Cultural ecological tourism is a source for the preservation of habitats and species of life. This sector is seen as having the potential to generate job opportunities and income for indigenous communities, especially the Orang Asli of the Batek tribe who live around the Kuala Tahan National Park. The main objective of this paper is to discuss strategies to empower the involvement of indigenous communities in cultural ecological tourism in Kuala Tahan National Park. The study was conducted in six Batek settlements by adopting qualitative methods. Data was collected by the application of participatory observation techniques, in-depth interviews, and document analysis. Data was coordinated and analyzed using QSR Nvivo software. The findings of the study show that various strategies can be applied to empowering the Batek people's involvement in cultural ecological tourism such as the cooperation of all parties including government agencies, Non-Governmental Organizations, universities, and tourism companies. Empowerment strategies can also be applied by applying an integrated approach, which is the amalgamation of ecological, and cultural tourism with other economic activities in addition to improving the delivery of quality tourism products and services.

Our nation has recently become quite concerned about the issue of environmental pollution, especially with the deterioration of river quality. The Department of Environment's monitoring efforts has revealed significant declines in the nation's river water quality. Focusing on all-encompassing and well-coordinated initiatives to improve the quality of life is essential for raising public awareness and fostering a sense of shared responsibility for the environment. The main objective of this study is to develop a spatial model using a Geographic Information System (GIS) for determining the level of knowledge, attitude, and behavior among Kampung Laut respondents toward the conservation of the Ibai River in Terengganu, Malaysia. This study applied a quantitative methodology and collected its data through a survey method. By using clustered sampling, 78 respondents in all were chosen. The study was conducted in the Ibai rivers, which Terengganu had classified as contaminated. The statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 21 was used to analyze the data descriptively and inferentially, while GIS was employed for the spatial model. The data were gathered via a questionnaire. The findings show that the level of knowledge was high and attitude was at a moderate level.  Meanwhile, the findings depict that respondents' behavior in river conservation is low. The findings also show that knowledge and attitude did not correlate with environmental behavior. This study is critical and significant in ensuring the sustainability of the river. The stakeholders are also involved in this study's policy-making and efforts to address the problems of river pollution. The general public, regardless of age, can contribute to the ecosystem's well-being by teaching the next generation to cherish the environment, especially the rivers.

Heritage upholds high values in a society. Arts and culture passed down by the previous generations have a significant influence on the identity formation of a particular race. In Terengganu, much of its heritage and relics left by its ancestors were abandoned and forgotten by modernization. The impact of globalization is feared to sink local heritage if it is not well taken care of and lack of sustainable actions to maintain these heritages. Generally, heritage can be classified into two categories; tangible heritage and intangible heritage. Tangible heritage can be further divided into two – static and mobile. Historical landmarks, monuments, buildings, tombs and mines are some examples of static tangible heritage and possess their values in the identity formation of the local citizens. In order to preserve the tangible heritage assets in Terengganu, integrated and proactive solutions need to be taken by various parties by taking into account all the factors that would form a sustainable model that can be referred to as means to preserve the heritage. This study employs a mixed methodology approach; qualitative method and supported quantitative method. The researchers have conducted a few series of in-depth interviews with respondents identified to be able to provide the necessary information, then widened further to the sample population through instruments of questionnaires in certain locations with tangible heritage. Several locations identified were Bandar Bukit Besi, Bukit Tebuk in Dungun, Pura Tanjung Sabtu and Duyong Island in Kuala Terengganu. Research data were then analyzed using Nvivo software for qualitative data and SPSS software in descriptive design to support the findings of the research. This study would make a huge impact on society, particularly on the aspects of tangible heritage preservation, to ensure that they can be inherited by the younger generations to maintain their strong identity as local citizens.

Statistics show until now more than 30% of Orang Asli in Malaysia is still living in poverty. The government plans to eradicate the poverty facing many challenges. One of the challenges is related to the local synchronic factors, which include aspects of culture, belief, attitude, values and leadership. A survey was conducted on Kampung Orang Asli Sungai Pergam, Terengganu to identify the importance of the role of local leaders in ensuring the successful implementation of a development project that aims to poverty eradication among the local population. The village is chosen based on its performance in a number of development projects, and has successfully enhance socio-economic status of the population. Objective of the survey is to identify: (i) What are the characteristics that are capable of leadership impacts on local poverty alleviation project success.(ii) What role should be played by local leaders to make sure every development project undertaken to achieve objective. Survey data were collected by using interviews and observation techniques. Survey findings show personality traits of a leader is an important factor affecting the success of a leader of its own related to the implementation of development projects. In addition to the leadership structure also has a significance practiced in community development. From the point role of leadership, the element of awareness of the responsibility and commitment of the leaders in developing the village is important. Orang Asli leaders in the Kampung Sungai Pergam have initiative and commitment in ensuring their future progress of development for their village.