EFFECTIVENESS OF ECOTOURISM PROGRAM KAWAN ISKANDAR MALAYSIA TO THE COASTAL COMMUNITIES IN ISKANDAR MALAYSIA REGION

Abstract

Due to rapid development, the coastal communities, especially in the Iskandar Malaysia Region (WIM), are facing threats of the rapid development, environmental pollution, and ecosystem integrity affecting their income, especially the fishermen. Being aware of the issues, the Johor State Government through the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) has implemented a program named Kawan Iskandar Malaysia (KIM) to help boost the economy of the people through cooperative development. Communities in coastal areas are given opportunities to participate in ecotourism projects. To examine the program’s effectiveness, five villages were selected and classified into three categories. The first category consists of fishermen from KIM participants involved in ecotourism activities at Kampung Sungai Melayu, Kongkong Laut, and Permas Besar. Kampung Permas Besar is located on the outskirts of the Iskandar Region. The second category consists of non-fishermen from KIM participants who are involved in ecotourism activities at Kampung Ulu Pulai. The third category is made up of non-KIM participants but worked as fishermen and are involved in ecotourism activities at Kampung Perpat Timbul. This study uses a quantitative method that is a survey administered to the locals in the study area. The findings of the study revealed that the KIM project through cooperatives is one of the best approaches to develop the economy of the locals. However, issues such as management and administration, political ideology, and cronyism need to be looked into seriously and improved for the common good.