Assessment of drivers of coastal land use change in Malaysia

Drivers of coastal land use change (CLUC) were assessed between 1990 and 2006 in Selangor, Malaysia. Land use maps for the state (Selangor, Malaysia) for 1990 and 2006 and their respective biophysical and socio – economic data were obtained from the Malaysian departments of agriculture, survey and statistics respectively. Vector maps of socio economic variables were prepared in a GIS environment. All maps (land use maps and their potential drivers) were gridded and compared at three spatial scales using logistic regression analysis. Results indicated that agricultural practises were particularly responsible for coastal land use change. Coastal lands were converted to agricultural uses as a result of increased accessibility, suitable slope and favourable climatic condition of the areas. Findings further indicated that the impact of urbanization is just becoming an important factor of coastal land use change. While efforts of the government at coastal resources restoration and conservation is commendable, a political will is still required in achieving sustainable development of the coastal areas in order to fulfil the environmental component of the ongoing Vision 2020 economic development plan.

► Drivers of coastal land use change were assessed with logistic model.
► Agricultural and urbanization land uses were identified as the major drivers.
► The socioeconomic and political importance of coastal areas was stressed.
► Current coastal protection laws are not fully operational for several reasons.
► A need to raise the environmental consciousness of the stakeholders is imperative.