Factors that Affect the Awareness on Environmental Issues...

In June 2012, the smoky haze, attributed mostly to fires burning at Sumatera, Indonesia, had hit Malaysia. The haze was the worst so far in this 10 years, according to Halimah Hassan, director general of Malaysia’s Department of Environment, based on the reading of air pollution index exceeding the dangerous and unhealthy level. (The New York Times, 2013) . After that, in November 2013, a landslide had occured in Cameron highlands and had killed seven persons. According to Harlida Abdul Wahab (2013), lecturer of Universiti Utara Malaysia, the cause of the landslide is due to uncontrolled developing activities in Cameron Highlands. The latest one, worse blood had occured in Kuantan and Kemaman and the factor is the rainwater does not flow†¦show more content†¦The environmental problems poses negative impact to mans own survival. Thus, we should realized that, sooner than later, that conservation and improvement of the environment are vital for the survival, and well be ing of mankind. Plus, we also need to use natural resources of land, air and water wisely to ensure a healthy environment for the present and future generations. If not, our future may not have opportunities to enjoy the resources that we enjoy today. However, the level of awareness among Malaysian is still low. The research found that Malaysian students knowledge level of environmental issues were 35 %, their knowledge on the fauna and biodiversity was 20.3 % and international environmental treaties 25 %. About 20.2 % of students admitted that they mainly obtain information from the newspapers and televisions. The result indicated and reflected that the knowledge levels of students and their awareness on environment are still very low and there is strong need for more environmental education among educational institutions in Malaysia. (Abdul Latiff Ahmad, Samsudin A. Rahim, Latifah Pawanteh Fauziah Ahmad, 2012) Therefore, it is crucial for us to create awareness and identify the factors that can create the awareness on the environment. In view of these facts, it is imperative to conduct a study on the factors that affect Universiti Teknikal Malaysia (UTeM) Malacca City Campus students’ awareness on environment in order to understand the above issue in