Environmental pollution and value of ecotourism resources in the “no-take” marine protected areas: A case of Perhentian marine park, Malaysia

The government of Malaysia has established several marine protected areas (MPAs) in offshore islands since the 1980s to protect overexploited fisheries resources and coral reefs habitat. However, coral reefs and fisheries in MPA suffer from natural and anthropogenic disturbances mainly caused by increased tourism activities and pollution from land-based activities. This paper examines the level of tourism activities causing pollution to the coral reef habitats in the Perhentian MPA. This study used paired comparison methods to elicit the perception of local stakeholders on activities harmful to marine habitats. The data for this study was obtained from face-to-face interviews with local people to solicit their perceptions on the environmental damage to marine ecosystems using a structured questionnaire. The results showed that improper sewage discharge by the small resorts, direct disposal of sewage from village into sea, and littering on the beach are the most damaging activities that threaten the sustainability of the resources in Perhentian MPA. The study concludes that management of marine resources is not the sole responsibility of the government authority, need to involve local community for the conservation activities to develop sustainable tourism in the MPAs in Malaysia.