Public Servants’ Awareness and Understanding of Forest …globalbizresearch.org/Singapore_Conference/pdf/pdf/S463.pdf · Social Sciences (AP14Singapore Conference) ISBN: 978-1-941505-15-1

Proceedings of the First Asia-Pacific Conference on Global Business, Economics, Finance and

Social Sciences (AP14Singapore Conference) ISBN: 978-1-941505-15-1

Singapore, 1-3 August 2014 Paper ID: S463

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www.globalbizresearch.org

Public Servants’ Awareness and Understanding of Forest

Management Issues in Malaysia

Huda Farhana M.M, Lim H.F & Ismariah. A,

Social Forestry Programme (SFP)

Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM),

Malaysia.

Email: [email protected]

___________________________________________________________________________

Abstract

Malaysia is rich with natural resources and has been well-known as one of the17 mega

biodiversity countries worldwide. Malaysia has 55% of forested land (Malaysian Timber

Council, 2007) to be conserved and preserved for future generations. Sustainable forest

management is the one of the mediums to preserve the Malaysian’s forest against the loss of

this priceless heritage. The level of knowledge and awareness in the management and

development of forests should be reviewed to help maintain this national treasure. Face to

face interview was carried out to the seventeen agencies under the Ministry of Natural

Resources and Environment (NRE) and Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities

(MPIC) from July to October 2013. The questionnaire involved the level of awareness of

forest management issues, the understanding of forest management issues, factors influencing

knowledge about forest management issues, and socio-demographic information. A total of

the 985 respondents were interviewed. The study showed that out of a total score of 5,

awareness of deforestation showed the score (4.2), followed by role of forest (4.16) and

society issues (4.06). Results from this study are important input for the agency in raising

awareness and understanding of forest management. This study showed that this could be

achieved via the medium (newspaper, television, and internet). The input also helps in

improving Malaysia’s forest management system and strategies.

___________________________________________________________________________

Key words: Forest management, awareness, level of knowledge, public

JEL Classification: Q3, Q 300, Q340

mailto:[email protected]




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1. Introduction

The contribution of forests in the socio-economic role and industrial development of the

country is undeniable. Forests play a significant role in maintaining environmental stability

including the protection of water resources, biological diversity and the flora and fauna

(National Forestry Policy, 2008). Forests in Malaysia can be classified into seven categories

according to changes in the characteristics of height above sea level, the combination of flora,

habitat, climate, and soil. The classification is divided into mangrove forests, peat swamp

forest, lowland dipterocarp forest, hill dipterocarp forest, dipterocarp forest over forest,

montane forest, and ericaceous forests (Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia 2013). A

forest is a highly complex, constantly changing environment made up of a variety of living

things (wildlife, trees, shrubs, wildflowers, ferns, mosses, lichens, fungi and microscopic soil

organisms) and non-living things (water, nutrients, rocks, sunlight and air). Trees are the

biggest part of this complex community. Besides providing direct benefits, the forests play a

vital role in maintaining environmental stability and quality; protecting soil and water

resources; conserving biological diversity; and preserving cultural, recreational and other

intrinsic values which enhance people's quality of life (Mok 1992). Among them, many

forestry industries provide jobs and contribute to the country from the sale of forest products.

In addition, the economic importance of forests also helps to ensure the balance of nature.

Therefore, various efforts have been planned and carried out by the Malaysian government to

sustain the forest area under The Ninth Malaysia Plan (2006-2010) the government allocated

USD0.54 million to implement projects of environmental conservation. In fact, government's

effort to educating people to prioritize environmental education began the Seventh Malaysia

Plan (EU, 2011). It clearly shows that in addition to sustainable forest management,

perceptions and knowledge of forest management is also important in order to maintain the

conservation of the natural environment and preservation of nature.

A perception study was designed to determine the level of public awareness and

understanding of current issues of forest management in Malaysia. This study has carried out

as there is little information on such topic. This study also examined the factors that influence

public perception of forest management issues in Malaysia. The objective of this study is in

line with the main objectives of the National Forestry Policy (NFP), which focuses on the

conservation and management of the national forest based on the principles of sustainable

management forest. In the meantime, protection of the environment will preserve and enhance

biodiversity through research and environmental education.




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2. Literature Review

Globally, 36 percent of forests are categorized as primary forest which is forest of native

species in which there are no clearly visible indications of human activity and ecological

processes are not significantly disturbed (FAO 2007). Forests areas are very likely to change

under climate change, with shifts occurring between forest types due to changing temperature

and precipitation regimes, while in some regions, forest area is expected to expand and

contract. Nowadays, it is very difficult to separate forest area change due to climate change

from area changes due to other factors (Lucier et al., 2009). Other that that, the problems that

happen in the world such as rise in carbon dioxide emission due to greenhouse effect and

temperature increases that influenced increase sea level. Besides, the world now experience

drier weather in midcontinent areas, sea level rise, more violent storms and northward

migration (IPCC 1990).

The tropical rain forests of Malaysia are extremely complex ecosystems and are richer in

tree species than in similar areas of Africa and South America. To ensure effective forest

management and the implementation of the National Forestry Policy in Malaysia, various

forestry enactments and ordinances have been formulated and enforced by the respective

State authorities since the early 1900s. Even though illegal logging is no longer a serious

problem in Malaysia, the protection of production forest against encroachment and illegal

forest harvesting is also of paramount importance as it will impede efforts taken to sustainable

forest management. Rapid urbanization in Malaysia and the growing appreciation of the

aesthetic value of trees and the pleasure of outdoor recreation have obliged the various local

authorities and relevant agencies to plant trees along highways and sidewalks, and to date

4.68 million trees have been planted (Thang 2009). Besides, the population dynamics denotes

a varying structure in characteristics like a population density and migration patterns as an

example, rising population density may cause some people in a locality to migrate out due to

land scarcity, leading to changes in the number of people in the place of origin in addition to

the place of destination (Janice 1996).

Malaysia is a tropical country that rich in flora and fauna. The National Forestry Act

(NFA) 1984 was formulated to further uniform and strengthens in areas of forest management

planning for protecting forest resources from illegal logging (Chiew 2004). Deforestation is

also a concerned issue in Peninsular Malaysia. Malaysia had the world‟s highest rate of forest

loss between 2000 and 2012; according to a new global forest map deforestation has

somewhat stabilized, in part due to a wave of forest management and environmental

protection laws enacted in the later decades of the 20th century. In many other countries,

however, particularly those with large areas of rainforest and boreal forest, deforestation is

rampant and the global effects are serious (Elizabeth 2011).




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3. Methodology

3.1 Research Questions

As indicated in introduction, we have two major research questions. One of them is to

find out whether the public servants are aware of the forest management issues. Next, the

paper will examine public servants understanding of forest management issues and what are

factors influencing their knowledge about forest management issues.

3.2 Data collection

The study was conducted in 10 agencies under the Ministry of Natural Resources and

Environment (NRE) and 7 agencies under the Ministry of Plantation Industries and

Commodities (MPIC) (Table 1). A survey questionnaire was used and a total of 985

respondents were interviewed in this study. Respondents surveyed were chosen from public

servants in position of Grade 17 and above.

Table 1: List of agencies involved in the study, 2013

Agencies of Natural Resources and Environment

(NRE)

Agencies of the Ministry of

Plantation Industries and

Commodities (MPIC)

Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia Malaysian Rubber Board

Drainage and Irrigation Department Malaysian Palm Oil Board

Department of Environment Malaysian Timber Industry Board

Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia National Kenaf and Tobacco Board

National Institute Of Land And Survey Malaysian Furniture Promotion

Council

National Hydraulic Research Institute of Malaysia Malaysian Timber Council

Department of Marine Park Malaysia Malaysian Timber Certification

Council Department of Wildlife and National Parks Peninsular

Malaysia, Biodiversity section

Minerals and Geoscience Department Malaysia

Forest Research Institute Malaysia

3.3 Design of the questionnaire-survey

Questionnaire was divided into four main parts. Part A (the level of awareness of forest

management issue), which evaluate the level of awareness of public servants through five

scale (Likert-scale) given. There are 10 domains and each domain has a minimum of three (3)

questions.

Table 2: 10 Domain statements used

No. Statement(s)

1 Role of forest

2 Logging

3 Deforestation

4 Climate change

5 Social

6 Forest plantation

7 Timber and non-timber




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8 Trade and industry

9 Research and development

10 Government

Likert-scale technique was used to examine the awareness with the below five scales

followed Vagias, (2006);

1: Not aware

2: Slightly aware

3: Somewhat aware

4: Moderately aware

5: Extremely aware

Section B had 10 domain statements and indicates the level of their understanding of

forest management issues in Malaysia. The level of understanding was determined by their

answers, true, false or not sure. Section C involved factors that influence their knowledge of

forest management issues consisting from frequency of reading newspapers and magazines,

frequency of obtaining information from media and frequency of attending exhibitions or

seminars. In part D, respondents were asked on their socio-demographic background. This

section included respondents‟ gender, ethnicity, residential area, education level, education

stream, employment status and household income.

4. Results and Discussion

Table 3 showed the profile of the respondents which includes features such as gender,

ethnicity, residential area, and education level, the flow of education, employment status and

household income.

4.1 Profile of Respondents Table 3: Respondent profile

Respondent Criteria Frequency (n=985) Percentage (%)

Gender

Male 420 43

Female 565 57

Residential areas

Rural 105 11

Sub-urban (Shah Alam,Ampang, etc) 476 48

Urban (Kuala Lumpur, Johor

Bahru,Penang)

404 41

Ethnic group

Malay 902 92

Chinese 38 4

Indian 20 2

Iban 12 1

Kadazan 8 0.5

Orang asli 5 0.5

Highest level education attained

Primary school 17 2

Low secondary school 132 13




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Pre- university 48 5

Certificate 87 9

Diploma 218 22

Undergarduate 344 35

Master/ PhD 139 14

Education stream

Social Science and Humanities 136 14

Businesss / Economics 89 9

Science / Engineering / Medical 460 47

Vocational 100 10

Forestry and Environmental 44 5

Agriculture 25 2

Arts 131 13

Job status

Professional & Management 436 44

Support staff 528 54

Agriculture based 21 2

Monthly household income (RM)

< 3,000 509 52

3,001 – 6,000 298 30

6,001 – 9,000 94 10

> 9,001 84 8

Female respondents comprised 57% compared to 43% for males. Most respondents live

in the sub-urban (48%) and only 11% of respondents in rural areas. Out of 985 total

respondents, 92% ethnic were Malays, 4% Chinese and 2% Indians. The remaining 2% is

Orang Asli, Bumiputera ethnic such as Iban, Kadazan and others. Out of 985 total

respondents, 98% received their education from secondary level and above. Respondents

were consisting of various fields of education. Among the respondents, the highest education

stream recorded was the science / engineering / medicine (47%), followed by stream of social

sciences and humanities, (14%) stream of arts, (13%) the stream of vocational (10%) and the

rest have a variety of education stream. The highest number of respondents is 54% support

staff, followed by 44% of management and professional status. A total of 52% of the

respondents have a monthly household income of less than RM 3,000, 30% earned RM 3,000-

RM 6,000, RM 6,000-RM 9,000 (10%), and only 8% of respondents earned RM 9,000 above.

4.2 Public Servants Awareness Level of Forest Management Issues

Figure 1 shows the stakeholder‟s awareness of forest management issues. Deforestation,

role of forest and social issues were three domains that have the highest mean among 10

domains. Most respondents responded high awareness of deforestation which 4.2 of a score of

5 points. The two lowest dimensions level of awareness were forests plantation (3.33) and

logging (3.36). Overall, the average mean of the level of awareness of stakeholders of forest

management issue in Malaysia was 3.73 (aware). This shows that public servants were

moderately aware of forest management issues in Malaysia.




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Figure 1: Level of awareness of public servant of forest management issues in Malaysia

4.2.1 The level of awareness of public servants by domain

This section indicates mean awareness of public servants on forest management issues in

four (4) selected domain of the domain role of forests, deforestation, logging and plantation

forests.

Table 4: Mean awareness by selected domain

Domain Mean Std. Deviation

1. ROLES OF FOREST

a) The forests have multiple functions 4.53 0.688

b) Forest is the main source of water supply 4.29 0.881

c) Malaysia is one of the 17 Mega Biodiversity nations in

the world

3.38 1.314

d) Forests are a critical component of the global carbon

cycle and have an important role in efforts to reduce

greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change

4.44 0.759

Population mean 4.16

2. DEFORESTRATION

a) Converting forest to oil palm or other commercial

crops, involves deforestation

3.84 1.04

b) Deforestation leads to the extinction of species 4.37 0.836

c) Soil erosion and landslides are linked to

deforestation

4.40 0.822


3. LOGGING

#Mean sales (M) of awareness Score 1to 5 scale where 1=not aware and 5= extremely aware

1.0 - 1.8 = Not aware;

1.9 -2.6= slightly aware;

2.61-3.4 = somewhat aware;

3.41 - 4.2 =moderately aware; and

4.21 - 5.0 = extremely aware




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a) Timber harvesting is one of the oldest industries

in Malaysia.

3.97 0.918

b) Logging is properly managed in Malaysia. 2.93 1.095

c) Logging is a form of forest management. 3.09 1.213

d) Illegal logging is not serious issue in Malaysia. 2.98 1.346

e) Logging generates income and creates

employment.

3.80 0.972


4. FOREST PLANTATION

a) Forest plantation is mainly developed by

government.

3.48 1.072

b) Some of the timber supply is from forest

plantation.

3.19 1.116

c) Rubber is one of the species recommended in

forest plantation establishment.

3.33 1.154

d) Forest plantation involves both exotic and native

tree species.

3.32 1.193


Source: Actual survey (2013)

Scale: 1.0 - 1.8 = Not aware; 1.9 -2.6= slightly aware; 2.61-3.4 = somewhat aware; 3.41 - 4.2

=moderately aware; and 4.21 - 5.0 = extremely aware

Highest level of awareness is the role and functions of forest with an average mean of

4.16. Generally, public servants know the issue of deforestation and the impact that will affect

the forest in Malaysia. The average mean of the domain deforestation is 4.20. Public servants

awareness of domain logging is 3.35 (somewhat aware).

4.2.2 Level of Understanding

Table 5 shows the level of understanding of public servants on issues of forest

management according to the selected domain. The selected domains are roles of forest,

logging, deforestation and forest plantation. Majority of respondents (94%) agreed that forest

provides herbs used by indigenous and local communities. A total of 600 respondents (61%)

stated “not sure” answers on the question of the plantation forest domain. This shows that

public servants are less exposure on the knowledge and issues of the forest plantations.

Table 5: Understanding of public servant on forest management issues by selected domain

STATEMENT(s) Percentage (%) Frequency

A Roles of forest

1 Forests are a source of raw material for

pharmaceutical research

True 65 640

False 3 26

Not sure 32 319

2 Natural wealth of forests in Malaysia attract

tourists within and outside the country

True 95 936

False 2 18

Not sure 3 31

3 Forest provides herbs used by indigenous

and local communities.

True 94 923

False 2 18

Not sure 4 44

B Logging




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1 Logging reduces the natural forest area in

Malaysia

True 87 858

False 6 63

Not sure 7 64

2 Chengal timber logs are among the most

expensive in Malaysia

True 74 726

False 4 38

Not sure 22 221

3 Only selected species can be harvested based

on cutting limit

True 70 692

False 3 33

Not sure 27 260

4 In 1960‟s log was the main form of timber

export in Malaysia.

True 47 460

False 3 32

Not sure 50 493

5 Logging is the cause of the destruction of

habitats, ecosystems, and biodiversity forest

in Malaysia.

True 85 840

False 6 54

Not sure 9 91

C Deforestation

1 Paper production is causing negative

ecological impact on forest.

True 54 535

False 19 190

Not sure 27 260

2 Agriculture is one of the causes of

deforestation

True 49 481

False 30 291

Not sure 21 213

3 Good forest management secures the survival

of forest ecosystems

True 94 927

False 2 21

Not sure 4 37

D Forest plantation

1 Converting a forest into a forest plantation

affects the balance of ecosystem services

True 61 600

False 10 100

Not sure 29 285

2 Forest plantation area is larger than natural

forest area in Malaysia

True 19 188

False 22 216

Not sure 59 581

3 Exotic species were not planted in forest

plantation.

True 24 235

False 15 150

Not sure 61 600

4 Forest plantation establishment is a long term

investment exceeding 15 years

True 48 471

False 3 34

Not sure 49 480

4.3 Factors influencing knowledge of forest management issues

4.4.1 The level of interest in newspaper sections

Table 6: Public servants interest in newspaper sections

Sections Mean

(M)

Percentage % (n=985)

NOT Less interested Moderate Interested VERY




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interested interested

1) Forestry and

Environmental 3.27 4.4 13.0 44.6 27.3 10.8

2) Current issues 4.07 1.4 2.7 17.0 45.0 33.9

3) Entertainment 3.18 8.8 18.8 32.6 24.7 15.1

4) Science and

Technology 3.57 2.8 7.8 36.2 35.5 17.6

5) Sports 3.30 10.3 17.7 25.6 24.3 22.2

6) Health 3.86 2.7 3.4 24.4 44.0 25.6


Scale: 1.0 - 1.8 = Not interested; 1.9 -2.6= less interested; 2.61-3.4 = moderate; 3.41 - 4.2 =interested;

and 4.21 - 5.0 = very interested

Table 6 shows the respondents' level of interest in a newspaper sections. About 45% of

total respondents have an interest about the current issues with mean score is 4.07. This is

followed by 45% of the total respondents having a moderate interest in forestry and

environmental section. The entertainment section is the lowest mean score with M= 3.18

(moderate) and only 25% of total respondents interested about it.

4.3.2 Average hours watching programs broadcast

Table 7: Average hours watching programs broadcast

Average hours (n= 985)

Television Programmes None <1 1-2 3-4 4-5 >5

1) Forestry and

Environmental

218(22) 401(41) 242(25) 89(9) 29(3) 6(1)

2) Documentary 80(8) 331(34) 324(33) 172(17) 47(5) 31(3)

3) Entertainment 108(11) 248(25) 290(29) 189(19) 87(9) 63(6)

4) Science and

Technology

87(9) 311(32) 309(31) 184(19) 70(7) 24(2)

5) Sports 192(19) 301(31) 226(23) 135(14) 78(8) 53(5)

6) Health 101(10) 295(30) 292(30) 169(17) 81(8) 47(5)


Note: Figures in parentheses refer to percentage value

The results showed a total of 401 respondents (41%) watched forestry and environmental

programme, while 331 respondents watched documentaries less than 1 hour. Other than that,

the respondents also preferred to watch science and technology and sports programme. It

showed that public servants have the awareness and high desire to know about the current

issues especially on the nature and environment news.

4.3.3 Source of information on forestry issues

Table 8: Source of information on forestry issues

Media Frequencies

(n=985)

Percentage (%)

Newspaper 736 75

Television 785 80




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Internet 739 75

Magazines 541 55

Brochures 476 48

Books 342 35

Radio 327 33

Journals 310 32

Conferences 298 30

Figure 2: Source of information on forestry issues

Based on Table 8 and Figure 2, newspapers (75%), television (80%) and the internet are

the main sources in providing knowledge and information on environmental and forestry

issues. Only 30% of the total respondents obtained about forestry issues and information

through the conferences. This shows that the mass media is the main medium in

disseminating information and creating awareness of forestry and the environment rather than

exposure of forestry information during an early stage as at school.

4.4 One way ANOVA and Regression

One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for socio-demographic variables

(income, education and ethnicity) to determine whether there is a significant difference in

mean scores. Regression analysis of the test was used to determine the relationship between

the levels of awareness of public servants (mean) with sub-categories with the selected socio-

demographic characteristics. To examine this relationship, five analyzes were conducted.

These tests involve: -

1- T-test mean scores by gender awareness

2- ANOVA level of awareness by income

3- ANOVA level of awareness based on ethnic group

4- ANOVA level of awareness based on education stream




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5- Regression on ways of acquiring information resources related to forest management

issue

Table 10: T-test results by gender

No. Dimension Mean of Gender (n=985) df t

Men (n= 420) Women (n=565)

1 Roles of forest 4.24 4.10 983 3.437***

2 Logging 3.34 3.36 983 -0.417

3 Deforestation 4.27 4.16 983 2.426**

4 Climate change 3.61 3.49 983 2.303**

5 Social 4.08 4.04 983 0.877

6 Forest plantation 3.39 3.28 983 1.991**

7 Timber and Non-timber 3.87 3.81 983 1.101

8 Trade and Industry 3.55 3.44 983 1.680

9 Research and development 3.56 3.47 983 1.574

10 Governance 3.96 3.75 983 3.762***

Response scale is 1 = not aware, to 5 = extremely aware

***Significant at the 1% level (p <0.01)

**Significant at the 5% level (p <0.05)

*Significant at 10% level (p <0.10)

Based on Table 10, the highest mean score of 4.27 by men for deforestation dimensional

awareness indicating men have higher level of awareness than females. Mean scores for

women (M = 4.16) for the dimensions of deforestation statistics is 2.246 with t test significant

differences in the level of p <0.05 (5%). This shows that there are significant differences in

the level of awareness of gender. ANOVA also revealed that the dimensions of the role of

forests and governance level is p <0.01. Men have a higher level of awareness than women of

the role of forests, deforestation, forest plantation and the governance dimensions.

Table 11: ANOVA by level of awareness and monthly income (RM)

Dimension INCOME GROUP (RM) F value

<3000 3001-

6000

6001-9000 9001-12000 12001-

15000

15001-

18000

18001-

21000

>21000

1. Roles of forest 4.10 4.18 4.25 4.43 4.38 4.11 4.25 4.35 2.662*

2. Logging 3.36 3.36 3.23 3.55 2.90 3.26 3.52 3.36 1.342

3. Deforestation 4.15 4.19 4.30 4.50 4.72 4.14 4.87 4.73 3.713***

4. Climate change 3.50 3.54 3.59 3.90 3.50 3.24 3.80 3.47 2.272**

5. Social 4.01 4.03 4.16 4.38 4.21 3.96 4.55 3.95 2.863*

6. Forest

plantation

3.34 3.32 3.24 3.44 3.29 2.86 3.60 2.90 0.741

7. Timber and

Non-timber

3.80 3.86 3.86 4.04 3.50 3.48 3.93 3.73 1.161

8. Trade and

Industry

3.44 3.51 3.50 3.79 4.06 3.38 3.20 3.13 1.602

9. Research and

development

3.45 3.55 3.48 3.81 4.04 3.86 3.20 3.25 2.049**

10. Governance 3.75 3.90 4.02 4.10 4.08 3.61 3.35 3.30 2.947**







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For the analysis between level of awareness and monthly income, the results reflected six (6)

dimensions and have significant difference for the eight (8) different income groups. Category

significant dimensions are as follows: -

1 – Role of forest

2 - Deforestation

3 - Climate change

4 - Social

5 - Research and development (R & D) and,

6 – Governance

Dimensions that have highest significant rates is deforestation significantly at p <0.01 (F

= 3.71). Mean scores for eight different income groups is deforestation 4.14 (lowest) to 4.87

(highest). The highest mean for income group ranged between RM 18,001 to RM 21,000.

This group is extremely aware of the dimensions of deforestation, significant differences at p

<0.01 level (F-value = 3.71).




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Table 12: ANOVA for level of awareness and ethnic group

Dimension Ethnic group F value

Malay Chinese Indian Iban Kadazan Orang Asli #Others

1. Roles of forest 4.16 4.14 3.89 4.22 4.25 4.63 4.08 0.973

2. Logging 3.36 3.20 3.43 3.65 3.20 3.25 2.87 1.207

3. Deforestation 4.20 4.25 4.27 4.38 4.50 4.08 4.44 0.440

4. Climate change 3.36 3.20 3.43 3.65 3.20 3.25 2.87 0.295

5. Social 4.06 4.01 3.90 4.22 4.69 4.06 3.72 1.138

6. Forest plantation 3.32 3.28 3.29 3.25 3.88 3.75 3.69 0.651

7. Timber and Non-timber 3.83 3.96 3.78 4.13 3.83 3.83 3.70 0.388

8. Trade and Industry 3.48 3.72 3.35 3.38 3.17 3.25 3.56 0.600

9. Research and development 3.52 3.49 3.44 2.97 2.69 3.88 3.17 1.436

10. Governance 3.85 3.68 3.86 3.75 3.44 3.81 3.64 0.458

#Others (Melanau, Bidayuh)




Further, one-way analysis of variance was performed on ethnic groups. Through the analysis (Table 12), the level of awareness of public servants

found that no significant differences are shown. Therefore, the level of awareness of public servants is not influenced by ethnicity.




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Table 13: ANOVA Level of awareness on education stream

Dimension(s)

GROUP OF EDUCATION STREAM F-value

Social

sciences and

Humanities

Business/E

conomics

Pure

Science/

Engineering/Medi

cal

Vocationa

l

Islamic Non-

Strea

med

Forestry Admi

nistrat

ion

Law Informat

ion

Technology

system

Envir

onme

ntal

Arts Agricul

ture

#Others

1. Roles of forest 4.03 4.05 4.18 4.18 4.11 4.00 4.70 4.10 4.00 4.14 4.86 4.21 4.35 4.06 3.790***

2. Logging 3.37 3.36 3.25 3.46 3.54 3.54 3.74 3.10 3.53 3.49 3.94 3.76 3.11 3.47 3.298***

3. Deforestation 4.03 4.03 4.25 4.28 4.16 4.00 4.38 4.03 4.22 4.06 4.86 4.12 4.47 4.53 3.044***

4. Climate change 3.37 3.57 3.51 3.61 3.62 3.55 4.14 3.30 3.22 3.48 4.19 3.23 3.83 3.46 3.072***

5. Social 3.95 4.05 4.03 4.14 3.77 3.92 4.59 3.93 4.33 3.84 4.64 3.92 4.34 4.31 3.705***

6. Forest plantation 3.23 3.45 3.17 3.51 3.19 3.50 3.98 3.35 2.75 3.66 4.04 3.38 3.52 3.55 4.052***

7. Timber and Non-

timber

3.69 3.90 3.75 3.94 3.60 3.84 4.65 3.90 3.56 3.64 4.67 3.95 3.99 3.95 5.064***

8. Trade and

Industry

3.40 3.74 3.33 3.60 3.06 3.83 4.26 3.40 3.00 3.94 4.05 3.37 3.57 3.28 5.420***

9. Research and

development

3.36 3.59 3.43 3.70 3.43 3.68 3.99 3.60 2.83 3.57 3.96 3.26 3.58 3.28 2.540***

10. Governance 3.71 3.88 3.73 4.03 3.65 4.05 4.61 3.75 4.17 3.70 4.46 3.67 3.92 3.79 4.137***




#Others : Education, Banking, Mass Communication, Hotel Management, Secretarial

The results of the ANOVA analysis (Table 13) shows the level of awareness among respondents based on the stream of the education received.

There were significant differences on all dimensions of awareness by stream of the education received. The highest mean value was found in the

dimensions of the role of forests in environmental stream (M = 4.86) with a p value was p <0.001 (F-value = 3.790). Meanwhile, the lowest mean is

found in the dimensions of plantation forests in the education stream of social science and humanity with M = 3:23 (F-value = 4052). Studies show

that the level of awareness among public servants on issues of forest management is strongly influenced by stream of the education attended.

Proceedings of the First Asia Pacific Conference on Global Business, Economics, Finance and

Social Sciences (AP14SINGAPORE Conference)

Singapore, 1-3 August 2014

Paper ID. S463

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Table 14: Regression on source of information on forest management issues

Source of information Coefficient S.E (Standard error) t value

Newspaper 0.203 1.568 0.130

Radio -0.556 1.516 -0.366

Television 0.027 1.709 0.016

Magazines 2.471 1.477 1.673

Journal 1.943 1.595 1.218

Internet -0.093 1.589 -0.059

Books 5.072 1.627 3.118 ***

Conferences, Workshop 7.655 1.593 4.804 ***

Brochures 0.496 1.432 0.346

School -3.087 1.984 -1.557 ***Significant at the 1% level (p <0.01)



Table 15: ANOVA of sources of information attribute

Model

Sum of Squares df Mean Square F p-value

Regression 31944.568 11 2904.052 6.959 .000

Residual 406016.776 973 417.283

Total 437961.344 984

The strength of the relationship between the levels of awareness of the respondents and

access resources of forest management issues information in the Malaysian forest was

measured using regression analysis. One regression model was used; forest resources to

information management represent the independent variables and level of awareness

represents the dependent variable. These results shows that of the over ten sources measured,

only two sources only have a strong relationship (Table 14). It was found that the source from

the book (coefficient = 5.072) and attending seminars, conferences and workshops

(coefficient = 7.655) was the strongest predictor (strongest predictor). Overall, the regression

model accounted for about 71% of the variance associated with overall awareness.

5. Conclusions and Recommendations

As one of the 17 countries mega biodiversity, efforts are essential to maintain the forests

and richness of flora and fauna in Malaysia. Awareness and understanding of forest

management issues among Malaysians is important to maintain its rich biodiversity. Through

the awareness on protecting and conserve the forest, Malaysia is expected to continue to be

used a reference nation for sustainable forest management especially in protecting

biodiversity and national treasure. This study shows that the levels of awareness among the




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public servants‟ are 3.73 (moderately aware) on the forest management issue in Malaysia.

They are somewhat aware on the dimensions of plantation forests (3.33) and logging (3.36).

Results also examined that public servants‟ understanding about the roles of forest but less

exposure on the knowledge and issues of the forest plantations.

Analysis of variance (ANOVA) shows that there is a significant difference between the

levels of awareness with gender, monthly income and education stream variables. Men have a

higher level of awareness than women on the role of forests, deforestation, forest plantation

and the governance dimensions. The highest mean for income group ranged between RM

18,001 to RM 21,000. The highest mean value was also found in the dimensions of the role of

forests in environmental stream.

The future programme involved environmental education should emphasize to women

participation and for the lower income level group. This can be achieved by simplify the

questionnaire for next survey or create an environmental education programmes. The

programmes employ interactive and make use of audio-visual aids and various media.

Malaysians should have opportunities to learn about all the different types of forest which

exist in this country through newspaper, television, or media social. The issues can be

broadening through social media and this means that there is a need to raise general

awareness and understanding about the importance of forests.

Newspapers, television and internet are the main sources disseminating knowledge and

information on environmental and forestry issues. As a result, mass media are plays a role in

alerting the public about the importance of environmental conservation (Mohd Yusof 2010).

The responsible agencies should support and continuously initiatives through raising the

awareness of the public of the full range of forest values and of the role and impacts of

scientifically-based forest management. The promotion through engagement by professional

foresters with community and environmental organizations as well as the media is also need

to enhance for raising the public understanding of sustainable forest management.

References

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