Challenges of environmental resources development in Penang Island, Malaysia

• Main Authors: Mariyappan, Raman, Syed Hussain, Tuan Pah Rokiah, Ismail, Hamidi
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English
• Published: 2014
• Subjects: GE Environmental Sciences
• Online Access: http://repo.uum.edu.my/15277/1/PERKEM_2014_2D4.pdf; http://repo.uum.edu.my/15277/; http://www.ukm.my/fep/perkem/pdf/perkem2014/PERKEM_2014_2D4.pdf

This study examines the challenges due to environmental resources development (ERD) in Penang Island.In this context, ERD refers to land use planning (LUP).Penang being the second most industrialized state in Malaysia needs more space to build industrial zones, housing estates and commercial parks.These contributed towards the changing of landscapes due to development and consequently change the physical environment.The development process adheres strictly to the economic demands achievements as reflected in the Penang Structure Plan since 1970’s, 1980’s, 1990’s and 2000’s, and little attention drawn to the environmental heeds.This study uses two research strategies: (1) a qualitative analysis of data and (2) two case studies. Data were collected from government policies, development plan reports, interviews and other published reports. The Second Penang Strategic Development Plan (2001-2010) argues development policies enhance environmental sustainability in the Island. Unfortunately, general observation shows otherwise; since 1990’s the natural vegetation declined to 9%, the entire mangrove fringe on eastern region of the Island has been reclaimed, most of the major rivers has been polluted beyond repair and the permanent forest being encroached at a 1% annually.