Penang National Park (PNP), as Malaysia's smallest national park, is one of the few naturally forested areas left on Penang Island, in Peninsular Malaysia. The main objective was to analyse users' preferences and willingness to pay to enhance improved management of PNP for the dual aim of conservation and recreation. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to analyse the formation of attitudes towards different aspects of PNP. Results showed that implementing enforcements with rules and regulations and imposing permits and charges on certain activities were the most influential variables of PNPs' perceptions. The results of a random parameter logit model (RPL) demonstrated that visitors placed the highest value on having adequate information about PNP, and the second-highest value on improvements in the park's ecological management. The welfare measure for improvement in management of PNP against status quo is estimated at about MYR 9. Results also showed that demand for better conservation and management of PNP is relatively price-inelastic. Simulations of the results showed, under a MYR10 admission fee, that improvement in management would have 96% of market share compared with status quo. This study concluded that visitor entrance fees can and ought to be introduced OPEN ACCESSForests 2015, 6 2346 as a means of financing conservation initiatives and possibly preventing congestion.

No abstract

No abstract

The growing number of private passenger vehicles in the Klang region of Malaysia has not only resulted in persistent traffic congestion during peak hours, but also resulted in considerable vehicular emissions causing both environmental and human health hazards. To reduce these externalities, this study examines the prospect for a transport modal shift from the use of private vehicles to the public transport system. Contingent valuation method was used to estimate how much current private passenger vehicle users are willing to pay to continue using their private vehicles. On average, private passenger vehicle users were found to be willing to pay a maximum amount of RM 4.99 (USD 1.55) per trip to avoid using the public transport system. Respondents with previous health issues were found more likely to shift to the public transportation system. Public transportation efficiency was found to have a significant impact on the respondents WTP value to maintain the current commuting system.

No abstract