THE UTILIZATION OF TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE ON THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE TOWARDS ISLAND COMMUNITIES' SOCIAL WELL-BEING: THE MEDIATING EFFECT OF ADAPTIVE CAPACITY

Climate change is undeniably one of the greatest issues in Malaysia. Numerous studies have observed unpredictable patterns and extreme weather events. Since traditional knowledge of climate change affects the success of implementation and mitigation options, it is essential to gather information and adaption. This study investigated the potential of traditional knowledge of island communities in Pulau Redang and Perhentian, Terengganu, Malaysia. Survey questionnaires were used for data collection, and SmartPLS-3 was used for analysis. The findings revealed that traditional knowledge (cultural beliefs, cultural practices, and personality traits) significantly supported the impact of climate change on social well-being. In addition, adaptive capacity mediated the relationship between traditional knowledge (cultural beliefs, cultural practices, and personality traits) and climate change on social well-being in the Pulau Redang and Perhentian island communities. Communities preserve traditional knowledge through cultural practices, beliefs and personality traits passed orally to the next generation.