Pertanika J. Trop. Agric. Sci. 36 (S): 205 - 220 (2013)

TROPICAL AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE

Journal homepage: http://www.pertanika.upm.edu.my/

Ecotourism in Taman Negara National Park: Issues and Challenges

Zaiton, S.1*, Aziz, Y. A.2 and Mohd Rusli, Y.3 1Department of Forest Management, Faculty of Forestry and Institute of Tropical Forestry and Forest Products, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Malaysia 2Department of Management and Marketing, Faculty of Economics and Management, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Malaysia 2Faculty of Environmental Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Malaysia

ABSTRACT Ecotourism is one type of tourism that promotes conservation and minimises visitor impacts. This exploratory study employed a semi-structured face-to-face in-depth interview. This study involved 9 visitors in Taman Negara National Park (TNNP). It was designed to identify recent issues and problems faced by the management of TNNP. Current issues and problems faced at the park, including pricing policy dilemmas and the current funding situation, were identified and also discussed. It was found that the main problem at TNNP rooted from inefficiency in pricing policy. Other problems included natural resource conflicts, visitor management and environmental degradation. It is therefore debatable that the main ingredient for the survival of TNNP is the commitment and participation of the stakeholders involved, which comprised of the government, the park authority, private sector, local community, etc.

Keywords: Taman Negara National Park, ecotourism, pricing policy, in-depth interview, qualitative research.

INTRODUCTION socio-economic involvement of the local Ecotourism involves visiting untouched population. Eagles (1992) asserted that natural areas. It promotes conservation, ecotourism is one of the fastest growing encourages low visitor impact and creates sectors (estimated as growing at 10-15% annually) compared to other types of tourism. ARTICLE INFO Chong (2002) added that ecotourism is the Article history: Received: 13 August 2012 fastest growing form of tourism in Malaysia. Accepted: 20 September 2012 This is due to the growth rate, which is an E-mail addresses: average of 35% a year and accounts for [email protected] (Zaiton, S.), [email protected] (Aziz, Y. A.), 10% of the total tourism receipts. A total [email protected] (Mohd Rusli, Y.) * Corresponding author

ISSN: 1511-3701 © Universiti Putra Malaysia Press Zaiton, S., Aziz, Y. A. and Mohd Rusli, Y. of 918,523 visitors were recorded to visit and non-governmental organizations, inside Sabah in 2001. From this number, 406,009 and outside the country; (4) assisting the were international visitors, and most of Ministry of Tourism Malaysia with the them had visited ecotourism places in planning and implementation of the National Sabah such as the Kinabalu National Park, Ecotourism Plan; and (5) coordinating Danum Valley, etc. Malaysia has adopted the zoological gardens programmes and International Union for the Conservation of activities. Nature (IUCN) definition of ecotourism. It The most popular destination for stipulates that: ecotourism is the national park. Ecotourism is a new approach to the preservation of …environmentally responsible wild areas which are fragile and threatened. travel and visitation to relatively Poor management of the national park, due undisturbed natural areas, in to an inefficient pricing policy, can lead to order to enjoy and appreciate several other problems such as destructions nature (and any accompanying of natural resources. Therefore, this study features - both past and present), attempted to identify issues and challenges that promotes conservation, has that would make the ecotourism industry low visitor impact and provides the more uncontrolled and vulnerable, as these beneficially active socio-economic might cause more harm than good to the involvement of local populations environment. This paper consists of 6 (Ceballos-Lascurain, 1996). sections. It starts with a general orientation of the study. Section 2 discusses study This definition emphasises five main area, i.e., Taman Negara National Park aspects, namely: (1) low impact on the (TNNP), and Section 3 focuses on the environment and on the local culture; (2) research methodology. Meanwhile, Section covering nature as well as culture; (3) 4 presents results of the study, and Section 5 preventing damage as far as possible; (4) provides discussions and recommendations. repairing whatever damage is unavoidable; Finally, section 6 presents a conclusion to and (5) benefits for the people of the area. the study. The Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) is responsible for the TAMAN NEGARA NATIONAL PARK management of ecotourism in Malaysia. The (TNNP) functions of DWNP in ecotourism include: Malaysia comprises Peninsular Malaysia, (1) identifying and planning ecotourism Sabah and Sarawak. In total, there are programmes; (2) planning and preparing 24 national parks in Malaysia (Tourism interpretive programmes and materials; Malaysia, 2009) and three of them are (3) advising and providing input regarding Peninsular Malaysia (Pahang National ecotourism activities to various government Park, Endau Rompin National Park and

206 Pertanika J. Trop. Agric. Sci. 36 (S) 205 - 220 (2013) Ecotourism in Taman Negara National Park: Issues and Challenges

Penang National Park), and six in Sabah legislation for 130,000 ha of it as Gunung (Kinabalu Park, Tunku Abdul Rahman Tahan Game Reserve (DWNP, 1986; 1987). Park, Bukit Tawau Park, Crocker Range It was declared a national park through National Park, Pulau Tiga Park and Turtle enactments by the states of Pahang, Kelantan Islands Park). Meanwhile, fifteen others and Terengganu in 1938/39 and given the are in Sarawak (Bako National Park, Mulu name King George V National Park (Rubeli, National Park, Niah National Park, Lambir 1976). Following independence in 1957, the National Park, Similajau National Park, name was changed to Taman Negara, which Kubah National Park, Gading National Park, means ‘national park’ (DWNP, 1986; 1987). Batang Ai National Park, Matang National The Taman Negara Enactments of 1938 and Park, Semenggoh National Park, Sama Jaya 1939 encompass three legislations. As noted National Park, Loagan Bunut National Park, before, TNNP straddles three states, Pahang, Wind Cave National Park, Tanjung Batu Kelantan and Terengganu, with each state National Park, and Talang Satang National having its own legislation. The largest is Park). Taman Negara Pahang (2,477 sq. km), TNNP covers the largest vicinity and it followed by Taman Negara Kelantan (1,043 is located in three states, namely, Pahang, sq. km) and Taman Negara Terengganu (853 Kelantan and Terengganu. TNNP is claimed sq. km). to be home to one of the oldest tropical rain forests in the world. It is Peninsular Visitors’ Profile Malaysia’s greatest national park and it It has been found that the trend and visiting covers an area of 4,343 sq. km (DWNP, pattern are changing. It appears that 1989). It first received protection in 1925, international visitors are the dominant when the state of Pahang established groups that have visited TNNP. This is in

TABLE 1 Malaysian and International Visitors to TNNP, 2001 - 2009

Year Malaysian visitors International visitors Total 2001 26149 32383 58532 2002 30108 30048 60156 2003 33326 20904 54230 2004 31233 28793 60026 2005 37819 33812 71631 2006 40877 38881 79758 2007 40358 41616 81974 2008 39579 44563 84142 2009 40617 46057 86674 Source: DWNP, 2010.

Pertanika J. Trop. Agric. Sci. 36 (S): 205 - 220 (2013) 207 Zaiton, S., Aziz, Y. A. and Mohd Rusli, Y. contrast with the previous times, where of measurement. In other words, it is a more Malaysian visitors visited the park. method that has been designed to capture Table 1 shows a total of 46057 international the social life experienced by participants. visitors (53.1%) visited TNNP as compared It differs from the quantitative method, to 40617 Malaysian visitors (46.9%) in where all these experiences are categorised 2009. It also shows that the total number of and determined by the researcher. Three visitors keeps increasing year by year. important characteristics of the qualitative method are: (1) Most of the data are in the Charges for Permits and Licences at forms of written and spoken words, and TNNP observation; (2) There is no direct numerical Recently, TNNP has implemented interpretation in qualitative data; and (3) The several charges for permits and licences motive in the qualitative method is often issued to their visitors. These cover entrance exploration. permits, fishing licences, camera licences, Jennings (2001) found that the camping fees, the canopy walkway and the qualitative approach is grounded in the hide. Visitors are entitled to enter the park positivist social science paradigm, which for a month on a payment of RM1 as an primarily reflects the scientific method of entrance permit. Other charges are shown the natural sciences. It is often designated in Table 2. as an ‘art’ when compared to quantitative

TABLE 2 research, which is rigorous and scientific Charges of Permits and Licences at TNNP (Decrop, 1999). According to Gilbert (1993), qualitative methodologies allow Permit and licences Charges (RM) researchers to discover levels of deeper 1. Entrance permit RM1/entry meaning. As a result of the process of 2. Fishing licence RM10/person 3. Camera licence RM5/camera gathering in-depth information, qualitative 4. Camping fee RM1/day/person research is subjective and it involves a 5. Canopy walkway RM5/person small number of participants in the research 6. Hide RM5/person/night process (Gunn, 1994). Finn et al. (2000) Source: DWNP, 2005. noted that qualitative research has the opportunity to present detailed snapshots METHODOLOGY of the participants under study. One of the limitations of qualitative research, however, The current study is an exploratory is the total time involved in data collection, qualitative research which applied in- analysis and interpretation. Babbie (1998) depth interview as its main method. The explains that qualitative research involves qualitative method involves a process where more time in order to examine holistically the researcher describes some characteristics and aggregately subjects’ interactions, of people or events without any elements reactions and activities.

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There are many types of qualitative observers and by researchers who make no method; these include in-depth interviews, pretence of being a part of what is being participant observation and ethnography. studied’. Several advantages of in-depth The most popular of these is the in-depth interviews have been identified. These interview; so it was applied in this study. include exploring the boundaries of a Maykut and Morehouse (1994, p. 46) stated problem, obtaining evidence for a particular that: problem or issue, evaluating potential solutions and managing the research The data of qualitative inquiry process. In-depth interviews were chosen is most often people’s words and for the current research work because more actions, and thus requires methods and wider information could be elicited. that allow the researcher to capture Furthermore, skilled interviewers can gather language and behaviour. The most information that may be left out through a useful ways of gathering these survey or other techniques. Thus, the main forms of data are participant role of the in-depth interviewer is to explore observation, in-depth interviews, the respondents’ points of view, feelings group interviews, and the collection and perspectives. Such interviews have also of relevant documents. Observation been used to obtain systematic descriptions and interview data is collected by of interviewees’ experiences. On the other the researcher in the form of field hand, a disadvantage of this technique is that notes and audio-taped interviews, it involves personal interaction; sometimes which are later transcribed for use we are not free to share our feelings with a in data analysis. person whom we do not know. TNNP was used as a setting because In-depth interview is commonly used it is one of the places for ecotourism in to determine individuals’ perceptions and Malaysia. The respondents participated in opinions. The method is described as a the study were visitors who have had some ‘conversation with a purpose’. Similarly, experiences at TNNP. This research applied Kvale (1996) also states that interviews semi structured face-to-face interviews with are conversations, and defines qualitative 9 visitors from various backgrounds. The interviews as ‘attempts to understand the shortest interview was approximately 40 world from the subjects’ points of view to minutes, while the longest was around 1 unfold the meaning of peoples’ experiences, hour 30 minutes; allowing the interviewees and uncover their lived world prior to to identify and talk more on issues in TNNP. scientific explanations’ (Kvale, 1996, p. A standard interview guide was developed 1). Babbie (1998, p. 282) sees an in-depth and used for all the interviews. All the interview as ‘a mainstay of participant interviews were recorded. Data analysis in observation, used both by participant the qualitative research starts with collecting

Pertanika J. Trop. Agric. Sci. 36 (S): 205 - 220 (2013) 209 Zaiton, S., Aziz, Y. A. and Mohd Rusli, Y. the required information from the field and Pricing Dilemmas and Funding sorting it into categories. The information Nowadays, the crisis in funding and received is formatted into a story, and finally problems of insufficient funds are the written into a report (Denzin & Lincoln, main items on the agenda at most park 1994). According to Creswell (1994), management meetings and conferences. qualitative research is a process of sorting Insufficient funding is highly related to information from interview transcripts, the pricing system on permits and licences observational notes, documents and visual at the park, especially the entrance fee. material. This study applied the technique An inappropriate or a low entrance fee of finding similar phrases and themes in in- will result in insufficient revenue, thus depth interview analyses. In other words, creating other problems at the park such as this particular technique emphasises two overcrowding, environmental deterioration items or characteristics, namely; word and poor park facilities, as mentioned in the repetition and key words in context. D’ following: Andrade (1991, p. 294) observes word repetitions as ‘the most direct indication Undercharging for parks increases of schematic organisation in naturalistic the cost to the national treasury of discourse is found in repeated associative maintaining the parks estate and linkages’. In this study, word repetitions fails to maximize revenue, much were analysed informally. This was done by of it in the form of badly needed noting the words that are synonyms and used foreign exchange (Goodwin, 2000, by respondents frequently. Word repetitions p. 247). can also be analysed formally by using a computer. Nonetheless, this study did not An efficient pricing system is a tool utilize any computer analysis because of for achieving sustainable management of the nature of the data gathered. It is easy to park resources. Font et al. (2004) listed find word repetitions manually, as the data or six main methods for raising funds to information is precise and short. Meanwhile, protect areas, and these included entrance key words were identified through the key fees, user fees, concessions and leases, words used in the interviews. direct operations of commercial activities, taxes, as well as volunteers and donations. RESULTS AND FINDINGS However, according to Sherman and Dixon This section discusses issues and problems (1991), there are five main methods for that have been identified from the in- revenue generation in protected areas: user depth interviews. It focuses on five issues, fees, concession fees, royalties, taxation namely; pricing dilemmas and funding, and donations. In some cases, income resource conflicts, visitor management, and from entrance permits and user fees is environmental degradation. sufficient enough for the maintenance and

210 Pertanika J. Trop. Agric. Sci. 36 (S) 205 - 220 (2013) Ecotourism in Taman Negara National Park: Issues and Challenges operations of national parks and protected This park should properly set the areas. However, some parks are in critical price, since Taman Negara is a situation, as they face insufficient funds for unique product. As our heritage, park maintenance and operation. it is invaluable. Moreover, Taman Most of the respondents agreed that Negara should also look at the the current entrance permit of RM1 is too current price of other national low. This is clearly evident in the following parks [Respondent 2]. statement:

Entrance permit is only one ringgit. I’m not very sure who put the price Too low. We got everything is this of the entrance fee. Responsible park. Beautiful rain forests, wildlife group should check the price. It is but we just pay only one ringgit. very cheap price [Respondent 8]. I went to other national park in Sarawak. We have to pay more. One of the issues faced by the parks People now can afford to pay more and protected areas today is the issue of because they got higher income and obtaining funds for their operations or their I can see they appreciate nature survival (Fennell, 1999). As solutions to this nowadays [Respondent 3]. problem, there are suggestions that parks should be operated as business entities or that they should be privatized. TNNP is I was surprised for the entrance fee. not free from the problems of insufficient When you want to enter this park funding. It has traditionally relied on the you have to pay one ringgit only. In support from the government of Malaysia. this time, what can you do with one To run the park, TNNP is highly dependent ringgit? [Respondent 9]. on allocations from government and other sources such as private companies and In the case of TNNP, the price of donations. In terms of the financial situation permits and licences is set by the Treasury. at TNNP, most of them knew that TNNP It is based on an Enactment of 1938/39. has recently received some funding from The price is proposed by the DWNP and the government and the private sector. must be supported by the Ministry of Respondent 4, respondent 7 and respondent Tourism and the Cabinet before it goes to 9 stated that: the Treasury (DWNP, 1987). Respondent 2 and respondent 8 have their own opinion I was told that this park gets some about the setting price of TNNP: funding from the government and private company. Park should Somebody told me that the entrance get more sponsors from private permit has been there for ages. companies. In order to cut costs,

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they can optimise their current by 49%, and this resulted in an increase staff by asking them to carry out in the parks’ revenues. Dharmaratne et al. maintenance or operating tasks (2000) believe that because these resources such as cleaning the trails. They are unique, management authorities feel should not hire part-timers for those that they can charge higher prices. Walpole tasks [Respondent 4]. et al. (2001) and Zaiton (2008) found that international visitors were willing to pay more for fees at national parks. Giant company such as Petronas, Most of the respondents suggested that Shell and Sime Darby should donate TNNP increased their permit and licence some of their money. Example, fees, especially the entrance permits to Honda had contributed some of generate extra revenue. Some of them, their sales for the conservation of including respondent 3 and respondent rhinoceros [Respondent 7]. 2, said that the best option was through entrance permits. Respondent 3 and respondent 2 asserted that: Some private companies have done their job. Maybe they think it is …… There are several actions their responsibility. I heard that that can be taken to increase their some companies gave this money income. Firstly, increase the price to this park for helping this park of the current permit, especially for the operation and maintenance the entrance permit. The charge [Respondent 9]. has been there for a long time [Respondent 3]. Meanwhile, one of the most effective and successful methods for revenue The funding depends on the visitors’ generation appears to be the entrance fee. arrival time. When the number of Some parks employ a fee system whereby visitors increases, TNNP’s income all income received goes back into the will eventually go up. Along the park’s individual account. Studies have same line, TNNP should increase shown that visitors are more willing to the entrance fee and boost sponsors pay higher entrance fees if the revenue is or donations from public and used for conservation and improving the private sectors [Respondent 2]. quality of services (Font et al., 2004). In 1989, Botswana raised the entrance fee for foreigners to their protected areas by 900%. Resource Conflicts Surprisingly, two years later, the number Dearden (2000) identified three reasons for of tourists visiting their places increased resource conflicts in national parks. The

212 Pertanika J. Trop. Agric. Sci. 36 (S) 205 - 220 (2013) Ecotourism in Taman Negara National Park: Issues and Challenges first conflict is over legitimate resources national park sometimes have detrimental within the national parks. This conflict impacts on the protected national park. arises between recreation/tourism areas and National parks today also face issues on the requirement to protect these resources managing the tourists and alleviating for current and future generations. This tourism’s impact. means the park authorities are confused As noted, national parks are the main whether to fully exploit them or to preserve sources of income for aboriginals and local them for later. Consequently, conflicts arise people. However, when a national park between tourism and conservation. The is opened to the public, all the activities second conflict is closely related to activities including collecting forest products are within the park. When a place becomes illegal. This often encourages poaching by a national park, all the activities such as aboriginals and local people. Respondent collecting wood and hunting animals will 8 gave the opinion that poaching is one of become illegal. Therefore, conflict occurs, the most critical recent problems in TNNP. especially over developing the country; This can be seen in the following statement: these resources are often sources of income. I think poaching is one of the This statement is supported by respondent 1 problems at this park. I’ve seen and respondent 9: in the newspaper before that it This Taman Negara is a source involved activities such as collecting of income for aboriginal people. forest product and c animals and Before this, they collect honey, then sell them at the higher price. wood and plant from this forest, There is a demand out there. I suddenly, government take this think this problem exists because forest. What happen to them? Where the jungle used to be their place would theyfind food and how would before. This forest is their life. It they survive? [Respondent 1]. is not easy to change their mind because they believed they can take whatever they want from this forest This forest is a place for Orang Asli. [Respondent 8]. They were born here; they built their house here. This is where their life Poaching of forest products is a is. Forest is where they can find food current problem at TNNP. According to such as small animal, medicine, DWNP (2005), there were 2,581 cases in fruits, for them and sometime they contravention of the Protection of Wildlife sell them [Respondent 9]. Act 76/1972 in 2003. One of DWNP’s major recent activities is the enforcement The last conflict is over ‘external of the Protection of Wildlife Act 76/1972. threats’. In other words, land uses outside the

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Activities under this Act include the I can see there’s too many people protection and patrolling of the wildlife allowed to enter this park. When too reserve, forest reserve and important wildlife many people are allowed to enter, habitats where endangered wildlife species many problems will arise, especially still exist (DWNP, 2005). The duties of overcrowding [Respondent 8]. DWNP are to inspect licensed dealers and private premises and control other forms of The problem of overcrowding can be wildlife exploitations. minimized by taking preventive action, Respondent 5 proposed that TNNP hire such as limiting the number of visitors. more staff in order to combat this problem. Most of the respondents felt that limiting the In addition, she also said that Taman Negara number of visitors could overcome several should have better cooperation with the army problems at the park including erosion in the attempt to minimize the poaching problem. Other possibilities forwarded problem. This will perhaps help reduce were organizing special events out of the poaching, and at the same time, reduce the peak season (as suggested by respondent 7) operational costs of the park. Respondent 7 and creating more attractive places at the believes that the poaching problem could be park, which would avoid difficulties such solved through the involvement of the local as overcrowding in certain parts of TNNP people and aboriginals in park decisions. (respondent 5). The two respondents gave their opinions as follows: Visitor Management Another option to explore is Visitor management in national park is new accesses to Taman Negara, particularly important for the sustainability which would be introduced by of ecotourism resources. The problem of organizing special events out of overcrowding and an excess of visitors is peak season. This, in turn, will closely related to visitor management. One ease the congestion problem during of the important issues related to national those busy times [Respondent 7]. park is overcrowding. In the case of TNNP, this park is open throughout the year and there is no restriction on the number of ….This park should explore more visitors coming to the park. Respondent 1 places or create new tourism and respondent 8 gave their opinions: products. This will help to reduce I can say there is a lack of visitor congestion problems and avoid management at this park. People tourists from crowding just certain can enter this park without limit. places [Respondent 5]. You can see from the walking trails. The walking trail condition is so bad [Respondent 1].

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Environmental Degradation Respondent 6 agreed with respondent Studies by Chin et al. (2000) at Bako 3, saying that: National Park found that 69% of the visitors Walking trail is so muddy and littering around the park as either a ‘slight erosion is bad. When the rain is problem’ or a ‘serious problem’. This was heavy, you can see a lot of water followed by erosion along walk-trails (62%) on the trail. Also, some part you and damages to natural vegetation (57%). can see problem of land slide Meanwhile, Yong (1990) identified several [Respondent 6]. environmental problems at TNNP. These included: (1) littering problems by visitors, Littering also occurred in popular places especially on walking trails, river banks and such as the walking trails, river banks, camp sites; (2) waste water disposal into camp sites, and canopy walkways. This led the Sungai Tembeling; (3) sandy soil along to environmental problems in these areas. the trails and camp sites; and (4) erosion Waste such as plastic bags and plastic bottles along river banks. Erosion along Sungei will result in air pollution if they are burnt, Tembeling is caused by the waves created by and contamination if buried. These are boats passing along the river and by illegal explained by respondent 1 and respondent logging activities in some parts of the park. 5 in the following statements: Respondent 3 found that erosion was a problem which occurred recently at the I can see two problems, which are park. Several parts of the park, such as the littering and insufficient number trails and camp sites, are heavily used. The of staff to pick up the rubbish. … problem becomes worst after heavy rain TNNP should regularly carry out as this makes the trails muddy. In order inspections or rounds and strictly avoid mud, some visitors create new trails enforce the rules [Respondent 1]. and this causes soil erosion and destruction of vegetation. Respondent 3 also made a suggestion that TNNP be closed for a certain I don’t understand with the attitude period. He stated that: of some people. They throw rubbish where ever they want. I can see a lot … Some of the trails are overused of bins in the park but still they don’t and the soil is seriously eroded. want to use the bin [Respondent 5]. Taman Negara should close this park for a certain period; let’s say Respondent 6 believes that 3 months in order for the trails environmental problems could be minimised to be repaired and the soil to be through a mixture of the following measures: recovered. Last but not least, it conservation education, information, law should also limit the number of enforcement and participation. Perhaps visitors [Respondent 3].

Pertanika J. Trop. Agric. Sci. 36 (S): 205 - 220 (2013) 215 Zaiton, S., Aziz, Y. A. and Mohd Rusli, Y. this combination can ensure that the park the local community in policy-making and be successful for the present and future decision processes is important in ensuring generations. Respondent 6 is firm in his that their opinions and ideas are heard by belief that the park should: the park’s authority. At the same time, such processes will enable TNNP to obtain better Also, try to get local communities’ cooperation from the local community. Other involvement in planning and actions include increases in law enforcement decision-making processes and fines for people who contravene the and spend on education and protection of Wildlife Act 76/1972. In conservation programmes for both 2003, the total revenue collected from visitors and the local community. enforcement activities was RM1,677,826.00 (DWNP, 2005). Of this figure, compound DISCUSSION AND cases recorded RM76,508.00 and fines were RECOMMENDATIONS around RM48,000.00 (DWNP, 2005). The main problem at TNNP is rooted in As reported in the study, the best option an inefficient pricing policy. The finding to reduce congestion at TNNP is an attempt reported that entrance permit is very low. to channel the visitors into less crowded For this the respondents suggested a revised areas. This can be done by exploring and in the pricing policy could be a tool for providing new places to attract them. generating extra income and smoothing Meanwhile, the trends in visitor arrivals the flow of finance at TNNP. So far, the in the peak season can be used by the park government has been a major source of authority as guidelines in designing an funding for certain national parks, especially efficient pricing system. As discussed earlier, those in developing countries. This has been pricing can be used as a tool to solve several the case for TNNP, but the park authority problems such as overcrowding in TNNP. has to find other ways of raising funds for For example, the park authority can set a the survival of the park as well. Besides higher price during peak season or different funding from the government, several prices for weekdays and weekends to assist mechanisms have been identified to raise in alleviating congestion problems. Finally, park revenue including increasing income TNNP can design several programmes from private funding as discussed by some outside peak season as a strategy for of the respondents. attracting visitors. The findings also revealed that resource As evident from the interview, conflicts also occurred in TNNP. Poaching environmental degradation is also one of can be minimized by creating a close the important issues at the park. There relationship between park authority and the are various options for TNNP to reduce local communities, including aboriginal environmental problems in the park. The people. Meanwhile, the involvement of most vital is to educate visitors and the local

216 Pertanika J. Trop. Agric. Sci. 36 (S) 205 - 220 (2013) Ecotourism in Taman Negara National Park: Issues and Challenges community about the importance of the Based on the preceding discussion, rain forest and why it should be conserved. it is important to note that one of the By increasing the level of awareness, major challenges in the management of especially among visitors and in the local ecotourism is to comprehensively develop community, people may be made to feel a structured and integrated plan for that they should take the responsibility and environment management, particularly at to cooperate with TNNP to ensure the park’s TNNP. Accordingly, this requires a strong survival for future generations. Hence, collaboration from respective stakeholders, educating the visitors as well as the local which include Department of Wildlife community on the importance of sustaining and National Parks (DWNP), Department the environment is critical so that they will of Environment (DOE), and Ministry of understand and support the management’s Tourism Malaysia. More importantly, it strategies in TNNP. In addition, it is clear is vital to involve the local community that there is an apparent need to increase the in the ecotourism sustainability planning promotion in term of tourism sustainability. so that they can suggest relevant ideas Also reported is the fact that TNNP could and consequently, value their endangered limit the number of visitors, especially resources more highly. during the peak season to minimize the Ecotourism in national parks brings problems of overcrowding and erosion. benefits to the local communities through employment opportunities, and this CONCLUSION increases the levels of income. However, Ecotourism management will increasingly proper planning is needed, because without become a subject of interest as ecotourism it, such developments will bring negative activities are gaining popularity around the effects to the economy, society and the world. This paper has identified issues and environment. Similarly, a careful planning challenges faced by TNNP. The findings of visitor carrying capacity is also required showed that inefficient pricing policy, to avoid congestion problem that impairs resource conflict, visitor management and the environment in national parks. An environmental degradation occurred in overwhelming number of visitors will create TNNP. A national park is an untouched a burden on the environment, and thus affect area of natural environment, which requires the habitat of flora and fauna. Thus, it is the maximum level of protection and was possible to suggest that the government, the created to safeguard certain areas of the private sector, local community and other earth, land and water surfaces from market stakeholders are the ones that safeguard and other forces. National parks are also the sustainability of ecotourism resources areas that contain natural resources of in TNNP. ecological importance or unique beauty, or flora and fauna of special importance.

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