A case study to assess the social impacts of Borneo Highlands Resort projects on its surrounding communities

Chuo, Dominic Kong Uh (2004) A case study to assess the social impacts of Borneo Highlands Resort projects on its surrounding communities. Masters thesis, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, (UNIMAS).

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Abstract

,A study to evaluate the social impacts of the Borneo Highlands Resort and its link roads on the surrounding communities is carried out. Three villages namely Kpg. Annah Rais, Kpg. Abang and Kpg. Temurang were identified and selected in this study. The objectives were to find out and assess the social impacts and the perception and awareness of the communities of the project. A qualitative method was used to gather data and information by using a designed questionnaires and conducting key informant interviews and questionnaire survey. The interviewees covered the old and young and, men and women to provide a diverse range of responses from different strata of the communities) A total of 62 respondents were interviewed, 32 from Kpg. Annah Rais, 20 from pg. Abang and 10 from Kpg. Temurang, covering 25% of the population. The responses were tabulated and analysed using the computer program, Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 11.0 for Windows. Descriptive statistics were evaluated and converted to graphs, tables and charts for analysis. The study revealed that the majority of the respondents viewed the project as "average" and 79% of the respondents viewed as "neutral" in terms of overall benefit. This is contrary to the general perception that the project would be regarded as "good" or "very good" by the surrounding communities. However, all the respondents agreed that the project provided better infrastructure especially roads and drains. On the negative front, a high percentage (87%) of the respondents expressed that there is environmental pollution to the air, water and soil. Generally it was revealed that there should be more health facilities such as hospitals and clinics, essential services such as telecommunications, improved employment opportunities at the resort, and better business opportunities from the resort. The leaders of the three villages expressed the aspirations of their communities in the areas of education for the children, employment and business opportunities, joint ventures schemes, involvement of the resort in their communities and contribution and cooperation in promotion of tourism products from the villages. The results showed that while the resort development clearly brought improved infrastructure, there need to be more information and involvement by the developer with the local and surrounding communities to create and enhance goodwill and to generate more positive perception and awareness of the project.

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