Relationship to the River: The Case of the Muar River Community

Abstract

<b>Problem statement:</b> Muar River which located in Johor, is an important river in Malaysia. Previously Muar River had a huge influence on the socio-economic status of the community. It has been used as the sources of income, protein and as well as the major mode of transportation for the community and traders. However, does the Muar River still has that influences on this modern day? The answer of this pertinent question will fulfill the main objective of this study which is to discover Muar River relationship with its surrounding community. <b>Approach:</b> In addition to relationship with the river, this quantitative study was conducted to determine the Muar River community agreement towards initiative to develop the river. A total of 300 respondents from 19 villages along Muar River were selected based on the simple random sampling. <b>Results:</b> Based on the analysis of the results, it can be concluded that Muar River still has a lot to offer to its surrounding community especially for the recreational activities (fish and prawn fishing). A large majority of Muar River community have a moderate and high level of agreement towards the river development. Further analysis performed revealed that income per month, number of household, age, distance to Muar River and period of staying in the areas had significant relationships with agreement towards river development. <b>Conclusion/Recommendations:</b> It is recommended that additional recreational facilities can be added, events at national and international level especially on fish and prawn fishing can be held at Muar River and campaign on the importance of river development and the danger of river pollution can be conducted

Relationship to the River: The Case of the Rural Communities Residing Beside the Tembeling, Pahang and Muar Rivers

“…River has long been recognized in both -local and international studies as one of the natural elements that contribute significantly towards the community socio-economic development (Samah et al, 2011;Faiz et al, 2010;Mohamed, 2002;Maroudas & Kyriakaki, 2011;Harrison & Schipani, 2008). Similarly, within the scope of this study, it can be concluded based on the discussion made that the locals relationship with their river is based four themes namely: sources of income, mode of transportation, less appreciation among the younger generation for the river, and the need for river development.…”

“…At present, Muar river is used by the locals for their socio-economic activities, particularly recreational onces (Samah et al, 2011). Muar River is a famous spot for fish such as Baung (Mystus spp) and fresh river shrimp.…”

“…Such inventions provide avenues for a wider exploration of socio-economic opportunities for the community. In addition, in a local study by Abu Samah et al (2011), it was reported that the negative attitude, lack of river sources, and environmental changes are the main causes for the waning interest of communities with respect to rivers. However, despite this low interest, there are still a number of communities, particularly those who reside near to the rivers themselves, that still have some kind of relationship with the rivers.…”

“…For example, fresh river shrimp from Muar River are estimated to worth between RM17 and RM45 (roughly USD5.5 & USD15) per kilo, and thus are a good source of income. According to Abu Samah et al (2011), some locals are also involved in boat rental services for the anglers, which serve as a source of income for them. Muar River is also used for transportation.…”

“…Besides recreational activities, a small portion of the Muar River community relies on the river for their additional income. According to Abu Samah et al (2011), a small percentage of the community continuously uses fishing (fish & shrimp) to generate additional income, as the prices of these commodities are relatively substantial. For example, fresh river shrimp from Muar River are estimated to worth between RM17 and RM45 (roughly USD5.5 & USD15) per kilo, and thus are a good source of income.…”