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Local Community Awareness Based on KAP Model Towards Plastic Pollution in Mangroves Area at Tanjong Karang, Selangor

Jurnal Kejuruteraan 2026
Zaidatul Fiza Mohd Fizal, Nurul Asyikin Ibharim, Muhammad Akmal Roslani, Nor Shafikah Idris

Summary

Researchers surveyed 430 residents near mangrove forests in Malaysia and found that people who understood plastic pollution's dangers were also more likely to have positive attitudes and better waste habits, like proper disposal. This matters because mangroves act as natural filters and nurseries for seafood, so when plastic waste piles up there, it can break down into microplastics that eventually end up in the fish and shellfish we eat. The takeaway: boosting public education about plastic pollution could be a powerful, low-cost way to protect both coastal ecosystems and the food chain that connects back to our dinner plates.

Mangrove ecosystems are seriously threatened by plastic pollution, which serves as vital shorelines buffers, carbon sinks, and habitats for diverse marine species. This study executes the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) model to investigate the local community’s awareness of plastic pollution in Tanjung Karang, Selangor. A quantitative approach was employed, utilizing a structured questionnaire distributed to 430 residents. This survey instrument was carefully designed to accurately capture household waste disposal habits. Descriptive and correlation analyses were used to examine the collected data and determine the degree of awareness and relationships among KAP concerning plastic waste management. The outcomes reveal a significant level of community awareness, with a strong and positive correlation among KAP of plastics waste management, with average means of 4.01, 3.95, and 3.91, respectively. This demonstrates that a solid understanding of environmental issues is closely linked to positive attitudes and proactive behaviours, underscoring the vital importance of public awareness in mitigating plastic pollution and highlighting the need for targeted educational programs and policy interventions to address this issue. The findings of this study possess significant insights for researchers, policymakers, and environmental organizations in developing community-driven strategies to enhance mangrove conservation and reduce plastic waste pollution. Ultimately, safeguarding these coastal natural resources demands long-term commitment and continuous societal participation.

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