The study of local community`s perception on the impact of tourism towards the physical environment of Perhentian Island

Abstract

This dissertation discusses the local community’s perception on the impact of tourism towards the physical environment of Pulau Perhentian. It aims to identify the villagers’ perception and their opinions on the impacts of tourism on the island. As one of the well-known and popular tourist spots and destinations in Malaysia as well as in the world, Pulau Perhentian receives large numbers of tourists per year which has resulted in many changes to its physical environment and influenced the community’s culture and lifestyles as well as the island’s economy. As a small resort island, it has very limited flat lands and very fragile environment, and thus the increase in capacity of its occupants and populationsmay cause much impacton its natural resources and environment. Concerned with this issue, this study focuses on the impact of tourism on the physical environment of Pulau Perhentian, both natural and man-made environment. In conducting the survey, questionnaires consisting six sections were distributed to 130 villagers or local people of Pulau Perhentian. The information gained from the questionnaires was analyzed and the factors that gave high impact on the villagers and environment had been identified. The results of the study together with solutions and recommendations for a better tourism managementwhich includes sustainable tourism planning strategies, appropriate IT applications with active and effective public participation are covered in this dissertation.