EIA for the Proposed Development of 3 Blocks of Staff Residences and Other Amenities on PT 313, Bandar Padang Mat Sirat, District of , Darul Aman.

CHAPTER ESTABLISHMENT OF THE EXISTING 3 ENVIRONMENT

3.1 Introduction

Existing baseline scenario for a given Project Site; basically comprises of three (3) major environmental components i.e. physical, biological and socio-economics environments which will be discussed in Chapter 3 . These existing environments are documented to form a basis for the assessment of potential impacts (either positive or negative) which will be generated from the proposed development onto the surrounding environment. Conversely any existing conditions that are likely to impact upon the proposed development itself will also be discussed. The prevalent physical and biological environment will be an indicator of the existing nature’s carrying capacity to adapt to the potential impacts generated by the proposed development. While, the socio-economic background of the surrounding areas is established to represent specific aspects of the human environment, which normally poses significant implications in the implementation of the development. The assessment is profiled according to site surveys and utilizing published secondary data (i.e. maps, reports and structure plans) made available by the relevant government agencies.

3.2 Physical Environment

3.2.1 Geomorphology

General topography of the Project Site is illustrated in Figure 3.1 . The site’s geomorphology comprises low-lying ground of river estuary. The average elevations of the nearly flat terrain with slope less than 2 o in gradients, ranges from 2.4m to 2.6m above mean sea level (msl). The highest ground (approximately 3.682m above msl) lies at the earth bund along the southwestern portion of the Project Site while the lowest ground (approximately 0.462m above msl) lies after the earth bunds in the southwestern boundary of the Project Site as shown in Figure 3.2 .

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3.2.2 Coastal/Offshore Bathymetry

According to the National Coastal Erosion Study (NCES), 1985 the coastline of the Project Site is identified as Reach 1W. The coast is characterized by the sea forming numerous rock headlands with small closed systems sandy pocket beaches form in between. Generally, the shoreline of Pulau Langkawi is reported to be stable. At present the beach has no reported erosion conditions. None are thought to be imminent.

Basically, the proposed Project Site located on the low-lying ground of littoral zone along the coastal plain of Kuala Teriang, on the western side of Pulau Langkawi. Most of the proposed Project Site is grown with grass while shoreline materials of the Project Site are sand. The sand is predominately quartz although it contains a significant quantity of calcareous material as well.

3.2.3 Hydrology

From the hydrological aspect, there is one (1) main river and one seasonal earth drain flowing through the Project Site as shown in Figure 3.3. The main river within the Project Site is Sg. Melaka which originates from the Gunung Raya, flows westwards and drains at the southern portion of the Project Site prior to discharging into the sea. It is approximately 13km in length, with a catchment of 64.85 km 2 (16023.80 Acres)

The earth drain within the Project Site drains at the eastern boundary of the Project Site before flowing directly into Kuala Sg. Melaka (refer to Figure 3.2 ). The seasonal streams are observed to have flowing waters whenever it rains.

3.2.4 Geology

The geological information of the Project area was obtained from the Geological Map of Peninsular (1985) and Quaternary Geological Map of (1989), both published by the Geological Survey of Malaysia as shown in Figure 3.4 . The entire Project Site is situated on the unconsolidated and semi-consolidated marine coastal sand which known as Gula Formation.

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The deposits of Gula Formation vary from pure coarse and fine sand to pure silt or clay. The relatively pure sands are valuable sources for construction aggregate, while the silt and clays can be a constraint on future land uses where construction works are involved, such as this development due to the low load bearing capacity. In general, Quaternary deposits are depicted up to 15m above mean sea level along the coastal area where little is known of the bedrock geology. Fossil evidence of gastropoda, pelecypoda, scaphopoda, arthropoda and echinodermata and lithology sequences have shown a shallow marine to estuarine environment of deposition for the Gula Formation. The age of the Gula Formation is considered to be Holocene.

3.2.5 Soil Investigation

Soil investigation (S.I.) within the boundary of the Project Site was carried out by Deep Rocks Sdn. Bhd. under the supervision of Meinhardt (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd. The drilling works were conducted in November 2012. The disturbed and undisturbed samples were taken from the Project Site and delivered to Z-DSAC Laboratories for laboratory testing which was completed in January 2013. An excerpt of the Bore Log profiles from the SI report is appended in Appendix 3 . The Foundation Design Report (July 2012) is prepared by Jurutera Perunding Meinhardt Sdn. Bhd.

The S.I. works were carried out to obtain geotechnical engineering data of the subsoil for the design of foundation, cost estimate and engineering control. The scope of work for the soil investigation consisted of the following: i. Conduct four (4) numbers of exploratory boreholes within the boundary of the Project Site. The location of the boreholes is shown in Figure 3.5. Generally the scope of S.I. is adequate and satisfactory with effective spacing of bore holes/tests within 15m; ii. Disturbed and undisturbed sampling of soils for visual examination and laboratory testing; iii. Standard Penetration Test (SPT) to determine the hardness of materials encountered; and iv Perform laboratory testing of selected soil samples to determine: • Classification Tests − Natural moisture contents of soils; − Atterberg limit;

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- Specific gravity; − Linear Shrinkage; and − Particle size distribution for coarse- and fine-grained soi.; • Soil Chemical Test − Organic matter content; − Total sulphate content; − Chloride content; and − pH value.

The Mackintosh Probe was also carried out within the Project Site to provide a profile of penetration resistance with depth to give an assessment of the variability of in-situ materials on site. A total of seventeen (17) locations of Mackintosh Probe test are being carried out within the boundary of the Project Site and correlated to the boreholes.

From the borehole log profiles, it can be seen that the upper subsurface of the site is made up of silty CLAY and clayey SILT with sand which is generally stiff to very stiff. The lower subsurface level of the site which is made up of hard CLAY with some sand and little gravels is encountered at the depth of 24m. For all the boreholes carried out, hard layer with SPT N values of 50 is encountered at the depth ranges from 24m to 30m from the existing ground surface. Soft clay layer with the thickness ranges from 1.5m to 3m is encountered in all the boreholes. The summary of the initial borehole logs is shown in Table 3.1.

Table 3.1: Summary of Initial Borehole Logs

Existing Ground Hard Layer depth Hard Layer Level Borehole Level (SPT-N ≥ 50) (SPT-N ≥ 50) Termination depth Borehole (RLm) (m) (RLm) (m) BH 5 2.447 27.0 -24.553 33.10 BH 6 2.446 24.0 -21.554 30.10 BH 7 2.502 30.0 -27.498 36.10 BH 8 2.553 28.5 -25.947 34.60 Note : Results above is extracted from a Preliminary SI results obtained after SI boring, hence information may be unreliable. Source : Deep Rock Sdn. Bhd., 2013

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3.2.6 Soil

Based on the Reconnaissance Soil Map of Peninsular Malaysia ( Pindaan 2002), published by the Ministry of Agriculture Malaysia, the Project Site is situated on coastal plain alluvial soil (i.e. coastal beach sands) namely the Rudua – Rusila Association as shown in Figure 3.6. These are immature soils which are being formed on present day beaches.

The Rudua – Rusila Association consists of two (2) very different soil series that are easily distinguished from one another. They are distributed along the entire east and southeastern coasts of Penisular Malaysia where they extended inland for a distance of 1.5km to 6.5km. Their continuity is broken only by streams, rivers and coastal promontories. These soils occupy raised beaches and depressions which are oriented in a direction parallel to the seashore and which are derived from the beach sand built up by the wave action during recent geological time. Elevation varies from 1.5m to 6m above mean sea level. Both of the soil series exhibit low nutrient status and are easily distinguishable, one being a very free draining, poorly structured, highly leached soil occurring on long narrow ridges, while the other is a water-logged, dark coloured swamp soil occurring in the depressions between the ridges.

The Rudua Series soils exhibit a grey to pale grey brown, structureless, loamy sand to coarse sand topsoil of only a few inches in thickness. Below this horizon, the subsurface soil is a dark grey coarse sand which merges into a grayish or brownish coloured subsoil. While the soils of Rusila Series are found in the flat narrow swampy areas between the sandy ridges. These soils are poorly drained, have high water table and not infrequently are inundated most of the year. Surface and subsurface layers vary from dark grey to black colours while textures range from clayey sands to sandy clay loam. Subsoil horizon exhibit light grey or white colours with yellow mottling sometimes being observed.

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3.2.7 Groundwater

The hydrogeological map of the Project Site as shown in Figure 3.7, was extracted from the Hydrogeological Map of Kedah (2008) published by Jabatan Mineral and Geosains (JMG) Malaysia. The Project Site is located on high potential aquifer regime of this region.

Based on the hydrogeological map, the nearest tube wells are located at Kg. Bohor which is located approximately 3 km east of the proposed Project Site, however, the type of soil and potential aquifer regime are different from the Project Site. Whilst Kg. Gelam which is located approximately 5 km south of the proposed Project Site with the similar type of soil and same potential aquifer regime, could be correlated to the groundwater volume. These active tube wells of Kg. Gelam indicate that the groundwater could yield between >5.0 - ≤10.0 meter 3/hour. The quality and potability of the water were fresh and generally potable with total dissolved solid (TDS) less than 1,500mg/l for tube wells. The tube well is used for domestic purposes. In connection with this information, the groundwater quality and yield are expected to be similar.

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3.2.8 Landuse

The Project Site is located on a flat sandy area near river mouth of Sungai Melaka and stretching approximately 180 m along the beach known as Pantai Kok. The surrounding areas are mostly mixed horticulture (village) and paddy. There is one main natural stream which originates from the ridge considerably covered with native vegetation and flows through the Project Site via Sg. Melaka prior discharging into Straits of .

The Project Site are mainly surrounded by villages and resorts. The project Site is located within Kg. Kuala Melaka area. Kg. Kuala Teriang and Kg. Sg. Sedak are located towards to northwest of the project Site. Meanwhile, a few resorts are located to the south of the Project Site i.e. Kuala Melaka Inn, Langkawi Lagoon Resort and Perdana Beach Resort. The only airport strip available i.e. Langkawi International Airport is located 2 km to the south whilst town is about 15km to the east from the Project Site. All these resorts, airport and Kuah town are accessible through road via Jalan Kuala Muda.

For this EIA study, the area within the arbitrary radius of 5km from the Project boundary has been defined as the impact area. Land uses of the impacted areas have been extracted from the Landuse Map of Negeri Kedah (2008), published by the Ministry of Agriculture, Malaysia and some demarcations of various landuse have been amended based on the field survey (2013). The detailed breakdown of the landuse for the impact area is presented in Table 3.2. The landuse map of Pulau Langkawi indicating landuse within 5km radius from the boundary of the Project Site is shown in Figure 3.8. The total acreage that is covered by the 5km radius is 20,264.51 acres (8,200.8 ha ).

Assessment on the land use shows that the predominant type of land use setting within the total impact area is water body which covers 38.97% or 3,196.13 ac of the 5km radius from the Project boundary. The water body is represented by Straits of Malacca. The other predominant land is Agricultural land. The types of agricultural crops noted on this land use were mixed horticulture, agriculture stations, rubber, orchards, paddy, pastura and ruminant plants. Agricultural activities make up about 8,806.99 acres or 28.66% of the total impact areas.

Forest area makes up the other major land use within the impact area which includes idle grassland, secondary forest, and swampy forest. This type of land use makes up about 28.53% or 5,781.54 acres of the total impact area. Bukit Sawak Forest Reserve which is situated on the northern portion of the Project Site dominates the forest area. Settlements and non-agricultural areas make up the other major land use within the 5 km impact

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areas, which includes urban and recreation areas, main roads and quarry and ex-quarries area. The total acreage involved for this type of land use is 657.58 acres or 3.24% .

Table 3.2 : Landuse of the Impact Area (within the arbitrary radius of 5 km)

Landuse Categories Total Area Percentage (%) (ha) (ac) Settlements & Associated Non- Agricultural Areas Urban & Associated Areas 210.41 519.94 2.57 Main Road 25.43 62.83 0.31 Recreational Areas 24.03 59.38 0.29 Quarry & Ex-quarries 6.24 15.43 0.08 Subtotal 266.11 657.58 3.24 Agricultural Land Agriculture Stations 8.62 21.31 0.11 Mixed Horticultural (Village) 436.62 1,078.91 5.32 Rubber 724.07 1,789.21 8.83 Orchards 382.99 948.38 4.67 Paddy 796.77 1,968.87 9.72 Pastura / Ruminant 0.93 2.31 0.01 Subtotal 2,350.01 8,806.99 28.66 Forest/Idle Land Idle Grassland/Lalang 228.40 564.38 2.79 Forest 1,976.54 4,884.12 24.10 Secondary Forest 40.97 101.23 0.50 Swampy Forest 93.81 231.81 1.14 Subtotal 2,339.71 5,781.54 28.53 Others Beach Sand 21.57 53.29 0.26 Reclaimed Area 9.51 23.51 0.12 River 17.73 43.81 0.22 Water Body 3,196.13 7,897.79 38.97 Subtotal 3,244.94 8,018.40 39.57 Total 8,200.77 20,264.51 100.00

Source: Figures obtained from the Landuse Map of Negeri Kedah (2008) & field survey (2013).

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The following section details out the landuse pattern of the impact area within each kilometer from the boundary of the Project Site:

Radius Landuse

0 - 250m North - East Settlement: Kg.Sg.Kedak North - West Settlement: Kg.Sg.Kedak Other landuse :Jalan Kuala Muda, Straits of Malacca South -East Settlement: Kg.Kuala Melaka Other landuse : Jalan Kuala Muda, Sg. Melaka South - West Other landuse : Beach, Straits of Malacca 250m – 500m North - East Settlement: Kg.Sg.Kedak North - West Settlement: Kg.Sg.Kedak, Kg.Bohor Chantek, Kg.Bohor Raja Other landuse : Jalan Kuala Muda, Straits of Malacca South -East Settlement: Kg.Kuala Melaka ,L angakawi Lagoon Resort, Kuala Melaka Inn,The Laguna Perdana Beach Resort Other landuse : Jalan Kuala Muda South - West Other landuse : Straits of Malacca 500m – 750m North - East Settlement: Kg.Sg.Kedak, Kg.Kuala Teriang, Kg.Bohor Chantek, Kg.Bohor Raja North – West Settlement: Kg.Sg.Kedak , Kg.Kuala Teriang Other landuse : Jalan Kuala Muda, Jalan Kuala Teriang, Straits of Malacca South -East Settlement: The Laguna Perdana Beach Resort, Loji Rawatan Kumbahan Kuala Melaka Other landuse : Jalan Kuala Muda South - West Other landuse : Straits of Malacca 750m – 1km North - East Settlement: Kg.Kuala Teriang, Kg.Bohor Chantek, Kg.Bohor Raja North – West Settlement: Kg.Kuala Teriang, Sheraton Beach Resort Other landuse : Jalan Pantai Kok, Jalan Kuala Teriang, Straits of Malacca South -East Settlement: Kg.Bawah, Other landuse : Loji Rawatan Kumbahan Kuala Melaka, Jalan Kuala Muda, Straits of Malacca South - West Other landuse: Straits of Malacca

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Radius Landuse

1km – 2km North - East Settlement: Kg.Ra nggot Besar, Kg.Ranggot Kechil, Kg.Bohor Chantek Other landuse : Jalan Kuala Teriang, North – West Settlement: Kg. Ranggot Besar, Kg.Batu Ara, Sheraton Beach Resort Other landuse : Orchards, Jalan Pantai Kok, Rubber, Straits of Malacca South -East Set tlement: Padang Mat Sirat, Kg.Bt.Nau Other landuse : Jalan Lapangan Terbang, Jalan Kuala Muda, Aquabeat Water Theme Park South - West Other landuse : Straits of Malacca

2km – 3km North - East Settlement: Kg.Ranggot Kechil, Kg.Geronggang, Kg.Lubok Setol Other landuse: Hutan Rizab Bk. Sawak North – West Settlement: Tg.Santuary Langkawi Other landuse: Jalan Pantai Kok, Hutan Rizab Bk. Sawak South -East Settlement: Kg.Bohor Chempedak, Kg.Bt,Nau, One Hotel Langkawi Other landuse: Jalan , Langkawi International Airport, Langkawi Police Academy South - West Other landuse : Straits of Malacca 3km – 4km North - East Settlement: Kubang Badak, Kemajuan Tanah Nyior Chabang, Kg.Nyior Chabang, Bendang Pdg.Saga Other landuse : Hutan Rizab Bk. Sawak North – West Settlement: Kg.Hijrah, Kubang Badak, Kemajuan Tanah Kg.Kok Other landuse: Hutan Rizab Bk. Sawak, Jalan Teluk Yu, Jalan Pantai Kok, Telaga Harbour Park South -East Settlement: Kg.Yoi, Kg.Darat, Kg.Chenek Kura, Kg.Paya Mempelam Other landuse: Jalan Padang Matsirat, Jalan Kedawang, Langkawi International Airport, Kolej Komuniti Langkawi South - West Other landuse : Straits of Malacca

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Radius Landuse 4km – 5km North - East Settlement: Kg.Kelubi, Kemajuan Tanah Nyior Chabang Other landuse: Jalan Teluk Yu, Hutan Rizab Kubang Badak, Hutan Rizab Bk.Sawak. North – West Settlement: Kemajuan Tanah Kubang Badak, Padang Mat Sirat, Kg.Hijrah Other landuse: Jalan Teluk Yu, Hutan Rizab Bk.Sawak, Mutiara Burau Bay Resort, , Geoforest Park South -East Settlement: Kg.Kemboja, Simpang Kenyum, Kg.Perana, Kg.Lubok Dalam, KKg.Bohor Masjid, Kg.Bt.Lembu, Kedawang, Kg.Gelam, Kg.Chenang Other landuse: Jalan Padang MatSirat, Jalan Kedawang, Langkawi Quarry

South - West Other landuse : Str aits of Malacca

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3.2.9 Climate and Meteorology

In general the climate for Peninsular Malaysia ranges from hot-humid equatorial to humid temperature. This type of climate is well characterized by uniform high temperature, high and heavy annual throughout the year. The Peninsular also experiences monsoon climate and the variation in rainfall dependent on periodic changes in the prevailing wind, is the most important seasonal features. For example, the Northeast and Southwest Monsoons brings heavy thunderstorms to the east and west coast respectively. The nearest meteorological station to the Project Site is the station located at the Pulau Langkawi Airport with a latitude of 06o20’N and a longitude of 99 o44’E. Data from this meteorological station will be used to provide baseline climatic information on the Project Site which recorded from the year 1991 to 2011 (refer Appendix 4).

Temperature

The monthly temperature recorded in the meteorological station at Pulau Langkawi Airport, from the year 1991-2011 were relatively stable throughout the year with average monthly variations not exceeding 2.0 oC. The lowest and highest 24 Hour Mean Temperature were 27.3oC (in the years of 1991, 1992 and 1993) and 28.6oC (in the year of 1998) respectively.

Rainfall Pattern

Rainfall data recorded in the meteorological station at Pulau Langkawi Airport from the year 1991 to 2011 indicates a fluctuating distribution pattern with the year 2003 having the heaviest total annual rainfall (i.e. 3,166.7mm) while 2004 was the driest year with 1,822.7mm of total annual rainfall. The average total annual rainfall from the year 1991 to 2011 was recorded at approximately 2,431.6mm.

Relative Humidity

The lowest and highest 24 Hour Mean Relative Humidity recorded in the meteorological station at Pulau Langkawi Airport, from the year 1991-2011 were 76.2% (in the year of 2005) and 81.7% (in the year of 1991) respectively.

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Evaporation

Evaporation data that was obtained from the meteorological station at Pulau Langkawi Airport, were given daily as shown in Appendix 4. The highest mean daily evaporation was in the year of 1992 (i.e. 5.1 mm) while the lowest was in the year of 2001 with 3.9 mm of evaporation.

Water Balance

The difference between rainfall and evaporation data will indicate the amount left behind in the environment. This is known as the water balance parameter and it is used to guide construction schedule and any activities that are related to land clearing in order to minimize the amount of earth materials being eroded into the waterways system during heavy thunderstorms.

In order to estimate the water balance value, both rainfall and evaporation have to be in the same unit and period of time. The rainfall was recorded monthly, but the evaporation value was given daily in the Annual Summary of Meteorological Observations from 1991-2011. Therefore, the mean daily evaporation is multiplied by the number of days of each month for that particular year in order to obtain the mean monthly evaporation records of the Pulau Langkawi Airport. Subsequently, every month of each year from 1991-2011 for both rainfall and evaporation is averaged out. The average monthly rainfall data for each month for the year 1991-2011, subtract the average evaporation data and as a result average water balance for each month is established. The rainfall, evaporation and water balance data are presented in Figure 3.9. Positive water balance indicates that there is excess water retained in the environment while negative water balance indicates that evaporation process exceeds precipitation. The highest water balance was in the month of August (i.e., +253.3mm), i.e., the month with the heaviest rainfall, while the lowest was in the month of January (i.e., -166.8mm). The range of period with low water balance was observed during the months of December to April of the year. Less erosion will occur if the land clearing activity is conducted during these months.

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Figure 3.9: Indicative Water Balance at the Project Site

Source: Malaysian Meteorological Services, 2012

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Wind Rose

The wind rose data used in this report was taken from the meteorological station at Pulau Langkawi Airport in 1991 – 2011, which is located in the southwest direction of the . The annual wind rose summary is shown in Figure 3.10 . On annual basis, the percentage of calm condition, which indicated by the centre of the wind rose, is 5.8%. The west wind has the highest velocity of speed ranges from 8.0-10.7 metres per second, when compared to other directional winds. The prevailing wind or highest frequency of wind occurrence is clearly from the northeast with the percentage of 29.7%. The percentage of various wind directions are given in Table 3.3.

Table 3.3 : Annual Percentage Frequency of Various Wind Directions and Speeds Year : 1991-2011 Station: Pulau Langkawi Airport Period : All 24 hours

Speed Annual (m/s) N NE E SE S SW W NW Calm Total <0.3 ------5.8 5.8 0.3 – 1.5 4.0 11.6 11.9 2.0 1.1 0.9 1.6 0.9 - 34.0 1.6 – 3.3 2.3 11.3 7.3 0.9 1.4 3.7 7.7 1.5 - 36.1 3.4 – 5.4 0.6 5.6 3.0 0.2 0.8 1.5 5.2 0.9 - 17.8 5.5 – 7.9 0.1 1.2 1.1 0.0 0.0 0.1 1.5 0.2 - 4.2 8.0 – 10.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.3 0.0 - 0.3 >10.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 - 0.0 Total 7.0 29.7 23.3 3.1 3.3 6.2 16.3 3.5 5.8 Source : Malaysian Meteorological Service, 2012. Note: N = North E = East S = South W = West NE = North-east SE = South-east SW = South-west NW = North-west

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Figure 3.10: Wind Rose Summary of Pulau Langkawi

• Location of the Project Site relative to Pulau Langkawi Airport .

Source : Malaysian Meteorological Service, 2012.

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3.2.10 Tides and Water Levels

Water levels along the Malaysian coastline are mainly influenced by astronomical tides. These tides are co-oscillating tides of the Pacific and basins. The overall region has, therefore, considerable variation in tide type.

The tide for Langkawi is semi diurnal (i.e. two high waters and two low waters in a tidal day with comparatively little diurnal inequality). The nearest standard port from the Project Site is Teluk Ewa. The various tidal elevations as extracted from the Tide Tables Malaysia (Vol.1) for 2012 published by the Hydrographic Department of the are tabulated in Table 3.4.

Table 3.4 : Tide Levels for Teluk Ewa

TIDE LEVELS ACD MSL

Highest Astronomical Tide (HAT) 3.56m 1.74m Mean High Water Spring (MHWS) 3.07m 1.25m Mean High Water Neap (MHWN) 2.18m 0.36m Mean Sea Level (MSL) 1.82 m 0.00m Mean Low Water Neap (MLWN) 1.46 m -0.36m Mean Low Water Spring (MLWS) 0.56 m -1.26m Lowest Astronomical Tide (LAT) 0.00 m - 1.82m

Source : Hydec Engineering Sdn. Bhd. (August 2012)

The tidal range (difference between MHWS and MLWS) is 2.51m while the maximum tidal range (difference between HAT and LAT) is 3.56m. Apart from astronomical tides, water levels can also fluctuate due to meteorological influences. Storm surges and wave setup or set down are usually important considerations.

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3.2.11 Waves

For the purposes of wave analysis, two (2) monsoon seasons can be considered. The north-east monsoon can be assumed to be taken from November through to April and the south west monsoon to be taken from May through to October.

The Project Site is mainly affected by monsoon-generated waves. Waves incident to the Project Site reflect the deepwater wave conditions found in the adjacent waters of the Straits of Melaka. The wave condition that was considered for the hydraulic study was the long-term wave climate for the assessment of seabed stability and sediment movement in the study area. Wave data information relevant to the Project Site was derived from Ship Board Observations compiled by the National Climatic Data Centre, U.S.A. which was made available in the form of magnetic tapes known as Summary of Synoptic Meteorological Observations (SSMO) data. The data was recorded over a period of 40 years (1949 till 1989) (obtained from DID data bank).

Figures 3.11 to 3.13 show the annual and seasonal wave rose diagram. It is seen from the annual wave rose that waves from the Northnorthwest (NNW) to the Southsouthwest (SSW) are quite predominant. However, not all waves from these directions are significant due to the orientation of the Project Site's shoreline.

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Figure 3.11: Annual Wave Rose for Pulau Langkawi

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Figure 3.12: Southwest Monsoon Wave Rose for Pulau Langkawi

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Figure 3.13: Northeast Monsoon Wave Rose For Pulau Langkawi

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3.2.12 Water Quality

For the purpose of this EIA study, stream and marine water samples were collected at 6 locations which represent the water conditions within the Project Site and the seafront. Water samples were collected twice within 24 hours period representing morning and high evening conditions for river water, meanwhile marine sampling was conducted during high tide and low tide. In-situ measurements were carried out for parameter temperature, pH, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Salinity, and Conductivity. Water samples collected were delivered to the laboratory and analysed for parameters Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Total Coliform, Faecal Coliform, Copper (Cu), Total Chromium (Cr), Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb), Arsenic (As), Mercury (Hg) and Oil & Grease. During transportation, samples were kept in boxes containing ice cubes to maintain temperature about 4 oC.

Stream Water Quality Assessment

Determination of baseline stream and marine water quality was conducted by Spectrum Laboratories Sdn. Bhd. (SAMM No.: 062), a Department of Standards accredited laboratory. The stream water sampling was conducted on 20 th September 2013. Grab samples were obtained from four (4) points representing the water-bodies that are most likely to be affected by the proposed development as shown in Figure 3.14. Table 3.5 below will highlight all general features of the sampling areas. While Table 3.6 shows the result analysis.

Table 3.5: Location and Description of the Streams Sampling Points

Sampling Points Coordinates/Description 6o21’24.5”N 99 o42’59.7”E

W1 – is located on the upstream of existing drain.

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6o21’20.1”N 99 o43’03.3”E

W2 – is located on the downstream of the existing drain.

6o21’17.1”N 99 o43’05.7”E

W3 – is located at the upstream of Sg. Melaka.

6o21’18.9”N 99 o43’03.4”E

W4 – is located at the downstream of Sg. Melaka.

Source: Spectrum Laboratories Sdn. Bhd., 2013

Physical Stream Water Quality Description

Lab analysis results show that the pH values range between 6.8 to 7.0. The water temperature recorded at all sampling points were similar and normal which is 300C. The TSS levels at W1 and W2 for both sampling sessions complied with Class IIA National Water Quality Standards for Malaysia

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(NWQSM) which limits the suspended solids at 50mg/L. Meanwhile TSS level at W3 and W4 which is located at the upstream and downstream of Sg. Melaka was found higher than DOE recommended limit.

Chemical Stream Water Quality Description

From the analysis, the values determined at all points in terms of chemical water quality parameters

(COD and BOD 5) complied with the prescribed Class IIA standards of the NWQSM except COD level at W1 (high tide and low tide) and W3 and W4 during low tide. The biochemical oxygen demand or

BOD 5 parameter is defined as the amount of oxygen required by the bacteria while stabilizing organic matter under aerobic condition (Sawyer et al, 1994). The values for all sampling points complied with the Class IIA Standards of 3 mg/L. As for the Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) test measures most of the organic compounds and oxidiziable mineral salts of sulfides, sulfites, etc. Apart from that, it was also noted that ammoniacal nitrogen was detected at all sampling points which is recorded high at W1 (low tide), W2 (low tide) and W4 (high tide).

Biological Stream Water Quality Description

Biological water quality parameter determination is represented by the E. coli (MPN) concentration, which indicates faecal contamination (i.e., human or animal excrement). The results indicated that E. coli detected at all sampling points is within the limit of NWQS except downstream of W4 during high tide. This could probably be contributed by the surrounding houses and activities near the Kuala Sg. Melaka.

Determination of Water Quality Index

The water quality indices (WQI) determination is for the four (4) sampling points. The computed results showed that all sampling points fall under Class II of the National Water Quality Standards for Malaysia. Generally, the water quality is clean and conventional treatment is required for water supply.

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Table 3.6: Stream Water Quality at the Project Site

TEST PARAMETERS Sampling Location W1 W2 W3 W 4 Class IIA #

Morning Evening Morning Evening Morning Evening Morning Evening pH (on-site) 6.9 7.0 6.9 7.0 6.9 6.8 7.0 6.9 6.0 - 9.0 Temperature (on-site), ( °C) 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 - Dissolved Oxygen (on-site), (mg/L) 5.9 5.5 5.8 5.6 6.0 6.1 6.1 6.0 5 - 7 COD, (mg/L) 73 57 16 6 25 35 22 41 25

BOD 5, (mg/L) 2 5 2 ND(<2) ND (<2) ND (<2) ND (<2) ND (<2) 3 Total Suspended Solids, (mg/L) 19 7 18 19 50 68 70 120 50 Oil & Grease, (mg/L) ND(<2.0) ND(<2.0) ND(<2.0) ND(<2.0) ND(<2.0) ND(<2.0) ND(<2.0) ND(<2.0) 0.04; N Ammoniacal Nitrogen, (mg/L) 0.30 0.48 0.20 0.46 0.26 0.25 0.82 0.76 0.3 E. coli Count (MPN), (org/100mL) 2 4 13 70 4 8 170 4 100 Water Quality Index Classification 79 77 88 89 85 83 82 77 and Uses (Class II) (Class II) (Class II) (Class II) (Class II) (Class II) (Class II) (Class II) Clean Clean Clean Clean Clean Clean Clean Clean Class IIA : Water Supply II – conventional treatment required; Class IIB : Recreational use with body contact. Source: Spectrum Laboratories Sdn. Bhd., 2013 Sampled on 20 th September 2013

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Marine Water Quality Description

Meanwhile, marine grab samples were taken on 20 th September 2013. Grab samples were obtained from 2 points representing the marine water-bodies that are most likely to be affected by the proposed development as shown in Figure 3.14. Table 3.7 below will highlight all general features of the sampling areas.

Table 3.7 : Location and Description of the Marine water Sampling Points

6o21’17.6”N 99 o42’55.6”E

MW1 – is located on the on the far right of the Project seafront.

The weather was good at the time of sampling for both sampling sessions.

6o21’15.0”N 99 o42’55.6”E

MW2 – is located on the on the far left of the Project seafront.

The weather was good at the time of sampling for both sampling sessions.

Source: Spectrum Laboratories Sdn. Bhd., 2013

Table 3.8 shows the result analysis. In general, all the parameters tested for marine water quality tested were in compliance with the Malaysia’ Marine Water Quality Criteria and Standards (MWQCS) except for copper, zinc and nitrate.

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Table 3.8: Marine Water Quality Surrounding the Project Site

Project Site Class E Parameter MW1 MW2 Of MWQS (High Tide) (Low Tide) (High Tide) (Low Tide) pH (on-site) 6.6 7.8 7.8 7.8 - DO (on-site), mg/l 6.3 6.8 6.7 7.0 4.0 Conductivity, 31,100 43,200 44,100 33,400 - S/cm Turbidity, NTU 20 20 20 22 - TSS, mg/l 11 13 15 11 100 Oil & Grease, ND<2.0 ND<2.0 ND<2.0 ND<2.0 0.14 mg/l Salinity, o/OO 21.4 25.5 25.5 21.4 - Arsenic as As, mg/l ND<0.01 ND<0.01 ND<0.01 ND<0.01 0.02 Cadmium as Cd, ND<0.001 ND<0.001 ND<0.001 ND<0.001 0.002 mg/l Total Chromium, ND<0.001 0.22 ND<0.001 ND<0.001 - mg/l Copper as Cu, mg/l 0.03 0.04 0.01 ND<0.001 0.0029 Lead as Pb, mg/l 0.045 ND<0.001 ND<0.001 ND<0.001 0.0085 Mercury as Hg, ND<0.001 ND<0.001 ND<0.001 ND<0.001 0.0005 mg/l Zinc as Zn, mg/l 0.075 0.075 0.095 0.05 0.050 Cyanide as CN, ND<0.02 ND<0.02 ND<0.02 ND<0.02 0.007 mg/l Ammoniacal ND<0.07 ND<0.07 ND<0.07 ND<0.07 0.07

Nitrogen as NH 3-N, mg/l

NO 2, mg/l 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.055

NO 3, mg/l 1.57 2.17 1.71 1.77 0.060 Phosphorus, mg/l ND (<0.5) ND (<0.5) ND (<0.5) ND (<0.5) 0.075 Phenol, mg/l ND<0.001 ND<0.001 ND<0.001 ND<0.001 0.01

Source: Spectrum Laboratories Sdn. Bhd., 2013 Note: 1) Class E means Malaysia: Marine Water Quality Criteria and Standards 2) < means Less than 3) - means Not Available 4) ND means Not Detected

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Cont’ Project Site Class E Parameter MW1 MW2 Of MWQS (Morning) (Evening) (Morning) (Evening) Faecal Coliform, <2 <2 <2 <2 100 MPN/100ml E.Coli Count, MPN/100ml <2 <2 <2 <2 -

Source: Spectrum Laboratories Sdn. Bhd., 2013

Note: 1) Class E means Malaysia: Marine Water Quality Criteria and Standards 2) < means Less than 3) - means Not Available 4) ND means Not Detected

3.2.13 Air Quality Assessment

Existing air quality was determined at A1 and A2 (refer to Figure 3.13) conducted from the 21 st to 23 rd September 2013.

Descriptions of the sampling points are as follows:-

A1 – is located at Kg. Kuala Melaka (6o21’24.5”N, 99 o42’59.4”E) A2 – is located at Taman Sungai, adjacent residential to the Project Site (6o21’11.6”N, 99 o43’09.3”E)

Pre-calibrated pump extracts air samples, which are then analysed for Total Suspended Particulate

(T.S.P.), nitrogen oxides (NO 2), sulphur oxides (SO 2), lead (Pb), carbon monoxide (CO) and

hydrocarbon (methane) contents. NO 2 and SO 2 levels are determined by colorimetric analysis, whilst the Atomic Absorption Spectrometry is employed to detect Pb levels and the detector tube for CO and methane contents. Other criterion for ambient air quality is the total suspended particulate (TSP), which were determined and analysed by the High Volume Sampler and followed by Gravimetry method.

From the results obtained all parameters indicated levels within the Malaysian Recommended Environmental Air Quality Guidelines as tabulated in Table 3.9.

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Table 3.9 : Results of Air Quality Assessment Parameter Sampling Points Malaysian A1 A2 Guidelines* TSP ( gm -3) 46 ( gm -3) 68 ( gm -3) 260( gm -3) NO 2 (ppm) ND (<0.005 ppm) ND (<0.005 ppm) 0.17 ppm SO 2 (ppm) ND (<0.005 ppm) ND (<0.005 ppm) 0.04 ppm Pb (ppm) ND (<0.01 gm -3) ND (<0.01 gm -3) 1.5 gm -3 CO (ppm) 4 (ppm) 3.8 (ppm) 9 ppm Hydrocarbon ND (< 2ppm) ND (< 2ppm) NA (methane) Source: Spectrum Laboratories Sdn. Bhd. 2013 Note: 1) < means less than 2) * means Malaysian Recommended Environmental Air Quality Limits 3) NA means Not Available

3.2.14 Noise Level Assessment

Noise levels at the designated sampling sites N1 and N2 (refer to Figure 3.14) were determined from the 21 st to 23 rd September 2013. Descriptions of the sampling points are as follows:-

N1 – is located at Kg. Kuala Melaka (6o21’24.5”N, 99 o42’59.4”E) N2 – is located at Taman Sungai, adjacent residential to the Project Site (6o21’11.6”N, 99 o43’09.3”E)

Ambient noise levels were recorded using the portable Bruel and Kjaer Integrating Sound Level Meter Type 2236. Measurements were conducted for 24 hours (i.e., day-time and night-time). The

results are tabulated in Table 3.10 where L eq values are shown for each of the sampling points concerned.

The monitoring results show that noise levels measured at N1 and N2 during day time and night time comply with the DoE recommended limit of 60 dB(A) for day time and 50 dB(A) for night time. Table 3.10 : Representative Noise Levels at Sampling Points N1 and N2 Sound Level, N1 N2 dB(A) Day -time Night -time Day -time Night -time

Leq 53.7 52.9 53.1 50.4

LMax 63.8 68.9 64.7 63.4

LMin 45.7 41.9 47.1 42.6

L10 55.2 55.5 54.4 51.5

L50 53.3 49.5 51.8 50.1

L90 50.6 43.2 49.4 45.8 Compliance 60.0 50.0 60.0 50.0 Limits Source: Spectrum Laboratories Sdn. Bhd. 2013

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3.3 Existing Biological Environment

This chapter intends to establish the existing biological environmental baseline information on the Project Site. Hence, the biological aspect is given utmost coverage so as to provide a clear description of the existing flora and fauna within the Project Site as well as its vicinity prior to implementation of the proposed development.

3.3.1 Ecology of Langkawi – Floral Survey

Langkawi is a complex island group that is difficult to simplify ecologically. There are several main vegetation communities and marine ecosystems. Many of Langkawi plant species have closer affinity to those of than of mainland Malaysia. While much of Langkawi is dominated by limestone, Mount Machingcang is sandstone and Mount Raya, granite. Land and sea caves have formed in the limestone over millions of years and are now home to specially adapted flora and fauna (LADA, 2011).

Langkawi is situated in the southern Andaman Sea and the waters are important as a marine habitat and a source of income for fishermen. Attempts are being made to sustainably harvest the fish and to protect the very asset that attracts tourists. Many species live in these waters with some of the more interesting species being the dolphins and Whale Sharks. Whale Sharks are complex, harmless plankton eaters and the biggest fish in the world growing up to 14m in length (LADA, 2011).

The extensive mangroves on Langkawi’s northern and eastern margins are important as fish breeding grounds and animal habitats. They also protect the foreshore from erosion (LADA, 2011). In addition, natural resource of mangrove in Langkawi is among the richest in Malaysia. There are 55 of species in 40 genus and 27 families of mangrove species had been recorded in Langkawi (Wan Juliana et al. 2005). Overall, Pulau Langkawi have the largest variety of habitats and the most species of flora and fauna compared to the other islands surrounding it.

Methodology Flora Survey The study site, PT 313 is located at the western portion of Pulau Langkawi. The surrounding of Proposed Project Site is mainly occupied with residential area, i.e., Kg. Kuala Melaka and Taman Sungai. The site has pockets of mangrove mainly found along the Kuala Sungai Melaka at the

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western and southern portion of the site and there is an existing jetty for the fishermen to park their boat. According to Landuse Map by Geopark Langkawi (refer to Figure 3.15), the Project Site is located within Non-Forest and Rural Area (source: www.langkawigeopark.com.my ). A vegetation survey was carried out at the proposed Project Site and its surrounding areas on 19th September 2013 to identify the types of flora found within the Site. The survey was done through site assessment and also visually from the boat along the Sungai Melaka. The flora vegetation profile of the Project Site is demarcated in the Figure 3.16.

Figure 3.15: Types of Forest in Langkawi

Project Site

Source: Geopark Langkawi, www.langkawigeopark.com.my

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Based on the site survey, the Proposed Project Site has a low vegetation profile as major portion of the area has been cleared previously. As the habitat is fairly disturbed, no dominant plant species were encountered; common coastal plant species characteristic of island and cleared lands encountered include sea almond ( Terminalia cattappa ), Coconut ( Cocos nucifera ), perennial climbers and grasses such as Beach morning glory ( Ipomoea pes-caprae ) and Merremia tridentate, Lalang (Imprerata cylindrical ), Fountain grass ( Pennisetum sp .), Alocasia , Banana ( Musa sp.) and etc., in the disturbed area whilst in the fringe of the Kuala Sungai Melaka and Jetty area, plants encountered are mainly mangrove species such as (Rhizophora mucronata ) and Api-api putih ( Avicenia alba ).

Other trees and plants such as Acacia, Albizia, Balik angin ( Mallotus sp .), etc. appeared as pioneer plants in the disturbed area whilst mango tree is believed planted by nearby villagers or fisherman at the eastern portion of the Project Site. Other tree encountered are Teak ( Tectona grandis ) planted by Langkawi local authority as wayside trees along the Jalan Kuala Muda, eastern portion of the Project Site.

The flora vegetation found within the Proposed Project Site and surrounding area is summarized in Table 3.11. The survey reveals that some of the trees and plants encountered in the surrounding area of the Proposed Project Site posed conservation status especially mangrove species along the western portion of the Project Site. Thus, the Project Proponent should preserve more trees especially those with conservation status.

Endangered and Endemic Species Based on the survey and study conducted, there is no endemic and endangered flora species found within the Project Site. The IUCN Red List indicated that all tree and plant species from the Project Site listed under “Least concern/lower risk” status. Meanwhile, mangrove species poses a conservation value even though they are commonly found in the country secondary forest and riverine area.

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Table 3.11: List of Tree and Plant Species of the Project

Family Scientific Name Common Name IUCN Red List ANACARDIACEAE Mangifera indica Mango Least Concern ARACEAE Alocasia sp. Alocasia Least Concern ARECACEAE Cocos nucifera Coconut Least Concern # AVICENNIACEAE Avicennia alba Api - api Putih Least Concern #Avicennia marina Api - api Jambu

COMBRETACEAE Terminalia catappa Ketapang Least Concern CONVULVULACEAE Ipomoea pes -caprea Morning Glory Least Concern Merremia tridentata - Least Concern

CLUSIACEAE Calophyllum inophyllum Penaga Laut Least Concern EUPHORBIACEAE Endosper mum diadenum - Least Concern Endospermum malaccense Sesendok Least Concern Mallotus paniculatus Balik Angin Least Concern

FABACEAE Falcatania molluccana White Albizia Least Concern Albizia sp. Albizia Least Concern Acacia sp. Acacia Least Concern

# RHIZO PHORACEAE Rhizophora mucronata Bakau Kurap Least Concern #Rhizophora apiculata Bakau Minyak

Hypoxidaceae Curculigo latifolia Weevil Plant Least Concern LAMIACEAE Tectona grandis Teak Least Concern Leguminosae Bauhinia sp. - Least Concern Mimosa pigra. - Least Concern

Melastomaceae Clidemia hirta - Least Concern Melastoma malabathricum - Least Concern

Poaceae Imprerata cylindrical Lalang Least Concern Pennisetum sp. Fountain grass Least Concern

Davalliaceae Nephrolepis biserrata Giant Swordfern Least Concern Gleicheniaceae Dicranopteris linearis Resam Least Concern *Site Survey September 2013, # Posses Conservation Status

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3.3.2 Faunal Survey

This section of the study addresses the wildlife ecological components via sighting and observation. It is necessary to report on the existing conditions of the wildlife ecology especially when the proposed development might disturb to wildlife habitats. Due to the Project Site being classified as a disturbed area for faunal habitats the present condition is not suitable for wildlife. Typical faunal species found in the rural area are most likely to be found at the Project Site, which are small mammals, reptiles and amphibians.

Mammals The existing condition of the Project site, as a disturbed area surrounded with villages and infrastructures, makes it unsuitable for wildlife habitat. However, the mammals found in the Project Site are mainly the small animals common to rural set-up and open area. The mammalian species found or likely to be found are only House rat ( Rattus rattus ), Squirrel ( Callosciurus notatus ), and cows ( Bos indicus ). There are no primates (Long-tailed macaque and dusky-leaf monkey) are sighted in the Project Site and surrounding area as there is no forested habitat in this area.

Avian Species Despite the disturbed environment within the rural area, there is only a relative few of birds in the existing Proposed Project Site area. Common bird species found and likely to be found are Acridotheres tristis (Common Myna), Passer domesticus (House sparrow) and Columba livia (Rock Dove). Coastal birds such as kingfisher, sunbirds, eagle and hawks where it always roaming in the sea side and mangrove area in the western portion of the Project Site.

Amphibians and Reptiles As of amphibians and reptiles, it is confined to the habitats found along the watercourses, near the aquatic-terrestrial interface. Due to the Project Site is majorly disturbed, amphibians and reptiles are hardly found and seen in the Project Site and surroundings. Meanwhile, reptiles such as monitor lizards are common and readily seen along the Sg. Melaka.

Legal Protection The legal status used in this report is in reference to the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716), IUCN Red List together with the various amendments to date. Under the said Act (Wildlife Conservation Act 2010), wildlife species are assigned to two levels of protection i.e., the “Totally

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Protected” wildlife and the “Protected” Wildlife. All fauna species encountered in the Project Site area are least concern such as Tree squirrel, House rat, Common Myna, House sparrow, etc. which are common throughout the country.

3.4 Sociological Environment

Existing socioeconomics and human environment made up the sociological descriptions of the proposed Project, which encompasses both the baseline conditions within the site and its surrounding area. These features within and surrounding the Project Site are determined from site survey, whilst additional information were derived from available published data on Langkawi District. The description emphasizes on the demographic profile and a general description of the available socio-amenities. It also discusses the foreseeable impacts on the existing human settlements and future residents of the proposed development.

3.4.1 District Socio-Economic Profile

Demographic Profile of District of Langkawi

The Project Site is located in Bandar Padang Mat Sirat within the District of Langkawi. Based on the Population and Housing Census of Malaysia 2010, the total number of population in Pulau Langkawi was 92,784 people. make up bulk of the population which totaled at 77,279 people, followed by the Chinese and Indian people at 4,253 and 1,712 respectively. Other Bumiputra makes up 151 people, while other Malaysian category was numbered at 212. The remaining 9,177 people were non-Malaysians found to be residing in Pulau Langkawi.

The proposed development caters for AJ Resort workers accommodation, therefore not a conventional human settlement i.e. residential area. It is not anticipated that there will be additional population to be created when the Project is operational, as majority of the workers will be employed from local populace.

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Infrastructures and Utilities of Pulau Langkawi

• Water Supply Pulau Langkawi obtains its’ water supply from Syarikat Air Darul Aman Sdn. Bhd. (SADA) • Telecommunication TELEKOM Malaysia Berhad (TMB) provides telecommunication facilities and services throughout this district. • Sewerage System There are a number of privately owned sewage treatment plants within Pulau Langkawi. For the proposed development, it will construct its own treatment system with a capacity of 147 PE. • Solid Waste Management Solid waste management (collection, transportation and disposal) is under Majlis Perbandaran Langkawi’s jurisdiction. • Transportation Network In terms of accessibility, the Project Site is accessible via Jalan Kuala Muda from the airport, while another access is from Jalan Kuala Teriang before connecting to Jalan Kuala Muda.

3.4.2 Socio-economics profile of Project Site

During the site visit, it was observed that there was no human settlement i.e. villages or residential park within the Project Site. The middle portion of the Project area is vegetated with shrub and undergrowth vegetation, while the river bank and the coastal area (not affected by the proposed development) is grown with mangrove trees.

3.4.3 Socio-economics of the Immediate Surroundings

Approximately about 100m from the Project Site towards the southern boundary is Sg. Melaka river mouth, therefore fishermen have constructed few makeshift jetty for their daily use. The jetties will not be affected by the proposed development.

Immediate surroundings from the boundary of the Project Site are basically made up of houses belonging to the local population. Since the area is pretty much a country setting, there wasn’t any commercial building except for a number of hotels i.e. Langkawi Lagoon Resort, Bella Vista, The

EUROPASIA ENGINEERING SERVICES SDN. BHD. 3-46 EIA for the Proposed Development of 3 Blocks of Staff Residences and Other Amenities on PT 313, Bandar Padang Mat Sirat, District of Langkawi, Kedah Darul Aman.

Laguna, which are located on the other side of the river.

In general, the local populace mostly engaged in the fishing and farming activities. Some of the villagers also open up restaurant at their court yard serving local delicacies; while some were observed erecting stalls selling souvenirs.

It can be deduced that the socioeconomics of the surrounding area from the Project Site is laden with activities and equipped with infrastructures as well as other public facilities, therefore impacts on static receptors will be imminent. Figure 3.17 shows the distance of the Project Site to the sensitive nearest receptors.

3.4.4 Economy of Pulau Langkawi

Langkawi in the past was an agro-based economy of padi and rubber cultivation and fisheries, however it is fast being overtaken by a tourism-driven economy, taking into consideration the natural, unspoiled, ecological beauty of the island and major governmental emphasis.

Effort by the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) development program to accelerate economic growth in the north of Peninsular Malaysia – encompassing the states of , Kedah, and the north of , has further boosted the tourism industry in Pulau Langkawi. Initiatives taken by the tourism agency to promote Pulau Langkawi will generate demand for accommodation in the island, thus the proposed development will be geared to fill in the void for more affluent visitors.

3.4.5 Areas with Social, Heritage and Environmental Attributes

Within the Project Site, there is no area with social and/or heritage significant values. Even though Pulau Langkawi as a whole is laden with historical values, the proposed Project Site is somehow lacking of this attribute. In terms of environmental characteristics, the Project Site is covered with shrubs and few trees which have no economic and environmental value. However along the river bank and coastal area not far from the Project Site are mangrove trees which will not be affected and some form of mangrove protection activities shall be promoted.

EUROPASIA ENGINEERING SERVICES SDN. BHD. 3-47 EIA for the Proposed Development of 3 Blocks of Staff Residences and Other Amenities on PT 313, Bandar Padang Mat Sirat, District of Langkawi, Kedah Darul Aman.

In June 1, 2007, Langkawi Island has been given a World Geopark status by UNESCO. Three of its main conservation areas in Langkawi Geopark are Machincang Cambrian Geoforest Park, Kilim Karst Geoforest Park and Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest park.(Island of the Pregnant Maiden Lake). These three parks are the most popular tourism area within Langkawi Geopark.

EUROPASIA ENGINEERING SERVICES SDN. BHD. 3-48 EIA for the Proposed Development of 3 Blocks of Staff Residences and Other Amenities on PT 313, Bandar Padang Mat Sirat, District of Langkawi, Kedah Darul Aman.

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