Non-structural management for water quality improvement of rivers in Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

Water quality of rivers in Cameron Highlands has deteriorated significantly due to construction activities, land clearing for agriculture and excessive usage of pesticides and fertilizers. Huge decline in water quality could be observed during post-monsoon at all rivers in Cameron Highlands which indicate non-point sources of pollution to have tremendous contributions to impacts on water quality. Furthermore, mismanagement and lack of policy enforcement contribute to increasing water quality degradation. Therefore, integrated environmental management is necessary to provide proper protection of the rivers in this area. Non-structural management was recommended for the study area, which includes improvement of public understanding and participation in river pollution prevention, reduction of existing pollutants through enforcement, elimination of improper discharges to water bodies, improvement of the local authorities operations, implementation of catchment management activities, control of runoff from identified pollution sources, strengthening of the legal instrument and provision of means to establish adequate fund for environmental projects.