Research

Bakti Hasan-Basri · Zaiton Samdin · Awang Noor Ghani ·Jurnal Ekonomi Malaysia ·2020

Mangrove forest provides ecosystem services for human well-being such as fish and non-fish products, timber and non-timber products, medical plants, and dyes. Despite the important services provided, mangrove forest size in the country is reducing at an alarming rate. The mangrove forest is often overlooked in policy decision makings because the ecosystem services’ monetary values are not available in the market. Hence, we undertake this study to value the benefits of Mangrove Forest Ecosystem Services in Kuala Perlis, Perlis. We used the double-bounded Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) to value the ecosystem services provided. We interviewed 256 respondents, asking them whether they are willing to donate to the mangrove conservation program at various bid prices. Besides, we also sought their opinions on issues related to mangrove forest. The results show that the respondents are willing to donate up to MYR18.31 for the mangrove forest conservation program. Considering 75% of Perlis’ adult populations are willing to donate, the donation’s total collection would be MYR3,453,724 or MYR81,861 per hectare per year. The amount of respondents’ donation is found to be positively correlated to the variables of the conservation program. This finding provided an important message to policymakers on managing the fund of mangrove forest conservation.

Mahirah Kamaludin · Kuna Sandran · A.A. Azlina ·Jurnal Ekonomi Malaysia ·2018

Water supply is an expensive investment and it is inevitable that the people have to prepare themselves for a universal hike in water prices in order to secure uninterrupted supply in the future. Inexpensive water prices cause the consumers to take water supply for granted and hence, lack of water conservation initiatives prevail. Sufficient funding is needed to implement various programs to improve water services. The costs of these programs should not be incurred by the water companies which are already burdened by the small revenue resulting from low water price. As the collection of revenue is inadequate to cover operating costs, the services rendered to the consumers are often unsatisfactory and the operational efficiency is below par. The last review of water tariff in Terengganu was done in the last two decades. Hence, with the increase in income within the last two decades, a study is needed to assess consumers’ willingness to pay for improved water services. This study employs Double Bounded Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) to estimate households’ willingness to pay (WTP) for improvements in water services in Terengganu. Monetary benefits of improved water services for the consumers in Terengganu were determined based on the value of WTP. The findings of this study will be used in identifying the frequent problems and issues faced by the government owned water supplier in Terengganu. Efficient water prices will facilitate efforts in delivering better water services and promoting greater efficiency in the financial and operational management of operators to attain financial sustainability