COMMUNITY CONCERNS OF RIVER POLLUTION SPATIAL MODEL USING GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS) IN IBAI RIVER, TERENGGANU

Abstract

Our nation has recently become quite concerned about the issue of environmental pollution, especially with the deterioration of river quality. The Department of Environment's monitoring efforts has revealed significant declines in the nation's river water quality. Focusing on all-encompassing and well-coordinated initiatives to improve the quality of life is essential for raising public awareness and fostering a sense of shared responsibility for the environment. The main objective of this study is to develop a spatial model using a Geographic Information System (GIS) for determining the level of knowledge, attitude, and behavior among Kampung Laut respondents toward the conservation of the Ibai River in Terengganu, Malaysia. This study applied a quantitative methodology and collected its data through a survey method. By using clustered sampling, 78 respondents in all were chosen. The study was conducted in the Ibai rivers, which Terengganu had classified as contaminated. The statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 21 was used to analyze the data descriptively and inferentially, while GIS was employed for the spatial model. The data were gathered via a questionnaire. The findings show that the level of knowledge was high and attitude was at a moderate level.  Meanwhile, the findings depict that respondents' behavior in river conservation is low. The findings also show that knowledge and attitude did not correlate with environmental behavior. This study is critical and significant in ensuring the sustainability of the river. The stakeholders are also involved in this study's policy-making and efforts to address the problems of river pollution. The general public, regardless of age, can contribute to the ecosystem's well-being by teaching the next generation to cherish the environment, especially the rivers.