River and Aquatic Insect: Awareness Level of Visitors at Recreational Rivers in the Northern Region of Peninsular Malaysia

Abstract

Our government especially the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and other non-government organisations (NGOs) have started to feel pressured about the environment, especially the freshwater ecosystem. Thus, several programmes such as “Love Our River” and “One State, One River” have been conducted. This study’s aim was to determine the level of river awareness and aquatic insect knowledge among the visitors at recreational rivers, to gauge whether they were willing to participate in awareness programmes, and to educate visitors on the importance of aquatic insects. Overall, 136 respondents were able to complete the face-to-face survey. Despite all the activities executed by the government, the awareness levels among visitors at recreational rivers were considered moderate. Aquatic insects were used as bio-monitoring tools to indicate the health of rivers and balance the river ecosystem. Respondents with higher education levels were expected to be more concerned about the existence of aquatic insects and their importance. Contrary to this study, only a few of them were familiar with aquatic insects. Fewer than half of the respondents were aware and well-informed of the existence of aquatic insects and only one-third of them had knowledge of aquatic insects. Only 63.2% of respondents were willing to take part in the awareness programmes.