TAHNIAH UNTUK GERAN TAJAAN KURITA WATER AND ENVIRONMENT TAHUN 2024 - II

MRS. JUNAIDAH BINTI ABDULLAH

The Cameron Highlands, a renowned highland region in Malaysia, has experienced significant land use changes over the past decades, driven by the expansion of agricultural activities, urbanization, and infrastructure development. These changes have profoundly impacted the local water resources, particularly the Bertam River Basin, which serves as a crucial water source for the region. The Bertam River, a prominent waterway in the Cameron Highlands, has a significant role in the region's hydrology, providing water for domestic, agricultural, and industrial use. However, the continuous degradation of the river's water quality and quantity has become a pressing concern for the local community and authorities. The Cameron Highlands is renowned for its diverse agricultural practices, including vegetable farming, strawberry cultivation, and tea plantations. These intensive agricultural activities have led to the excessive use of agrochemicals, such as pesticides and fertilizers, which have been found to contaminate the river water. Furthermore, the rapid growth of agro-tourism in the Cameron Highlands has also contributed to the deterioration of water quality. The influx of tourists and the subsequent development of infrastructure to support industry have put additional pressure on the region's water resources. The improper disposal of waste and the increased demand for water have exacerbated the water quality and quantity issues in the Bertam River. A comprehensive approach involving land use planning, agricultural best management practices, and effective water resource management is essential to address these challenges. This study aims to evaluate the impact of land use changes on water quality and water quantity in Bertam River Basin using Geographic Information System (GIS), the current of water quality and water quantity status based on land use activities at Bertam River Basin and sensitivity analysis mapping based on historical land use, current land use and future land use change in Bertam River Basin.

DR. MOHD AZMEER BIN ABU BAKAR

Water resources are essential to both human society and the natural environment. We depend on a reliable and clean source of drinking water to maintain our health and well-being. Water plays a crucial role in numerous sectors, including agriculture, energy production, navigation, recreation, and manufacturing. The considerable extent of this usage exerts pressure on water resources, a situation anticipated to deteriorate due to severe climate change. In numerous areas, the effects of climate change are anticipated to result in heightened water demand alongside a reduction in water supply. The evolving dynamic will present a challenge for water managers as they work to meet the varied needs of growing communities, sensitive ecosystems, agricultural and livestock sectors, energy producers, and manufacturers. Therefore, conducting research on the impact of climate change on water resources and the vulnerability index in Tasik Gubir, Kedah, is of utmost importance. The objectives of this research are (i) to assess the current and expected impacts of extreme climate change on the hydrology and water resources in Tasik Gubir, Kedah, and (ii) to identify the vulnerability indexes of water resources in relation to extreme climate change scenarios. This research employs a hydrological model (SWOT) to analyse the water balance of Tasik Gubir in the context of both current and projected climate scenarios. Adjust and verify the model utilising historical hydrological data. Evaluate the model outputs to determine the susceptibility of water resources to climate change, emphasising alterations in water availability and the potential for extreme events such as floods and droughts.

TS. CHM. DR. NUR NADHIRAH BINTI MOHAMAD ZAIN

Poultry farming is a vital agricultural sector in Penang, Malaysia, supporting the local economy but raising concerns over its environmental impact, especially on water quality in rural areas. While the industry plays an important role, there is a notable lack of comprehensive studies investigating the direct influence of poultry farming effluent on water quality. Estrogen compounds, such as estrone (E1), 17β-estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3), have been identified as key pollutants originating from hormone use in poultry production to enhance growth and egg output. These estrogen compounds enter water bodies through farm runoff, manure leaching, and wastewater disposal, posing a threat to aquatic ecosystems by disrupting endocrine functions in wildlife and potentially affecting human health. Preliminary research highlights the urgency of monitoring and controlling estrogen levels in water affected by poultry farming to mitigate environmental impacts. Current analytical methods to detect low estrogen concentrations in environmental samples remain a major challenge. This project seeks to bridge this gap by studying the fate, transport, and ecological effects of estrogens in water bodies near poultry farms, providing crucial data for targeted interventions to reduce estrogen pollution.