IMPACT OF TOURISM (JOHOR )

Johor, the southernmost state of Peninsular Malaysia, is made up of eight districts comprising Johor Bahru, Pontian, Batu Pahat, Muar, Mersing, Kota Tinggi, Kluang and Segamat. It has a long coastline flanking the Straits of Malacca on its western seaboard and the South China Sea on the east.

Its capital city, Johor Bahru, or “JB” as it is popularly known, is the main administrative centre for the state government and a bustling commercial hub. This southernmost Malaysian city sits right next to the national boundary between Malaysia and Singapore where they are connected via the Causeway. Thirty kilometres southwest of Johor Bahru is the Second Link which connects Tanjung Kupang to Tuas in Singapore. Located within the district are the Sultan Ismail International Airport, Johor Causeway, Second Link and the Johor Bahru International Ferry Terminal.

Johor’s vast landscape is characterized by plantations of pineapple, rubber, coconut and oil palm on the fringes of which also nestle tranquil kampungs and quaint fishing villages. Retaining much of its natural splendours, the state has miles of golden sandy beaches and beautiful offshore islands with clear waters which are excellent for diving. It is also endowed with several forest reserves. Nature lovers will find a visit to the Endau-Rompin National Park an unforgettable experience. Johor also boasts some of the best golf courses in the country.

A land of diverse and distinct cultures, its population comprises mainly Malays, Chinese and Indians and cultural expressions can take many forms such as dresses, customs, beliefs, ceremonies, celebrations, dances, games and past times.

One of the know region in Johor is Iskandar. Iskandar Malaysia formerly known as Iskandar Development Region (IDR) (Malay: Wilayah Pembangunan Iskandar and South Johor Economic Region (SJER) is the main southern development corridor in Johor, Malaysia. The Iskandar Malaysia was established on 8 November 2006.The project is administered by Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) and was named after the late Sultan of Johor, Almarhum Sultan Iskandar.

The development region encompasses an area of 2,217 square kilometres covering the city of Johor Bahru and the adjoining towns of Pontian, Senai, Pasir Gudang and the construction of a new administrative capital in Nusajaya. Johor Bahru District is included in its entirety, as are parts of the district of Pontian. Five local government authorities have jurisdiction over the covered area, including Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru (Johor Bahru City Council), Majlis Perbandaran Johor Bahru Tengah (Johor Bahru Tengah Municipal Council), Majlis Perbandaran Pasir Gudang (Pasir Gudang Municipal Council), Majlis Perbandaran Kulai (Kulai Municipal Council), and Majlis Daerah Pontian (Pontian District Council).

ECONOMIC IMPACT

Tourism sectors are seen as the future economic drivers for Johor’s economy. Stating this Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said that with the tourism lure such as the Pinewood Iskandar Malaysia Studios, Legoland and Hello Kitty Town theme parks, the sector has high potential for expansion.

Direct financial contributions

Tourism in Johor can contribute directly to the conservation of sensitive areas and habitat. Revenue from park-entrance fees and similar sources can be allocated specifically to pay for the protection and management of environmentally sensitive areas. Special fees for park operations or conservation activities can be collected from tourists or tour operators.

Contributions to government revenues

Johor governments collect money in more far-reaching and indirect ways that are not linked to specific parks or conservation areas. User fees, income taxes, taxes on sales or rental of recreation equipment, and license fees for activities such as hunting and fishing can provide the governments with the funds needed to manage natural resources. Such funds can be used for overall conservation programs and activities, such as park ranger salaries and park maintenance.

ENVIROMENTAL IMPACT

Improved environmental management and planning

Sound environmental management of tourism facilities and especially hotels in Johor can increase the benefits to natural areas. But this requires careful planning for controlled development, based on analysis of the environmental resources of the area. Planning is helps to make choices between conflicting uses, or to find ways to make them compatible. By planning early for tourism development, damaging and expensive mistakes can be prevented, avoiding the gradual deterioration of environmental assets significant to tourism.

Cleaner production techniques can be important tools for planning and operating tourism facilities in a way that minimizes their environmental impacts. For example, green building (using energy-efficient and non-polluting construction materials, sewage systems and energy sources) is an increasingly important way for the tourism industry to decrease its impact on the environment. And because waste treatment and disposal are often major, long-term environmental problems in the tourism industry, pollution prevention and waste minimization techniques are especially important for the tourism industry.

Protection and preservation

Tourism can significantly contribute to Johor environmental protection, conservation and restoration of biological diversity and sustainable use of natural resources. Because of their attractiveness, pristine sites and natural areas are identified as valuable and the need to keep the attraction alive can lead to creation of national parks and wildlife parks.

Tourism has had a positive effect on wildlife preservation and protection efforts. Numerous animal and plant species have already become extinct or may become extinct soon. Many countries have therefore established wildlife reserves and enacted strict laws protecting the animals that draw nature-loving tourists. As a result of these measures, several endangered species have begun to thrive again. This does include Johor.