The Coastal Community Perception on the Socio-Economic Impacts of Agro-Tourism Activities in Coastal Villages in Malaysia

Abstract

This paper is concerned with the socio-economic impacts of agro-tourism activities in coastal villages listed as Desa Wawasan Nelayan (DWN) in Malaysia. The paper discussed the impacts of the two major components of socio-economics dynamics, namely social and economic activities. This account highlights a number of discussions with specific reference to DWN in Malaysia. It identifies the similarities and differences with regard to socio-economic impact, and it is expected that these points will be of practical use for other agro-tourism areas around the globe, and help to increase interest in agro-tourism activities.

Key words:

• community development
• agro-tourism
• social development
• economic development
• rural development

Notes

1 The Ministry of Youth and Sports Malaysia states that youths in Malaysia are those aged 40 years or below.

2 SPM/MCE refers to the Malaysia Certificate of Education Certificate, and SPMV refers to the Malaysian Vocational Certificate of Education.

3 PMR/LCE refers to the Lower Certificate of Education.

4 First semester break, usually in March – duration of one week, mid-year break, usually in May to June, duration of two weeks, second semester break, usually in August – duration of two weeks and final year break – usually in November to early January the following year – duration of seven weeks.

5 Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Christmas.

6 A shellfish species (scientific name: Pholas Sp). It has thin skin and usually prefers to live in lower-temperature water; a famous ingredient for local seafood recipes.

7 The traditional cake made from sweet potato covered with brown sugar.

8 Traditional cakes made of rice flour and brown sugar.

9 Stalls selling crispy coated fish and crispy coated cuttlefish.