Industrial Stewardship for Sustainable River Recovery: Preliminary Assessment of River Health Awareness among Small and Medium Industries, KINDA, Sarawak, Malaysia

Rivers are important ecosystems for maintaining rich biodiversity, including aquatic life and plants that could help human livelihoods and support ecosystem services. The public is only concerned about rivers when it focuses on less water quantity and poor water quality. River health determines the river's value and refers to a condition in which the natural structure and function of the ecosystem are maintained. This study aims to i) evaluate the level of river health awareness among small and medium industries in the Kidurong Industrial Park (KINDA, Bintulu) and ii) investigate the efforts of small and medium industries in KINDA, Bintulu toward enhancing Sungai Plan river health. Generally, 34 companies alongside the Sungai Plan in the KINDA area were assessed via online Google form and face-to-face survey. The analysis refers to the four variables which are awareness of river health, responsibility towards river health, practice, and involvement, participation, and commitment. Findings revealed, the level of awareness among small and medium industries was high, and there was no significant difference between the companies. Most companies fell into highly aware categories, showing that small and medium industries around Sungai Plan were familiar with the concept and their role in river health. For the open-ended question concerning the company's role in helping to enhance river health, 66.7 % stated that waste management was the highest role performed by the companies followed by community awareness and environmental approach. These companies suggested activities such as systematic drainage, effective waste management, and regular cleaning of company areas in efforts to improve river health of Sg. Plan