Pulau Perhentian Research Articles

Critical Factors in Supply Management of Industrialised Building System Components for Island Construction Project: A Case Study of Perhentian Island

The importance of construction based on the industrialised building system (IBS) approach in accelerating the achievement of development objectives cannot be denied, including in countries such as Malaysia. In fact, this system has been given a new lease of life in the construction industry development plan lately to strengthen its contribution to the country. The availability of building materials from the mainland of Peninsular Malaysia is a crucial factor for the successful installation of IBS components at construction sites. Therefore, the objective of this study is to identify the critical factors in the supply management of IBS components at the Pulau Perhentian, Terengganu’s construction site. In order to achieve the objective of this study, a qualitative study that is a structured interview with sixteen (16) construction contractors, three (3) each from supplier companies and transport ships/vessel or ‘barges’ that are directly involved in the supply of this IBS components have been carried out. Seven (7) critical factors have been identified which are: 1) compliance with government directives; 2) accuracy of work planning and scheduling; 3) the contractor’s current financial position is good; 4) good relationship (tolerance) between contractor and supplier; 5) availability of components; 6) availability of transport ship/vessel or ‘barge’ and machinery; and 7) able to predict weather conditions. These critical factors can be used as a useful basis in providing a more effective industrialised building system-based project implementation environment in the future on Perhentian Island in particular and other islands in general. The findings of this study have opened up a new research space towards providing a more perfect environment for the implementation of management activities for the supply of IBS components at the construction site.

First evidence of microplastic pollution in the surface water of Malaysian Marine Park islands, South China Sea during COVID-19

Malaysia is bounded by the South China Sea with many islands that support species megadiversity and coral reef ecosystems. This study investigates the distribution of microplastics (MPs) in the surface water around the four marine park islands (Perhentian, Redang, Kapas, and Tenggol) during COVID-19. The global pandemic has reset human activities, impacting the environment while possibly reducing anthropogenic contributions of microplastic pollution near the South China Sea islands. It was found that Pulau Perhentian recorded the most abundance of MPs (588.33 ± 111.77 items/L), followed by Pulau Redang (314.67 ± 58.08 items/L), Pulau Kapas (359.8 ± 87.70 items/L) and Pulau Tenggol (294.33 ± 101.64 items/L). Kruskal-Wallis analysis indicates a significant difference in total MPs abundance between islands. There are moderate correlations between salinity, pH, temperature and MPs variability. Among these parameters, only temperature is significant (p < 0.05) as proven by the principal component analysis and multiple linear regression analysis. Nearly 99 % of MPs are fiber type, with the majority of them being black and transparent. Micro-FTIR spectroscopy revealed polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl methyl ether, polyamide, phenoxy-resins and polyurethane-acrylic are associated with MPs. The findings provide a new baseline reference for the MPs distribution on Malaysian islands, which contributes to a potential future direction regarding marine sustainability.

BATS OF PULAU TINGGI, JOHOR, MALAYSIA

A series of bat surveys took place in Pulau Tinggi from July 2019 to September 2019. A total of 242 individuals representing 15 species from six families were captured from a cumulative effort of 462 trap nights. The most caught species for frugivorous bats was Cynopterus brachyotis (n = 150) while for insectivorous bats, it was Hipposideros cervinus (n = 20). Pulau Tinggi has a high density of bat species per area (1.01 sp/km2) when compared to other tourist islands on Peninsular Malaysia’s east coast [e.g., Pulau Tioman (0.13 sp/km2), Pulau Perhentian (0.5 sp/km2) and Pulau Redang (0.4 sp/km2)]. As a result, high levels of disturbance such as tourism and habitat loss may negatively affect the diversity of bat species on the island. Because of time constraints and the study did not cover the entire island, information on the diversity of bats in Pulau Tinggi is still inadequate. Long-term monitoring of bat diversity covering forest areas throughout the island needs to be conducted immediately to identify the number of species, their distribution and ecology. This information is important in formulating a strategic plan for bat conservation in Pulau Tinggi.

DIVERSITY OF NON-VOLANT SMALL MAMMALS IN PULAU TINGGI, JOHOR, MALAYSIA

A non-volant small mammal survey was conducted at Pulau Tinggi between July and September 2019. This study aimed to provide baseline data for non-volant small mammals in Pulau Tinggi by setting 55 cage traps and 20 pitfalls for 44 trapping nights. A total of 20 individuals of non-volant small mammals were documented, representing five species from three families: Soricidae, Sciuridae and Muridae. The Rajah spiny rat (Maxomys rajah) and the Red spiny rat (Maxomys surifer) were the most abundant species (n=6) of non-volant small mammals in Pulau Tinggi. The Malayan field rat (Rattus tiomanicus) was the least species (n=1). The Malayan shrew (Crocidura malayana) is the only shrew recorded on the island. The analysis of similarities between our study site and other Malaysian islands reveals that Pulau Tinggi shares more similarities with Pulau Pangkor and Pulau Perhentian than Pulau Tioman. The small mammal richness on Pulau Tinggi is relatively low compared to other islands, most likely due to the study site’s limited coverage and time constraints. Long-term monitoring is required to determine the true diversity of species and distribution of small mammals on Pulau Tinggi.

Species Composition, Diversity, and Biomass Estimation in Coastal and Marine Protected Areas of Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia

We investigated and compared the tree species composition and diversity of different forest types in Setiu Wetlands and on the three major islands of Terengganu. A total of 24 plots of 25 m × 25 m with four plots in each study site were established, viz. Melaleuca swamp forest in Kampung Fikri, freshwater swamp forest in Kampung Gong Batu, mangrove forest in UMT Setiu research station, and the islands, namely Pulau Bidong, Pulau Redang, and Pulau Perhentian. We calculated the basal area, stand density, Importance Value Index, species diversity, and above-ground biomass in the designated study areas. We assessed 139 tree species from 96 genera and 50 families based on a total of 2608 tree samples of 5 cm DBH and above. The freshwater swamp forest harbored the highest number of species with 20 species in Setiu Wetlands, and among the islands, Pulau Redang had the highest with 56 species. Melaleuca cajuputi was the most dominant species in the Melaleuca swamp forest, while Alstonia spatulata and Rhizophora apiculata are expected in the freshwater swamp and mangrove forest, respectively. Pulau Bidong, Pulau Redang, and Pulau Perhentian are mostly represented by Licania splendens, Shorea glauca, and Vatica sp., respectively. All the dominant species but Licania splendens contributed to the highest amount of above-ground biomass. Our current study indicated that different forest types vary in composition and structure, which may contribute to their unique ecological roles within their specific environment.

Assessment of coral health status using two-dimensional Coral Health Index (2D-CHI): A preliminary study in Pulau Perhentian Marine Park, Malaysia

Identifying the key threats that influence coral reef ecosystems, one needs accurate information about coral health status to provide information for enhancing coral reef management. In this study, the health status of the coral reefs in the Pulau Perhentian Marine Park (PPMP) is characterized by using two ecological components, benthic (BI) and fish (FI) indexes, which were combined to form a two-dimensional Coral Health Index (2D-CHI). The BI was determined based on data collected using the Coral Video Transect (CVT) method, while the BI using the data collected using Underwater Visual Census (UVC). The findings showed that significant difference in percentage cover of biotic (live hard coral [HC], algae [ALG], and other invertebrates [OT]) and abiotic (dead coral [DC] and sand, silt, or rock [SR]) components between the islands largely was contributed by ALG, DC, and SR rather than HC. In total, 110 species were identified, with fish biomass ranging from 11.18 g m−2 to 193.62 g m−2. The total biomass among the site is mainly contributed by fish from the Pomacentridae family, comprised of small fish such as damselfish and clownfish. Based on the BI and FI values, the 2D-CHI in PPMP can be classified from “fair” to “very degraded”. The 2D-CHI revealed that 55.33% of the reefs were in a degraded state, and only one station was in fair condition. There were four survey stations recognized as being of a very degraded condition. The findings presented here suggest that local pressure such as sedimentation, nutrient enrichment, and heavy reliance on coral reefs (particularly due to tourism) are the potential threats to the reefs in PPMP. Therefore, strategic reef management is required to minimize impacts in order to improve the health of the fragile ecosystem.

Family Functionality among Island Residents in Promoting Mastery of Quranic Recitation

This study aimed at identifying family functionality in promoting mastery of al-Quran recitation among the island residents. This Study was conducted involved 70 respondents in Primary School in Perhentian Island (Pulau Perhentian) in Terengganu State of Malaysia. This quantitative study used a questionnaire as the research instrument which focusing on the aspects of functionality support, role, environment and communication. The findings suggest that four aspects in family functionality were at moderately high-level including support (mean = 3.55, SD = 0.85), role (mean = 3.72, SD = 0.92), environment (mean = 3.47, SD = 0.81) and communication (mean = 3.73, SD = 0.89). Analysis showed no positive relationship was observed between family functionality and mastery of Quranic recitation. This shows that systematic and wisdom planning by the authority are needed so that the existing family functionality can be sustained in a quality way and subsequently help inculcate mastery of al-Quran recitation among the new generation of Perhentian Island residents.

Coral health status assessment in Malaysia islands; looking towards Marine Spatial Planning

In enhancing coral reef management, identifying the key threats that influence the coral reefs ecosystem needs accurate information on the current knowledge of coral health status and coral communities. This study attempts to update such information by evaluating the data of coral assessment on the reef areas in the southern part of the South China Sea (SCS); the Labuan Marine Park (LMP), Pulau Tioman Marine Park (PTMP), Pulau Kapas Marine Park (PKMP), Pulau Bidong (PB) and Pulau Perhentian Marine Park (PPMP). The Coral Video Transect (CVT) technique was utilised to examine the biotic [live coral (C), algae (ALG) and other invertebrates (OT)] and abiotic [(dead coral (DC), sand, silt and rock (SR)] composition, coral health status and coral communities. The variation of biotic and abiotic components was significantly influenced by ‘Area’ and ‘Tourism Development’, which implied that the reefs were influenced by proximity from the mainland and varying human-induced stressors within the site in the survey area. Lower C composition and high cover of ALG, DC and SR can be associated with the decreasing proximity of the reef ‘Area’ to the mainland and the criteria of ‘Tourism Development’. ‘Areas’ close to the mainland such as PKMP and LMP was mainly dominated by abiotic components. High ALG composition was found in PPMP and some sites in LMP, indicating the high commercial use in the ‘Area’ have induced the algae colonisation. The reefs nearby the mainland and intense human activities consequently resulting in coral health status with some sites rated as ‘poor’ condition. PTMP and PB recorded the highest C composition, suggesting distance from the mainland as a factor to PTMP while low human intervention is an attributable factor to PB. No ‘poor’ sites were found in PTMP and PB, implying that both areas face minimal impact from the local stressors. The coral communities among the areas were dominated by three types of communities; Acropora-Porites-Montipora (LMP), Acropora-Porites (PTMP, PKMP and PPMP) and Acropora-Porites-Fungia (PB), suggesting linkages to the environmental stressor. Conclusively, apart from filling in the information gaps on the current status of the coral reefs, the findings underline the urgent need for systematic Marine Spatial Planning design and adoption to accurately mitigate threats against a more resilient coral reef health in Malaysia.

The diversity of small mammals in Pulau Perhentian Kecil, Terengganu, Malaysia

Islands are generally rich in marine biodiversity, but it also often hides unique and endemic terrestrial wildlife. The data of terrestrial wildlife in Malaysian islands are still severely lacking, notably from small islands. Hence, this study was conducted to survey and update the small mammal diversity (bats and non-volant small mammals) in Pulau Perhentian Kecil, a tourist destination famous for its magnificent, diverse marine life and white sandy beaches. Despite their touristic popularity, very few information is known about the faunal diversity in this island compare to their more massive neighbouring island, Pulau Perhentian Besar. The survey was carried out from 21 to 30 May 2014 recorded 56 individuals encompasses eight species of bats and five species of non-volant small mammals that were captured using mist nets, harp traps, and cage traps. The survey recorded 10 new species locality records for the island in which, five species were never recorded in Pulau Perhentian Besar. Hipposideros dyacorum, Tylonycteris fulvida, T. malayana, Rattus exulans, and Sundamys annandalei are also new distribution records for the Malaysian East Coast islands highlighting the importance of protecting island biodiversity. Nonetheless, it is hoped that this study not only highlights the species diversity on the island but also serve as a data for sustainable island tourism management planning, which will be crucial for the sustainable development and management of this ecologically sensitive area.

Perception-based sustainability evaluation and development path of ecotourism: Taking Pulau Perhentian in Malaysia and Weizhou Island in China as examples

This study utilizes criteria and indicators to propose a set of sustainable evaluation methods for ecotourism destinations based on perception. The questionnaires are designed according to the index system of sustainable evaluation. Taking Malaysia's Pulau Perhentian and China's Weizhou Island as examples, the method is verified and the coordinated development path of island resource protection and ecotourism in two marine parks is proposed according to the results of sustainability evaluation. In this study, 126 valid questionnaires were gotten from Weizhou Island Marine Park (WZMP) in China and 125 from Pulau Perhentian Marine Park (PPMP) in Malaysia. The outcomes show that PPMP has a higher sustainable development index, and both resource protection index and ecotourism development index are higher than WZMP. To the extent the subtypes of coordinated development are concerned, PPMP is underdeveloped, that is, the broadness and profundity of the tourism industry advancement are insufficient to coordinate its resource level, while WZMP belongs to over-development type. In the decision of development path, WZMP ought to adopt a protection priority mode, while PPMP is suitable for the development priority mode. The effects of this study give valuable information for the planning and management of marine parks and establish a framework for effective management.

Tree Diversity, Stand Structure, and Community Composition in an Island Forest of Pulau Perhentian Besar, Terengganu

The Perhentian Island Archipelago comprising of 11 small islands is located in the state of Terengganu are among the biodiversity rich localities in Peninsular Malaysia. Perhentian Besar with approximately 867 hectares is one of the inhabited island and become the centre of tourism besides Perhentian Kecil. Island is well known as a place for many endemic and endangered living organism as previously demonstrated on other similar forested islands in Southeast Asia. However, there is little attention and effort of protection has been received by the terrestrial ecosystems that reside nearby the coastal. Thus, the present study investigates on tree diversity, stand structure and community composition in the island of Perhentian Besar, Terengganu. Forest plot of 0.5 hectare was established to analyze the floristic composition of tree taxa. The plot was divided into 10 subplots of 25m x 20m. All trees with 5cm diameter breast height (dbh) and above were tagged, measured for dbh size, recorded and identified. Voucher specimens were taken for further verification purposes. A total of 102 tree species were recorded comprising of 28 families and 65 genera. Rubiaceae had the highest number of species (11 species) and with regards to relative dominance, Shorea leprosula (Dipterocarpaceae) gave the highest importance value index (IVi) for species with a value of 8.45%. The Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index (H’) was considered high in the present study with 3.94 (H’max = 4.62) and the Evenness Index (E) value of 0.85 indicated that all species in the present study are almost equally abundant. The forest stand structure had a reverse J-shaped curve for tree size-class distributions as frequently observed in many natural forests, which indicated that the forest stand in the study site had a good recruitment patterns and also a main feature of matured forest in Peninsular Malaysia. The present study will help us to understand the pattern of tree species composition, diversity and forest ecosystem dynamic in Pulau Perhentian Besar.

DEVELOPING AND VALIDATING AN INSTRUMENT FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF TOURISM CARRYING CAPACITY IN PULAU PERHENTIAN MARINE PARK

Carrying capacity is one of the concepts in tourism management and planning. Though it shows a remarkable solution in controlling the impacts of tourism towards the environment, it involves a very complex process and vagueness in indicating attributes and criteria to govern this framework. This study is carried out to evaluate the relevant indicators for the tourism carrying capacity in Pulau Perhentian marine park. In this paper, a conceptual model based on a study from the current literature was proposed. Data collected from the questionnaire were analyzed to validate and test the reliability of the instruments. The findings of this paper will be used for developing the model in the future.

Two new Tytthoscincus Linkem, Diesmos, Brown (Squamata; Scincidae) from Peninsular Malaysia and another case of microsyntopy between ecologically specialized, unrelated, leaf-litter species.

Two new species of diminutive, sympatric, lowland, leaf-litter skinks of the genus Tytthoscincus Linkem, Diesmos Brown from the Sekayu region of Hulu Terengganu, Terengganu State in northeastern Peninsular Malaysia are described on the basis genetic and morphological data. One of the new species, T. monticolus sp. nov., was collected in a hilly riparian area along Sungai (=river) Bubu and is most closely related to an undescribed species from the Tembak Reservoir area. The other, T. keciktuek sp. nov. collected along Sungai Peres, is most closely related to T. perhentianensis Grismer, Wood, Grismer from Pulau (=island) Perhentian Besar. Sympatry and syntopy of multiple, specialized, unrelated, leaf-litter species of Tytthoscincus was previously only known from upland areas and these new species represent the first example of lowland of sympatry. More importantly, however, these endemic species add to a growing body of research and discoveries that continue to underscore the unrealized biodiversity of the riparian systems of Hulu Terengganu and the Sekayu region and their need for protection and continued study.

Local Stakeholder Perception on Community Participation in Marine Protected Area Management: A Q-Method Approach

Local stakeholder involvement in Marine Protected Area (MPA) management can bring to a successful MPA. Generally, participatory research in marine protected area management is exploring the relationship between marine protected area management approach adopted by the management agencies and the level of participation of local stakeholder whom reside within the marine protected areas. However, the scenario of local community participation in MPA management in Malaysia seems discouraging and does not align with the International Aichi Biodiversity Target 2020. In order to achieve the International Aichi Biodiversity Target 2020, this paper attempts to explore the methodology on participatory research towards the local stakeholder of Pulau Perhentian Marine Park (PPMP), Terengganu, Malaysia. A Q-methodology is used to investigate the perspective of local stakeholder who represents different stances on the issues, by having participants rank and sort a series of statements by comply quantitative and qualitative method in collecting the data. A structured questionnaire will be employed across this study by means of face-to-face interview. In total, 210 respondents from Kampung Pasir Hantu are randomly selected. Meanwhile, a workshop with the agency (Department of Marine Park) had been held to discuss about the issues faces on behalf of management that manage the PPMP. Using the Q-method, researcher acknowledged wise viewpoints, reflecting how different stakeholders’ perception and opinion about community participation with highlights the current level of community participation in MPA. Thus, this paper describes the phases involved in this study, methodology and analysis used in making a conclusion .

CHALLENGES TO IMPLEMENT CARRYING CAPACITY FRAMEWORK: A CASE STUDY OF PULAU PERHENTIAN MARINE PARK INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK

The environmental quality at Pulau Perhentian Marine Park is degrading day by day. Many studies have been done in order to support sustaining the tourist sites such as having limits in development and tourist arrival, or better known as carrying capacity. Despite the existence of many agencies whose job scope is related to Pulau Perhentian, poor implementation of the guideline is resulting in degrading environmental quality of the park. This paper looks at the roles and functions of each government agencies related to Pulau Perhentian. The outcome of this paper is the analysis of the current roles and responsibilities of the agencies and where are the gaps that can be filled in order to promote sustainable tourism in Pulau Perhentian.

CHALLENGES TO IMPLEMENT CARRYING CAPACITY FRAMEWORK: A CASE STUDY OF PULAU PERHENTIAN MARINE PARK INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK

The environmental quality at Pulau Perhentian Marine Park is degrading day by day. Many studies have been done in order to support sustaining the tourist sites such as having limits in development and tourist arrival, or better known as carrying capacity. Despite the existence of many agencies whose job scope is related to Pulau Perhentian, poor implementation of the guideline is resulting in degrading environmental quality of the park. This paper looks at the roles and functions of each government agencies related to Pulau Perhentian. The outcome of this paper is the analysis of the current roles and responsibilities of the agencies and where are the gaps that can be filled in order to promote sustainable tourism in Pulau Perhentian.

PEMBANGUNAN MAMPAN PELANCONGAN MARITIM DI PULAU PERHENTIAN, TERENGGANU (SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AT PERHENTIAN ISLAND, TERENGGANU)

The marine park is one of the main tourist attractions in Malaysia, especially in the category of maritime tourism and special interests. The diversity and the natural beauty of the marine park at Pulau Perhentian, Terengganu, had successful attracting tourists from all around the world. The island is known for its marine activities like swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving because of its clear and saline water. This situation will lead to the need to form a sustainability tourism development to maintain its natural environment and ecosystem so that tourists will be able to enjoy the natural beauty offered on the island. This process of sustainable development also minimises the damage that had been done to the existing ecosystem in the isle. Therefore, the sustainable development concept is crucial to sustaining every aspect of the tourism related program, specifically on islands such as Pulau Perhentian. The implementation of the National Ecotourism Plan (NEP) in 1997 by The Ministry of Tourism and Culture to cover the aspects of marine parks and islands remains crucially important towards sustainable tourism development in Malaysia.

Tourists’ Willingness to Pay for Marine Resource Conservation at Pulau Perhentian Marine Park, Malaysia

Though Marine Parks in Malaysia are important to protect important marine resources, however, it is degraded due to human activities. In order to properly manage marine parks, economic valuation is necessary to understand the importance of marine resources conservation activities. In this study, tourist’s willingness to pay (WTP) to protect marine resources at Pulau Perhentian Marine Park (PPMP) was carried out with contingent valuation method. Both single-bounded and double-bounded dichotomous choice contingent valuation methods were used to estimate tourists WTP. A total of 250 tourists were interviewed. The results showed that median WTP ranged between RM17.98 to RM21.72 and based on the number of tourist’s arrivals in 2011, the aggregate benefit at PPMP would be ranged from 1.62 to 1.96 million, respectively. The results of the study could be beneficial to the Marine Park authority in setting appropriate entrance fee at PPMP and taking the adequate conservation activities to protect marine environment and resources to deteriorate further.

Nutrients Enrichment Experiment on Seawater Samples at Pulau Perhentian, Terengganu

The northeast monsoon wind over about maximum of 30 knots to the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, literally drive the vertical and upwelling activities which lift nutrient-rich water to the ocean surface water. The availability of these nutrients was essential for the phytoplankton growth and its compositions play an important role in ocean primary production, nutrient cycle and food web. Hence, the mean elemental ratio of marine organic particle 106C/16N/1P must be highly conserved, to ensure the phytoplankton productivity, associated with the availability of iron that critically depends on the speciation. To clarify the nutritional status at Pulau Perhentian, Terengganu during the post northeast monsoon, we conducted nutrients enrichment incubation experiment. The growth of phytoplankton in different combination of nutrients was observed during incubation period. Our initial data could suggest a limited condition of phytoplankton growth during pre-northeast monsoon event at study area.

An Assessment on Destination Characteristics: The Case Study of Pulau Perhentian

The growth of tourism in the small island has brought both positive and negative impacts towards the environment particularly. However, the growth seems disregard with the limited natural resources, facilities, accessibilities and others. Pulau Perhentian, one of the well known islands in Malaysia that is struggling with many physical carrying capacity related issues such as waste management, supply of accommodation, utilities, facilities and environmental protection. Consequently, this study aims to evaluate the destination characteristics that contribute to the management of physical carrying capacity using the criteria matrix. Finding shows that the physical development has marked the island into a yellow colour that indicates the condition of current development. This evaluation is hoped to contribute and assist in future tourism activities and physical developments in Perhentian.