in the National Park is of acceptable quality for recreational purposes. However, continuous monitoring of environmental pollutants is essential in order to prevent any recreational water illness.