Er Ah Choy

Overview of the key risks in the pioneering stage of the Malaysian biomass industry

Renewable energy sources have increasingly become important in recent decades not only as ways for improving energy security and mitigating climate change, but they also help contribute to economic growth and job creation. As the second-largest producer of crude palm oil, Malaysia has abundance of biomass residues from palm oil industries and other renewable organic matters which can be converted to bio-energy and bio-chemicals. Recognizing the roles of biomass for sustainability and wealth creation, the government has stepped up efforts to promote the growth of the industry. However, despite institutional arrangements, policy frameworks, funding mechanisms and incentives to support the growth of the biomass industry, the industry has not been able to create value along the industry’s value chain. While there are many attractive reasons to venture into the biomass industry, there are also potential risks. Lack of understanding of risks associated with the biomass industry is often cited as one of the reasons for the industry’s slow growth. An industry evolves through life cycle stages and at each stage presents risk factors. This paper identifies several key risks associated with early stage of the biomass industry in Malaysia. The overview of risks associated with the biomass industry not only will provide a perspective from which an industry’s viability can be evaluated but also will help industry participants to better understand key risks and improve their risk assessment methods as well as plan their risk management and mitigation strategies more effectively.

The Potential of Heritage Tourism Development in Jugra, Selangor, Malaysia, Using SWOT Analysis

This article discusses the potential of heritage tourism development in the old town of Jugra, Selangor, Peninsular Malaysia, from several aspects such as archaeology, ecology and nature. The SWOT analysis is created to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to investigate the potential of the study area to be a heritage tourism site. The data of the SWOT analysis was also obtained through quantitative research method by using questionnaire. The survey had been distributed to the local people aged 16 years and above who have lived in the area for more than three years. A total of 392 respondents answered the questionnaire appropriately. The results revealed that Jugra is potential to have historical and cultural heritage assets where the natural heritage elements reside. In terms of weaknesses, the study found that several elements of the cultural heritage in Jugra have been abandoned and vandalised by visitors, especially in the area of Bukit Jugra. Geographically, Jugra is located at the end of the district which is far away from the town, which may have caused the area to be relegated. In terms of opportunities, local authorities have planned to create public transport and facilities such as tram or tourist van in the study area. Jugra also has an opportunity to be developed as a heritage tourism destination as its legacy may become an attraction to many tourists. While in terms of threats, there are few reports which revealed that Jugra is left unguarded because of economic factors. Moreover, the findings from the survey have shown that in terms of strengths, majority said that there are major attractions in Jugra by the story of its legacy. In terms of weaknesses, most of the respondents believed that poor infrastructure is a major problem that might affect the development of heritage tourism in Jugra. In terms of opportunities, most of the respondents agreed that Jugra has the potential to be well-known all over the nation and even the world when it is developed as a heritage tourism site. While in terms of threats, majority of the respondents decided that the main challenge for Jugra to become a heritage tourism site is the provision of infrastructure needs. In addition, the study also found that most of the respondents have fully supported the efforts on heritage protection and conservation in the study area (88.2%).

Enhancing sustainability amongst oil palm smallholders in Malaysia

Oil palm research is performed to develop new and upgraded products to face global challenges and thus, the industry is emerging as a dependable source of empowerment for the country. However, it also poses a serious threat due to unawareness of sustainability issues by the smallholders. Thus, this study assesses the actions of oil palm smallholders in a sustainable manner from the environment, economic, and social perspectives. The primary data is collected through a questionnaire survey with 50 supported smallholders in the Terengganu state under the FELDA scheme in Malaysia. The result demonstrates that dependent smallholders with primary level education are responsible for most of the pollution in the environment due to wrong agricultural practices. The study suggests that there is room for improvement in the social, environmental, and economic aspects of sustainability through intensive and quality training, depending on the role played by the authorities and the dependent smallholder cooperatives.