COMMUNITY CONCERNS OF RIVER POLLUTION IN TERENGGANU, MALAYSIA

Abstract

Purpose of the study: This study aims to identify the determinants of the behavior of people living in polluted rivers in Terengganu. Methodology: This study was conducted in a quantitative approach using a survey method for data collection. A total of 373 respondents were selected by cluster sampling. The study site was held at ten rivers that were considered polluted in Terengganu. Instruments used to collect the data were questionnaire form and analyzed with software, namely IBM Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) and Analysis of Moment Structure (AMOS). Main Findings: The findings show that knowledge and exposure to environmental messages through the media is a dominant factor influencing respondents’ behavior on river conservation. Applications of this study: The study is expected to raise awareness and change people’s behavior in addressing issues of environmental degradation, especially for sustainable, healthy rivers, and better quality of life. This is because the river is clean, healthy, and of good quality to ensure the well-being of the community. Novelty/Originality of this study: Studies on factors that determine environmental behavior by researchers have often focused on studies of personal variables (e.g., knowledge, attitudes, values, beliefs) and thus ignore the direct role of situational variables as they are emphasized. Therefore, a comprehensive study should be conducted to build or change human behavior towards the environment.