EIA Chapter 3

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Cadangan Pembangunan Projek Pendidikan Bagi SMK Julau NO.2, (30BD) Di Atas Lot 353, Block 3, Jikang

Land District, Sarawak Untuk Kementerian Pelajaran Malaysia EIA Report

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Chapter 3 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT

3.0 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT

Descriptions of the existing environment aim at establishing the prevailing

environmental conditions at the proposed project site. This would facilitate theenvironmental impact assessment process because the prevailing environmental

characteristics at site prior to commencement of project activities would be used as

the baseline for the impact assessment, future environmental monitoring and/or

auditing exercises. In view of the above-mentioned needs, in this EIA study, the

existing environment is described in three main sections, namely:-

y The Physical Environment,

y The Biological Environment, and

y The Human Environment.

3.1 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

3.1.1 Topography

The topography of the project area is relatively hilly, undulating and

moderately high. The project area is well-drained with major stream namely

Sg. Jikang running through, and in the north-west direction of the project site.

The site is on sited on an elevated ground with elevations ranging from 9 - 58

meters contour level as indicated in the Topography Plan in Appendix V.

3.1.2 Geology and Soils

The proposed site is located on the Belaga and Julan Formation as indicated

in Figure 3.1, which was formed during the Palaeocene ± Eocene Period. For

Belaga Formation, the formation consists of shale, slate, phyllite, sandstone

with marlstone, calcareous sandstone, conglomerate and limestone lenses

with weak regional metamorphism while for Julan Formation, it consists of

chaotic assemblage of sandstone, mudstone, siltstone, chert, gabbro, basalt,

spilite, limestone blocks in pervasively sheared politic matrix. On the western

internal and northern seaward side, the geological features change to late

Cretaceous-Miocene and Pleistocene-Holocene period of formation,

respectively.





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Source: General of Geological Survey, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Figure 3.1: Geology

3.1.3 Land Use

The land surrounding the Proposed Project is rural residential, commercialand predominantly forested and agricultural lands. The general land use

features of the areas are shown in Figure 3.2 and categorized as follows:

y Agricultural areas; comprising of agricultural/rubber estates ,

paddy, pepper and fruits plantations.





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y Forested lands; comprising of secondary peat forests and

grassland.

y Residential development; comprising of isolated rural settlements

and longhouses such as Rumah Luke Lipa Ak Saging and Sebirah

Longhouse.

y Commercial development; comprising of a few shophouses

centralized in Julau Town.

The project site is surrounded by Sebirah Longhouse, Rumah Luke Lipa Ak

Saging and Existing SMK Julau No.1. Rural settlements are mainly within 1 -

4 km from the project area, while Julau Township is about 4 km away (by

road) from the project site as indicated in Figure 3.2.

Figure 3.2: Land Use in the Vicinity of Project Site





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3.1.4 Seismicity

Sarawak is located on a stable block, the Sunda Shield and no recent tectonic

activity had been recorded. This stable block is just outside the active seismic

zone of circum-pacific. This is a zone of very active seismicity and

volcanocity. Pinatubo Volcano exploded in June 1991 - located in this zone.

In Sarawak, there had been no volcanic activity recorded recently and the

possibility of earth tremors being triggered by volcanic activity is remote.

However, two earthquakes had been recorded in the last 40 years; 1958 in

Kuching and 1965 in Niah and Bekenu, and their intensities measured on

Modified Mercalli scale were V and IV, respectively, with epicentres located in

the South China Sea.

3.1.5 Hydrology and Drainage at the Project Site

The project area is solely drained by Sg. Jikang running through (at the north)of the project site as indicated in Figure 2.3. The project proponent will build a

network of internal drains and perimeter drains to provide sufficient drainage

for the entire project area. The original landscape (datum) of project site is

relatively undulating and hilly. However, certain spots of the project site will

involve cuts and fills to desired designed levels to minimize the frequency of

flash flood occurrence.

The project area is located in the Sg. Julau basin, which flows east-northward

into the Sungai Kanowit, one of the tributaries of Rajang River and finally into

Rajang River Basin. Likewise, the developed areas near the project site areequipped with comprehensive network of drains, discharging runoffs into

nearby river (Sg.Julau) which eventually flows into Rajang River Basin. The

Road & Drainage Layout Plan of the proposed site is attached in Appendix

V.

3.1.5.1 Channel Diversion (Sg. Jikang)

Sg. Jikang is cutting through or flowing parallel (almost) to the boundary

at the north of the project site. The river is approximately 12 m wide with

3.0 m depth (ranging from 1 - 3 meters) of water. The river is rather meandering and one of its tributary (usually dry) was bowed into the

project site affecting approximately 30% of the feasible part of the

project site.

Due to the layout of the proposed project, it was proposed by the design

engineers that a short stretch (about 60 meters) of the existing part of





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the channel (Sg. Jikang) would have to be diverted by straightening the

initial meadering. The existing (original) and proposed diversion route of

Sg.Jikang are illustrated in Figure 3.3 and Appendix V. Detailed

mitigation measures of channel diversion are further discussed in

Chapter 5.

Figure 3.3: Channel Diversion (Sg. Jikang)

3.1.6 Soil Erosion and Sedimentation

Natural erosion occurs throughout the geological history, but the erosion of

earth natural environment is grossly accelerated because of human influence

in the quest of development. This is an universal phenomenon. Activities of

man such as cultivation, deforestation, and urban development would have

accelerated the removal of soil material s in excess of natural erosion.





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In Malaysia, where the intensities of rainfall are high, erosion by water is a

major problem. Raindrops would detach individual soil particle and surface

runoff will transport them down slope into waterways. Most major catchments

in this country have been disturbed and some of the rivers showed

tremendous increase of suspended sediment content particularly after heavy

showers.

The intensity of soil erosion under various conditions can be predicted by a

soil erosion modelling. There are a few reliable predictive models available in

the market, but the most widely used method is perhaps the one based on the

so-called Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) (W ischmeier and Smith, 1962).

The USLE expresses the mean annual soil loss due to water erosion as a

function of six contributing elements. Each of these elements may be

calculated and quantified numerically. The equation is defined as follows:

Where, E = Mean annual soil loss

R = Rainfall erosivity index

K = Soil erodibility index

L = Slope length factor

S = Slope gradient factor

C = Vegetation/cover factor, and

P = Soil conservation practice factor

This USLE model is presently used to predict the potential soil erosion

hazards as a result of implementing the proposed Project. Although this

model was developed in the USA, but is most widely used nowadays.

However, the weaknesses of applying such a model in Sarawak must be

recognized. Nonetheless, the results would be invaluable for gauging the

order of magnitude and for comparing the anticipated severity of soil erosi on

under different conditions or management practices. Some of the calculations

are detailed in the following paragraphs.

3.1.6.1 Soil Erosion Hazard in the study area

The rainfall erosivity index, R is actually a compound index of rainfall

kinetic energy and the maximum 30-minute rainfall intensity (I 30) with a

2-year return period. The values for all storm events are summed to

obtain the annual value. The computation is therefore lengthy and

requires comprehensive rainfall records from autographic gauges,

which are usually not available for most rainfall recoding stations. As a

P C S L K R E vvvvv!





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result, alternative methods using empirical equations are usually used.

In this study, the R factor was estimated using Foster et al¶s (1981)

method according to the following equatio n:

Where, P = the mean annual rainfall in mm, and

I30 = the maximum 30-minute rainfall intensity.

In the absence of an actual value for I 30, a maximum value of 75 mm/hr

may be substituted (W ischmeier & Smith, 1978). Hence, according to

Foster et al¶s (1981) method of estimation, the average R-value for the

Project area, based on a mean annual rainfall of about 303.54 mm for

the region is approximately 36.19. This is the value presently used to

estimate potential soil erosion.

Soil erodibility defines the resistance of the soil to both detachment and

transport. In the absence of empirical value, the K factor of a soil is

usually determine from a nomograph (Wischmeier et al, 1971) on the

basis of percent sand, percent silt plus very fine sand, percent organic

matter, soil structure and permeability. From the relevant values given,

the average soil erodibility indices were found to be 0.35 for topsoil and

0.29 for subsoil. The factors of slope length (L) and slope gradient (S)

are normally combined in a single index, LS. The appropriate value

may be obtained from the following equation:

Where, L is in metre (m) and S in percent (%). The present fieldwork

has found that the slope lengths of the rolling low hills within the project

site are usually less than 75m. Longer slopes usually have saddles or

breaks in them. An average slope length of 30m (unless terraced) is

therefore used in the model for the various slope ranges. The averagecombined LS factors for the 15-, 20-, 25- and 30-degree slopes are

8.04, 10.92, 13.99 and 17.32, respectively.

The vegetation/cover factor, C represents the ratio of soil loss under a

given crop or vegetation cover to that from bare soil. For bare soil, C is

1.0. For forested areas, C is 0.001-0.002 with undergrowth, and 0.001 -

6.173276.0 30 I

P R v!

)13.22/()0065.0045.0065.0( 2 LS S LS v!





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0.004 without undergrowth; with cultivated grass or cover crop, C

becomes 0.004-0.01 (Morgan et al, 1982). In the present modelling

exercise, the project site is assumed to have a C value of 1.0 since it is

almost a bare soil area.

The soil conservation practice factor, P is the ratio of soil loss with and

without contouring. When the soil is ploughed up and down thesteepest slope with no soil conservation measure, P is 1.0. Terracing

and contour ridges effectively change the slope characteristics. The

best procedure to take account of terracing is to use the same P value

of 1.0, but adjust the combined LS value according to the slope and

terracing intervals. In this modelling exercise, P value of 1.0 is used as

worse-case scenario.

The estimated soil losses for the worse-case scenario were based on

assumptions that vegetation was cleared and the soil left exposed for

extended period of time. Calculated results showed the soil loss

erosion rate is generally low for existing condition, which is

approximately 2.26 ton/ha/yr (within the range of 0 -10 tonne/ha/yr),

which is shown in Table 3.1.

Table 3.1: Classification of Potential Soil Loss

Classification of Soil Loss

Potential Soil Loss/Erosion

Rate

(Tonne/ha/yr)Low 0 ± 10

Moderate 10 ± 50

Moderate high 50 ± 100

High 100 ± 150

Very High Above 150

Source: Department of Agriculture, Malaysia, 1997

3.1.7 Water and Water Quality

Developments, depending on their nature and size, have considerable

potential to pollute hydrological systems resulting in a wide variety of

hydrological impacts. As a result, the water quality is the subject of much

legislation and is one of the important issues in EIA studies.

Natural water quality in the environment varies considerably in the range and

concentrations in dissolved substances. They also differ in terms of variables





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such as suspended solids, pH values and temperatures. The baseline water

quality in the vicinity of the project site w ere determined by taking water

samples from three (3) points; W1, W2 and W3 (see Figure 3.4, Plates 10-12

and Table 3.2).

Table 3.2: Details of Water Sampling Points at Project Site.

SAMPLING

POINTS

GPS

COORDINATES DESCRIPTION

W1Elevation 13.5m02°02.997¶ N,111°54.472¶ E

East of project site - along Sg. Jikang.

W2Elevation 11.5m02°02.983¶ N,111°54.340¶ E

North of project site - along Sg. Jikang.

W3Elevation 9.5m02°02.800¶ N,111°54.366¶ E

North of project site - along Sg. Jikang.Near the bridge crossing Sg. Jikang andalong Julau Feeder Road.





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Source: Construction drawing PUA/KPM/SMKJ2/07/SP01

Figure 3.4: Water, Air and Noise Sampling/Monitoring Locations





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Table 3.3: Existing Water Quality in the Vicinity of the Project Site

Water Quality ParametersCompliance

Limits1 (IIB)

INWQSM

CategoryW1 W2 W3

Ammoniacal Nitrogen 0.3 IIA/B0.26 0.26 0.27

BOD5 @20ºC, mg/L 3 IV 7 7 6

COD, mg/L 25 IIA/B 28 32 25

Dissolved Oxygen, mg/L 5 - 7 IIA/B 6.2 6.3 6.2

E. Coli Counts, CFU/100mL 400 IIA/B 60 N.D N.D

Total Coliform Counts,CFU/100mL

5,000 IIA/B 500 800 200

pH value 6 - 9 IIA/B 7.0 7.1 7.0

Temperature, ºC Normal

2 - 27.2 27.2 27.2

Total Suspended Solids, mg/L 50 IIA/B 22 4 8

Oil & grease, mg/L

40 µg/l (mineral)

7000 µg/l

(emulsified edible)

IIA/B <1.0 <1.0 <1.0

N ote1Compliance limits are extracted from Class IIB Limits of the Proposed N ational W ater Quality

Standards for Malaysia ( NW QSM).

Values in bold exceeded Class IIB compliance limits of I NW QSM.

It must be noted that chemical determinant levels often vary considerably, not

only seasonally and throughout the day, but also within the same water body at

the same time, and sometimes over quite short distances. Thus, the results of

the water quality analysis (see Table 3.3) only represent the water quality at

the time and place of the sampling. Analysis for BOD5, COD, TSS, ammoniacal

nitrogen, total suspended solids and oil & grease were performed by Nabbir

Laboratory (Sarawak) Sdn. Bhd. (NREB accredited lab) at Lot 2406, Batu

Kitang Light Industrial Park, 7½ Mile, Jalan Batu Kitang, Kuching . Analysis of

water quality parameters such as pH, DO and temperature were carried out in-

situ (onsite) using Model CyberScan CD650 Water Quality Checker. As such,

the various parameters analyzed represent the followings: -





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y Ammoniacal-Nitrogen (A-N): Bacterial decomposition and hydrolysis of

urea produce ammonia (NH3). This ammonia, once it enters the

wastewater or water stream, forms ammonium ion, NH4+, also known as

ammonia nitrogen or ammoniacal-nitrogen. The A-N levels at all sampling

locations complied with Class IIB limits of 0.30 or less.

y

y Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) is an estimate of the amount of

oxygen required to stabilise biodegradable organic materials in a sample

of water by a heterogeneous microbial population. Therefore, oxygen

used is an indication of the Organic W aste Content . It is one of the most

widely used parameters to ascertain the level of organic pollution. BOD

levels at all sampling locations are relatively high, approximately 6 -7 mg/L,

and exceeded Class IIB compliance limits of 3.0 mg/L. A high BOD

indicates that the water is of poor quality.

y

Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) is a measure of the organic content or maximum oxidizable substances in water. It is generally higher than BOD

because more compounds can be chemically oxidized than can be

biologically oxidized. COD levels at all sampling points ranged from 25-32

mg/l and exceeded Class IIB compliance limits. High COD values indicate

poor water quality.

y Total Coliform Counts at all sampling locations conformed to Class IIB

INWQSM compliance limits with TCC levels ranging from 200 to 800.

Total Coliform Counts consist of E. Coli counts and other bacteria. E. Coli

bacteria were predominantly contained in the wastes of warm bloodedanimals such as human and livestock. Bacteria contained in the Total

Coliform Counts could be attributed by surface runoff of soils or earthwork

materials, which might be contributed from the proposed earthwork

activities or from agricultural activities.

y Dissolved Oxygen levels at all sampling locations ranged from 6.2-6.3

mg/L and were within the Class IIB limit of NWQSM. No visible film, oil

sheen, discoloration and deposits were noticed at all sampling locations.

pH is a value which represents the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. The

definition for pH is the negative logarithm of the hydrogen ion

concentration, pH = -log10[H+]. pH is an important water quality parameter

because the concentration range suitability for the existence of biological

life is quite narrow and critical. The proposed site showed that the pH

values of the water at W1=7.0, W2=7.1 and W3=7.3 ; all were within the

range of neutral value of 7.0.





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Temperature of surface waters governs to a large extent, the biological

species present and their rates of activity and it has an effect on most

chemical reactions that occur in natural water systems. Besides,

temperature has a pronounced effect on the solubilities of gases in water.

If the temperature is increased, biological activity increases. An increase

10oC is usually sufficient to double the biological activity (if essentialnutrients are present). The water temperature at all sampling points

measured 27.2oC

Total suspended solids (TSS) consist of all inorganic or organic particles or

of immiscible liquids in water. Inorganic solids such as clay, silt and other

constituents are common in surface water. Organic material such as plant

fibers and biological solids (algal cell, bacteria, etc.) are common

constituents of surface water. Generally, it is a measure of the suspended

matters, which is indicative of the amount of erosion taking place in the

area. This parameter is measured by evaporating a sample to dryness

and weighing the residue. The total quantity of residue is expressed as

milligram per liter (mg/L) on a dry-mass-of-solids basis. A drying

temperature slightly above boiling (104 oC) is sufficient to drive off the

liquid and the water adsorbed to the surface of the particles, while a

temperature of about 180 oC is necessary to evaporate the occluded water.

The TSS detected at all sampling points were very low, ranging from 4-

22mg/L, and complied with Class IIB compliance limits of NWQSM of 50

mg/L.

Oil & Grease could be attributed to the discharges from nearby residents,

motor vehicle and machinery workshops. The analysis for oil & grease for

water sampled at all sampling locations showed that the contaminant

levels were all negligibly low, i.e., <1.0 mg/L.

Nonetheless, based on the analysis results, the water quality in the vicinity of

the project site during the sampling period was generally equivalent to Class

IIB of the Interim National Water Quality Standards for Malaysia (see

Appendix I) with the exception of BOD and COD levels.

3.1.8 Air Quality

In situ measurements of the total suspended particulate matters (TSP) were

carried out at A1, A2, and A3 as indicated in Figure 3.4 and Table 3.4. The

results of the TSP in the vicinity of the project site are indicated in Table 3.4.

The TSP measurements at all sampling points were performed using Model

Haz-Dust Real-Time Dust Monitor ± a direct reading aerosol monitor sampled

for a period of 15 minutes or until a stabilized reading is attained. A total





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number of 3 samples were collected during daytime rush hours and night-time

off-peak hours, and the readings were averaged. Existing TSP levels at all

monitoring locations (A1 - A3) were relatively low, ranging from 40-50 Qg/m3

and were well within the stipulated limits of 260 Qg/m3 as recommended by the

DOE, Malaysia.

Table 3.4: In-Situ Measurement of TSP at the Project Site

SAMPLING

POINTS

GPS

COORDINATESLOCATIONS

RESULT OVER 24-

HOUR PERIOD

A1Elevation 37.5m02°02.780¶ N,111°54.220¶ E

Longhouse at westof project site.

40 Qg/m3

A2Elevation 30.8m

02°02.550¶N

111°54.480¶ E

SMK Julau No.1 atsouth of project

site.

50 Qg/m3

A3Elevation 31.7m02°02.320¶ N,111°54.770¶ E

Julau Town(Sebirah) atsoutheast of project site.

40 Qg/m3

3.1.9 Noise Quality

Noise monitoring was carried out using Model Sound Meter with Remote

Probe at N1, N2, and N3 at the proposed project site as shown in Figure 3.4.The results of the noise monitoring results are presented in Table 3.5. Noise

levels (sound pressure levels) fluctuates due to moving vehicles, construction

machines or works, insects, birds, and wind, and thus the equivalent

continuous equal energy level (L eq) concept is usually used. It is that constant

noise level that, over a given time, expends the same amount of energy as t he

fluctuating level over the same time period.

i=n

Leq = 10 Log 7 10 Log Li/10 ti

i=1

Where,

n = the total number of samples taken

Li = the noise level in dBA of the i th sample

t i = fraction of total sample time











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3.1.10 Climate

The Malaysian Meteorological service (MMS) maintains a principal

meteorological station at Sibu Airport, Latitude 02º 20¶N, Longitude 111º 50¶E,

Elevation 7.5 metres AMSL, which is the nearest MMS station to the proposed

project site. The meteorological data recorded at the MMS climatological

station includes surface wind (12.5 m height), surface air temperature, rainfall

and relative humidity. The available data cover a time span of over 10 years.

As such, the meteorological observations taken at Sibu Airport represent that

of the project site since it is the nearest meteorological station in Sibu Division

or Central Zone (see Figure 3.5).

Source: Malaysian Meteorological Service, 2001.

Figure 3.5: Locations of Continuous Air Quality Monitoring Stations

3.1.10.1 Rainfall

The annual rainfall pattern varies from year to year with a distinct dry

and wet season, which shows the characteristic influence of the

monsoon seasons. The driest period occurs from June to August while

the wettest period occurs around November and Janu ary. In

comparison with other towns in East Malaysia, Sibu experiences rather

heavy rainfall during the peak of the Northeast monsoon, averaging

above 400 mm in December and above 500 mm in January. The total

annual rainfall is relatively high. It can vary between 110.2 mm during

the El Nino years to above 4,500 mm during the wet years. Table 3.6

shows the mean monthly rainfall at Sibu Airport for years 1999-2008.

The average monthly rainfall for project site area over the 10 years

period (1999-2008) is attached in Appendix IV.





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Table 3.6: Mean Monthly Rainfall

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Mean Monthly

Rainfall (mm)

510.9 319.0 326.8 307.8 230.6 218.4 182.5 199.9 283.0 301.9 345.0 416.7

Source: Malaysian Meteorological Service

3.1.10.2 Relative Humidity

Table 3.7 shows the mean monthly relative humidity at Sibu Airport for

years 1999-2008. The average monthly relative humidity for project site

area over the 10 years period (1999-2008) is shown in Appendix IV.

The mean monthly relative humidity varies in the range of 80.5% to

86.8%. The relative humidity is comparatively lower during the hotter months, rising to above 12.2% during the cooler and wetter periods.

The humidity, also has a large diurnal range, dropping to as low as 50%

at midday and rises to almost 100% at night and dawn.

Table 3.7: Monthly Mean Relative Humidity

Month

Relative Humidity

(%)

Mean

January 86.8

February 85.9

March 84.0

April 84.5

May 83.5

June 82.8

July 81.1

August 80.5

September 83.6

October 85.2November 85.4

December 86.2






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3.1.10.3 Temperature

Table 3.8 shows the monthly mean temperatures at Sibu Airport for

years 1999-2008. The average monthly relative humidity over the

project site in the 10 years period (1999-2008) is shown in Appendix

IV. The moderating effect of the land-sea breeze on the meteorologicalobservations at the Sibu Meteorological station is clearly reflected in the

fairly constant monthly 24-hour mean temperature. The average

temperature fluctuates in a small range between 26ºC and 27ºC.

Table 3.8: Monthly Mean Temperatures

MonthTemperature (ºC)

Mean

January 26.0

February 26.1

March 26.6

April 26.8

May 27.2

June 26.9

July 26.9

August 27.0

September 26.5

October 26.3

November 26.3December 26.2


3.1.10.4 Surface Wind

Wind plays an important role in the transport and dispersal of po llutants.

Thus, it is important to consider the general wind flow pattern at the

project site in this assessment. The annual wind rose and those for the

different monsoon periods at Sibu Airport are given in Figures 3.6 and

3.7, respectively.

Typical of a coastal site, the land and sea breezes have a strong

influence on the behaviour of the diurnal wind. The sea breeze is a

persistent feature in the wind rose summaries. It attains its peak

strength in mid-afternoon when the ground surface has heated up

sufficiently to generate a local circulation due to the temperature





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differential between land and sea. By comparison, the land breeze ,

which sets in at night has much lighter wind speeds.

During the Northeast monsoon season, the sea breeze reinforces the

prevailing wind resulting in strong northerlies blowing over the region.

Conversely, during the Southwest monsoon period the wind direction ispredominantly from the South and Southeast. The total percentage of

calm occasions implying that calm condition exists for approximately

one third of the time. The occurrence of typhoons at the site is rare.

However, in the event of a typhoon or tropical storm in the vicinity, the

surface wind speed has been known to exceed 20 ms -1. Tables 3.9

and 3.10 show the records of monthly mean surface wind speeds and

wind directions from years 1999 to 2008 at Sibu Airport.

Table 3.9: Records of Monthly Mean Surface Wind

Year Month (meter per second)

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

1999 N.A N.A. N.A. 17.0 14.0 12.5 13.0 12.5 13.5 14.5 18.0 16.5

2000 11.0 10.5 15.0 13.5 16.5 10.5 14.5 19.5 14.5 18.5 13.0 16.5

2001 18.0 12.5 15.0 16.5 13.5 13.0 14.3 14.8 13.3 13.8 14.8 13.8

2002 13.3 13.3 13.8 13.3 14.8 11.7 12.8 14.8 14.8 13.8 13.8 14.8

2003 14.8 14.3 14.8 14.8 13.8 14.8 13.8 12.8 14.8 14.3 14.3 12.8

2004 14.8 13.3 14.3 14.3 14.8 14.3 11.7 12.8 12.8 13.3 14.3 12.8

2005 12.2 14.8 11.7 11.4 10.7 12.4 13.2 12.3 13.2 12.2 14.4 12.8

2006 12.5 11.5 13.1 15.5 14.7 13.3 16.1 14.3 10.5 20.6 11.6 11.1

2007 20.2 11.7 18.5 12.3 12.6 14.0 15.6 18.7 13.4 12.6 15.4 11.9

2008 14.7 11.6 12.3 12.4 13.6 15.0 11.9 18.4 15.7 12.4 16.1 10.8


Table 3.10: Records of Monthly Maximum Surface Wind Direction

Year Month (r)

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

1999 N.A. N.A. N.A. 330 010 040 270 270 230 020 200 230

2000 010 220 320 120 240 280 360 260 220 250 280 330

2001 300 050 270 180 240 080 030 250 140 030 190 250

2002 120 210 320 180 250 260 160 290 270 150 030 360

2003 050 030 250 210 130 180 030 270 020 220 300 290

2004 330 030 060 360 040 220 280 330 180 240 020 220

2005 240 100 320 260 330 360 220 290 220 120 250 270

2006 020 250 240 280 260 010 350 260 240 260 030 020

2007 240 020 010 120 060 270 310 280 200 250 270 060

2008 310 050 320 010 330 110 200 030 070 070 050 070






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3.1.10.5 Atmospheric Stability

Atmospheric stability plays a significant role in the dispersion of air

pollutant. An unstable atmosphere enables the plumes to rise to great

heights and thus facilitate a better dispersion of pollutant. On the other hand, in a very stable atmosphere, stagnation exists and air pollutants

are trapped within the lower levels. Studies conducted in the tropics

indicated that the atmosphere is most unstable from late morning to

early afternoon, gradually becoming neutral in the late afternoon and

evening. At night, the atmosphere is expected to be rather stable.



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ABC Sdn Bhd 3-25

3.2 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

This chapter provides a description of the existing biological and human

environment in the vicinity of the Project site, including areas within 3 km

radius from its periphery.

3.2.1 Flora

The Project area encompasses an area of approximately 28.3 hectares, with

predominantly agricultural land and rural developments comprising of

residential settlements. Patches of land area have been cleared and land-

filled several years ago during the construction of a commercial housing

schemes and other individual houses being built mainly near and along the

access or feeder road. Three villages are located in the area and the main

activities of settlers of those villages evidently contributed to the flora diversity

in the area, especially the cultivation of domesticated species. Thus, the

ground covers at the Project site, other than rubber and fruit trees, mainly

consist of grasses, shrubs and fast growing pioneer trees which are either

volunteers or are planted as household uses, landscap ing purposes or as

wind-breakers.

Within the boundary of the Project site , a mixture of secondary forest

especially along the banks of Sg Jikang, The cocoa ( T heobroma cacao) farms,

pepper (Piper nigrum) and rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) gardens and small farm

lands are predominant cultivated crops. These farms and gardens are under

utilized or are left idled and neglected after the Government has compensated

the farmers for their land. As such the farms and gardens are covered with

undergrowth, such as Senduduk (Melastoma malabathricum), Resam

(Gleichenia lineans), Paku Uban ( N ephrolepis biserrata), Paku Midin

(Stenochlaena palustris), and grasses of Paoceace and shrubs of

Euphobiaceae and Rubiaceae.

Small scattered lands around the grouped settlements, especially areas

around the villages are planted with a variety of fruit trees or fruiting plants, like

rambutan ( N

ephelium lappaceum), mangga (Mangifera indica), kuini(Mangifera odorata), rambai (Baccaurea motleyana), embang (Mangifera

pajang), durian (Durio zibethinus), coconut (Cocos nucifera) and others.

Ornamental plants commonly found around the settlements and the housing

scheme included Bamboo (Bambusa sp.) Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea sp.),

Hibiscus (Hibiscus sp.), Azalea (Rhododendron sp.) and Ixora (Ixora sp.) and

many other horticultural plant species of aesthetic values.





ABC Sdn Bhd 3-26

Secondary forests, which is a result of land clearing are observed to be

dominated by fast-growing trees, notably several Macaranga spp. (Benuak),

Vitex pubescens (Leban), Alstonia angustiloba (Pelai), Callicarpa sp.,

Glochidion sp.(Mayam), T imonius borneensis (Rentap), Artocarpus nitidus

(Telakong) Eugenia sp., Cratoxylum glaucum (Gerangan), Dellenia suffruticosa

(Buan), Euodia alba (Jampang), Vernonia arborea (Entepong) and Ficus sp(Tempan). In highly disturbed areas, such as along roadsides, Dillenia

suffruticosa, N auclea maingayi and Fagraea racemosa are dominant.

In other heavily disturbed areas, a variety of grasses, shrubs, herbs and small

trees were seen to be sparsely scattered. Chromolaena odaranta (Pokok

Kapal Terbang), Imperata cylinderica (Lalang) and Paspalum conjugatum

(Rumput Kerbau) are seen to grow profusely in these areas. Tables 3.11

showed the list of vegetation identified in and around the project site.

Sg. Jikang is only the river that passes through the proposed project site, and

is lined with such plants as Asam Paya (Eleoidoxa conferta), Beluah

(Macaranga triloba), Pandan Rasau (Pandanus affinis) and Engkabang

(Shorea mycrophylla).

Table 3.11: List of vegetation identified in and around the Project site

Vegetation in and around the Project site

Taxon/Trees Local Name / Remarks

Artocarpus elasticus Tekalong Artocarpus anisophyllus Bintawa

Artocarpus rigidus Tekalong

Euodia sp Jampang

Ficus aurata Tempan/Lengkan

Alstonia scholaris Pelai

Alstonia angustiloba Pelai bukit

Vitex pubescens Leban/Kepapa

Cratoxylum arborescens Geronggang

Elaeocarpus marginatus Empedu

Adinandra dumosa Tiup-tiup

Macaranga gigantea Merakubong

Macaranga triloba Mahanng/Purang

Dillenia suffruticosa Buan/Simpoh

Callicarpa longifolia Sabar besi/bilau

Ficus geocharis Entimau

Eugenia sp Ubah

Cratoxylum formosum Geronggang

Vernonia arborea Entepong





ABC Sdn Bhd 3-27

Campnosperma auriculata Terentang

Ficus sp Tempan/Lengkan

Elaeocarpus sp Empedu

Pentaspadon motleyi Plajau

N auclea maingayi Empitap

Shorea macrophylla Engkabang jantungShorea seminis Tegellam/Engkabang terendak

T imonius borneensis Rentap

Mallotus leucodermis Beleti

Alphitonia sp Mergang

Artocarpus odoratissimus Terap/Lumok

Canarium odontophyllum Dabei

Garcinia parvifolia Kundong

Artocarpus dadah Dadak

Garcinia sp Kandis

N auclea cadamba Kedemba

N ephelium ramboutan Buah Mak

Clerodendron sp Buah Siang

Xantophyllum amomum Langgir

xantophyllum ellipticum Nyalin tikus

Linoceira sp Mok

T abernaemontana macrocarpa Pelir kambing

N ephelium maingayi Serait

Litocarpus gracilis Empili

Brownlowia sp Engkerumai

Pangium edule Kepayang

Litsea garciae EngkalaDurio zibethinus Durian

Dillenia excelsa Simpoh gajah

Baccaurea motleyana Rambai

Knema sp Kumpang

Horsefieldia grandis Kumpang

Glochodion arborescens Mayam

Pometia pinnata Kasai

Pentace sp Baru bukit

N orisia maior Empaling

Litsea sp Medang

Dacryodes laxa Kemayau

Havea brasiliensis Getah para

Metroxylon sago Mulong/Sago

Insegonia insignis Pantu





ABC Sdn Bhd 3-28

3.2.2 Fauna

More than fourteen types of wild mammal were observed or known to exist in

the proposed Project site and these included Callossiurus notataus

(CommonTupai), Ratufa affinis (Tupai Engkerabak), T upaia glis (Tree Shrews),

Sus barbatus (Babi Hutan), Cervus unicolor (Rusa), Macaca fascicularis

(Monyet), Macaca nemestrina (Berok), T ragulus javanicus (Pelandok), Arctictis

binturong (Binturong) Paradoxurus hermaphroditus (Musang), Hystrx

brachyura (Landak), Manis javanica (Tengiling) and Varanus salvator (Biawak).

Domesticated animals like cats (Felis catus) and dogs (Canis lupus familiaris)

are reared or encountered and are as stray animals, including house rats

(Rattus rattus), as a pest. Besides these mammals, some common insects

and molluscs pests are present at the Project site.

Reptiles and amphibians observed or known to exist are Green Crested Lizard

(Bronchocela chstatellus), Monitor Lizard (Varanus rudicolis), frogs (Rana sp.)

and toads (Bufo sp.). Species of birds encountered during the survey are:

Magpie-Robin (Copyschus saularis), House Sparrow (Passer montanus),

Jambu Fruit Dove (Ptilinopus jambu), Green Pigeon (T reron sp.), Spectacled

Spider Hunter ( Arachnothera flavisgaster ) and Blue-Tailed Bee Eater (Merops

phillipinus) and all these are not protected under the Wildlife Protection

Ordinance 1990.

Tables 3.12-3.15 present the lists of the observed mammals, reptiles,

amphibians, birds as well as fishes respectively within the Project site.

Appendix I presents a list of totally protected and protected flora and fauna inSarawak under the Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998.





ABC Sdn Bhd 3-29

Table 3.12: List of Mammals identified within the Study Area

Species Common Name Status

Hystrx brachyura Landak P

Sus barbatus Babi Hutan P

Tragulus javanicus Pelanduk PCallossciurus notataus Tupai U

Paradoxurus hermaphroditus Musang U

Cervus unicolor Rusa P

Lutra sumatrana Memerang U

Arctictis binturong Binturong U

Trichys fasciculata Angkis P

Manis javanica Tengiling P

Varanus salvator Biawak U

Ratufa affinis Tupai Engkerabak P

Macaca fascicularis Monyet/Kera U

Macaca nemestrina Berok/Nyumbuh UP = Protected species under Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998U = Unprotected

Table 3.13: List of Reptiles and Amphibians identified in the Study Area


Bufo sp. Toads U

Rana sp. Frogs U

Varanus rudicollis Monitor lizard P

Bronchocela Green crested lizard U

P - Protected species under Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998U = Unprotected

Table 3.14: List of Birds identified in the Study Area


Arachnothera flavigaster Spectacled Spider Hunter U

Copyschus saularis Magpie-Robin U

Ptilinopus jambu Jambu Fruit Dove U

Merops phillipinus Blue-Tailed Bee-Eater U

Passer montanus House Sparrow U

T reron sp. Green Pigeon U

P = Protected species under Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998U = Unprotected





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Table 3.15: List of Fish identified in the Study Area


Clarias sp Keli U

Osteochilus hasseltii Banta U

Rasbora sp Seluang U

Puntius sp Bangah U

Mystus baramensis Baong U

Cyclocheilichthys apogon Boing U

Chana sp Udun U

Mystus sp. Boris U

Barbonymus schwanenfeldii Tengadak P

Barbonymus collingwoodi Kepiat U

Kryptopterus sp Lais U

Amyda cartilaginea Labi-labi P

Pangasius sp Boris U

Ompok sp Lais U

P = Protected species under Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998U = Unprotected

Based on the findings of the biological survey carried out at the proposed

Project site, there were species of flora and fauna that could be categorized as

protected under the Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998. Nevertheless, none of

the species was critically endangered or vulnerable. In fact, some were

identified as common species throughout the state of Sarawak.

3.3 HUMAN ENVIRONMENT

The socio-economic assessment of the human environment is one of the most

important aspects of an EIA because the people would naturally delegate

themselves as the impact parameter of the foremost concern. In compliance

with the objectives of the EIA, several visits were made to the relevant

settlements (during the months between May & July 2009) in the vicinity of the

Project area to collect basic socio-economic data.

The social survey directly focused on the settlements residing along Julau

Feeder Road with special attentions given to those settlements that would be

directly benefited from the Project residing within 3 -km radius of the proposed

school project. Even thought Julau Town is located slightly beyond the 3 -km

radius of the project site, the current socio-economic component of the study





ABC Sdn Bhd 3-31

also partially covered the settlements within and in vicinity of Julau Town

Centre.

In this socio-economic survey, the headmen of villages (Ketua Kampung or

³KK´ ) or of individual longhouses (locally known as T uai Rumah ( T R)), local

community leaders such as Julau District C ouncilors and Kapitans helped play

the utmost important role in gathering the fundamental socio -economic data.

Relevant secondary data on nearby village profiles were also procured from

the Julau District Council . The awareness, perception and opinion of those

communities whose lives would be affected in one way or another by the

Project were also recorded during these interviews ( see Socio-economic

Survey Questionnaire attached in Appendix VI).

By virtue of the positions held, the KK, TR and Kapitans are usually influentialover the decisions in matters pertaining to the kampung/longhouse community

affairs and it is usually through the headmen and community leaders that the

development agents seek for co-operation and perception. The communities

tend to receive instructions from their headmen/community leaders and would

be cautious about expressing disagreement with them. Furthermore, all the

interviewed headmen and community leaders had been staying in their

respective kampungs and/or longhouses for more than 15 years, making them

the best persons to give the direct and true scenarios of their

kampungs/longhouses and locals. Hence, focus group interviews were carried

out where the key-informants, the KK/TR, District Councilor, and some of the

kampung/longhouse members/household heads were present to provide the

baseline data on the demographic profile (name, age, gender, ethnic

composition, religion, education, etc.), socio -economic and health status, land

use pattern and cultivation practised by the communities as well as their

perception and expectation towards the Project.

3.3.1 Population and Settlement

A total of four (4) relevant longhouses located within 3 -km radius of the

proposed Project are 1) Rh. Lanting Ak Bangku, 2) Rh. Edward, 3) Rh.

Mabong Ak Sagai, and 4) Rh. Bayang Ak Maga) comprises of a total of 86

doors and a total population of approximately 416 people . There were slightly

more females than males with a ratio of 1.1 :1.0. The number of people who

lived together as one household varied from 3 to 9 members with an average

of about 5 persons per door. The locations of the relevant settlements





ABC Sdn Bhd 3-32

understudy that located in the vicinity of the proposed Project site are shown in

Figure 3.8, and the statistics gathered for these settlements are shown in

Table 3.16. Plates 13-16 show sampled longhouses (Rh. Lanting Ak Bangku,

Rh. Edward, Rh. Mabong Ak Sagai, Rh. Bayang Ak Maga) with GPS

Coordinates.

Figure 3.8: Localities of Proposed Project (SMK Julau No.2) and Julau Town

Figure 3.9: Shophouses in Julau Town







ABC Sdn Bhd 3-34

3.3.2 Julau

Julau town is one of the administrative districts other than Sarikei, Pakan, and

Meradong, which all are under Division of Sarikei. Julau town is located on the

western bank of Sungai Kanowit and Sg . Julau, approximately 66km away

from Sarikei Town. Based on Year 2007 census, Julau district had population

of 19,570 and covering area of 1,703.39 square kilometres (km2). Being the

service centre of the area, it has a full range of community facilities including

kindergarten, primary schools, secondary schools, a government operated

clinic, some essential governmental agencies, a good number of shops and

shop houses, a mosque, a wet market, a sanitary landfill, water treatment

plant/potable water and electricity supplies, and telecommunication and postal

services (Figure 3.10 and Plates 17-26). Most of the Chinese are operating

businesses in the town. There are only a few blocks of concrete shophouses in

the town (Figure 3.9). In the hierarchical structure of service centres in the

division, Julau is considered to be at the second level after Sarikei. It caters

mainly for convenient shopping of the population in the sub -district, while

Sarikei provides for the durable and specialist goods and services.

It is noteworthy that the proposed Project, i.e. SK Julau No.2 is located

approximately 4 km north of Julau Town. During the last field visit on 4 th July

2009, it was observed that the construction of the proposed Project (i.e. SK

Julau No.2) was in the progress (site clearing completed).



Cadangan Pembangunan Projek Pendidikan Bagi SMK Julau NO.2, (30BD) Di Atas Lot 353, Block 3, Jikang Land Dis

Pelajaran Malaysia

ABC Sdn Bhd

Figure 3.10: Government Agencies/Offices in Vicinity of the Project







ABC Sdn Bhd 3-37

Plate 23: Jabatan Kerja Raya, Julau.N 2° 01¶

.7¶¶ E111°

¶ 2 .2¶¶

Plate 24: Julau/Pakan Area Farmer'sOrganization.

N 2° 01¶

.1¶¶ E111°

¶ 27.2¶¶

Plate 25: Julau Water Board.N 2° 01¶

.2¶¶ E111°

¶ 2

.2¶¶ Plate 26: Sesco Julau.

N 2° 01¶

9. ¶¶ E111°

¶

.

¶¶

3.3.3 Race and Religion

The population is culturally mixed; predominantly Ibans, Chinese and Malays.

Most of the Chinese are mainly operating businesses in the town (thus

occupying Level 2 of the shophouses). There are some Malays living in the

vicinity of Julau town area, while those staying near or along the mai n roads

are mainly Iban communities. Based on the data gather during the surveys,

Iban communities are mainly of Christian religion though some of them are

still adhered to the old Iban traditional beliefs. The Chinese consist of

Christians, Buddhists and free-thinkers, whist the Malays are Muslims.

3.3.4 Age Structure

Based on the recent surveys, about 61.3% of the sampled population were

young people at the age group of 18 years old and below. Those adults aged

from 19 to 59 years old made up 28.8% of the total sampled while the





ABC Sdn Bhd 3-38

remaining 9.9% were senior citizens at 60 years old and above. The

population in this case would include all those who have temporarily left the

kampungs/longhouses to work and live outside the region. They only return to

their kampungs/longhouses during festive occasions and holiday breaks.

3.3.5 Rate of Migration

Out-migration is commonly experienced in the rural communities and it was

similarly observed here. According to the respondents, about 12% of the

actively working people (male and female in the 19-59 years old age group)

had left their kampungs/longhouses for jobs within the Sarikei Division, and

7% had migrated out to work in some other towns of Sarawak, e.g. Sibu,

Bintulu, Miri and Kuching, Sabah and as far as West Malaysia and Labuan. In

general, among the 12% working group, nearly all of them received secondary

to tertiary level of education. The reason for migration was mainly

employment, which might be permanent (e.g. government sectors and private

companies) or semi-permanent (e.g. plantation workers) or temporary (e.g.

daily labourers). Apart from economic motivation, out-migration is also

prompted by the attractions of living in the urban areas. Quite a number of

students are pursuing their further education and the remaining migrants had

moved to the places where their parents or children work.

This out-migration rate was lower compared to the 73.3 (54.1% within Miri

Division and 19.2% in other parts of Sarawak, State of Malaysia andoverseas) recorded in the Miri Regional Study (Konsortium Malaysia and

GHD, 2004). This might be due to its location where the access to/from towns

are easy and employment and business opportunities are relatively ample.

Looking at the widespread oil palm development and logging activities in the

vicinity, it is expected that the timber and agricultural sector would have

generated ample stable and reliable employment and business opportunities

for the local people near their homes. Generally, among the sampled

households, each of the household would have 1 or 2 of their household

members working within the Sarikei and Sibu Divisions or in other parts of Sarawak.





ABC Sdn Bhd 3-39

3.3.6 Existing Health Condition and Sanitation

During the socio-econnomy survey, it was found that there was no medical

clinic in the vicinity of the proposed Project Site. In fact, there is a Health

Clinic (Klinik Kesihatan Julau) located in Julau town which is about 4.5 km

away from the proposed Project Site. This clinic serves and caters for theminor medical needs of the local people and also the nearby rural residents,

mainly from Entabai. For more severe medical conditions, they would seek

medical attention at Sibu General Hospital which is about 60 km away from

Julau. According to the respondents, there had been no incidence of dengue

fever and cholera but there were a few cases of malaria, tuberculosis, and

hand, food and mouth disease (HFM) reported during the past two years. This

is further confirmed by the data procured with permission from the

Department of Health (DoH), Sarawak.

Most houses in the settlements surveyed were provided with pour-flush pit

latrine system to avoid direct sewage discharge into the river. During the field

survey, it was observed the solid wastes generated by the settlements at Rh.

Lanting Ak Bangku, Rh. Edward, Rh. Mabong Ak Sagai, Rh. Bayang Ak Maga

had been collected regularly by Meradong and Julau District Councils

(MJDC). Solid wastes collected from this area are transported to sanitary

landfill or dumpsite at Entabai (located about 3 km from Julau Town). For

other settlements away from the JKR roads, where garbage trucks were not

reachable, the entire domestic solid wastes were not properly disposed off ;

wastes are either being burnt or thrown into gullies or river, or onto open land.

3.3.7 Education Facilities and Literary Rate

Several education facilities can be found in Julau area including

kindergartens, primary schools, and secondary schools which serve the local

people to pursue their knowledge and mentality training. In the region under

study, there is a secondary schools (SMK Julau No. 1, Sarikei) serving the

communities in the vicinity of the Project site (Figure 3.10 and Table 3.). The

existing SMK Julau No. 1 offers the full curriculum of secondary school

education and provides hostel lodgings for nearby and outstation students

(see Plate 27 and Plate 28). After interviewing the Deputy Principal of SMK

Julau No. 1, Mr. Casimir Ato on 4 th July 2009, it was found that approximately

90% (1,260 out of 1,400 total) of the students are boarding or staying in

hostels. A good fraction of the SPM graduates would further their education at

government operated Matriculation Program in various parts of Malaysia and





ABC Sdn Bhd 3-40

Form 6 level at SMK Meradong, Bintangor, while a small fraction would

pursue their education to university level.

Overall, the literacy rate of the sampled population was about 80%. The

young people who had an upper secondary education constituted about 21%

among the sampled population. About 2% of them had attained diploma and

university education. Among the sampled population, approximately 19% of

them had never attended any formal education and this group mostly

belonged to the older aged groups.

Plate 27: SMK Julau No. 1. Plate 28: Academic Blocks, SMK JulauNo.1.

Table 3.17: Secondary School ± Serving Area

Serving Area Pre-schoolPrimarySchool

SecondarySchool

Rh. Lanting Ak. Bangku,Rh. Edward,

Rh. Mabong Ak. Sagai,Rh. Bayang Ak. Maga.

N /A N /ASMK Julau,

Sarikei

3.3.8 Economic Activities

About 58% of the sampled population including male s and females who in the

age group of 19-65 years old were involved in small-scaled farming. The

remaining, especially the educated and the younger members of the

communities were engaged in daily-paid jobs, served in government sectors,

employed by private firms, operating small businesses, and worked as





ABC Sdn Bhd 3-41

manual labourers on contract or daily paid basis. The unemployment rate was

practically nil because those who were in working age group would work in

their own farms (albeit often on a part-time basis) if they were not gainfully

employed elsewhere. Generally, the self -employed are more than those

employed by others.

Farming

Farming represented the most widely practised economic activity carried out

by the villagers in the communities surveyed. The main agricultural activities

were:

Pepper ± Pepper is cultivated as a monocrop without shading, and is

mainly cultivated on gentle-steep slopes (Figure 3.11). Sarawak pepper

has gained the international recognition from chefs and gourmets as one

of the inevitable ingredients/species for enhanced flavor and taste of thefood. Pepper is one of the important cash crops supporting the likelihood

of majority rural dwellers in upland areas of Sarawak, including Julau area.

Usually, the local farmers sell their pepper to village or town dealers and

the harvesting is done from March to August of the year.

Figure 3.11: Pepper Growing on Hill Slope

Shifting cultivation ± Shifting cultivation is common in the region. Hill paddy

is the most important crop grown under such system. Other crops planted

in rotation or simultaneously with paddy include maize and tapioca. The

actual field conditions of shifting cultivation lands may range from a newly

cleared situation to old secondary forest with fairly large trees.

Mixed fruit trees - Some dusun quality fruit trees are grown around the

kampungs/longhouses (Figure 3.12). These include banana, durian,





ABC Sdn Bhd 3-42

langsat, rambutan, nanas, citrus, coconut, etc. Fruits produced are for own

consumption and to supplement the household income.

Figure 3.12: Mixed Fruit Trees at Farmhouse

Vegetable cultivation - Other crops grown in scattered plots include corn,

sweet potato (Ipomoea Batatas), yam (heart-shaped leaves) and other

common local vegetables (Figure 3.13). These are planted on a

subsistence basis but surpluses are sold.

Figure 3.13: Mixed Vegetable Cultivation

Wet paddy ± A handful of wet paddy fields can be found within the

surveyed area. Wet paddy forms the main food crop planted in the riverine

alluvial belts along the rivers/streams. It is a one -season annual crop and is

cultivated on a rain-feed basis. Paddy is cultivated mainly on a subsistence

basis.

Rubber - Some rubber trees had been planted, mainly under the

Department of Agriculture¶s (DOA's) Rubber Subsidy Scheme and

Lembaga Getah Malaysia. Most of the rubber smallholders generally

maintain their rubber gardens well because of the attractive market price of

raw rubber.





ABC Sdn Bhd 3-43

Livestock - There is no significant livestock industry in the region. Rearing

of poultry is limited to the practice of free-ranging around the settlements.

Domestic livestock such as pig, chicken and duck are commonly kept at

most of the longhouses/ kampungs. This is usually done on a very small

scale for food supplement. Some of the households also reared a few cows

for their own consumption.

Fishing

Large aquatic life is rare in the rivers/streams near the Project site. Fishing is

not an important activity for the kampungs/longhouses listed above. It is only

carried out as a part-time occupation on a small and casual scale. The

catches are mainly to supplement their diet rather than on a commercial basis.

Only excess catch, which is rare, is sold for extra cash. Based on the

interviews of locals and fish mongers (including general traders) in Julau

market, the main fish species caught in the region include ikan baung (Mystus

baramensis), ikan keli (Clarias sp.), seluang (Rasbora tornieri ), ikan tapah

(W allago sp.), and ikan lampan jawa (Barbonymus gonionotus). River fishing

usually involves cast nets (jala), lines and hooks, and barrier nets.

Hunting

Hunting is no longer important for the communities surveyed. Now there is

more or less a dearth of large mammals in the region. In recent years, the

control of firearms and the passing of the Wildlife Protection Ordinance have

further curtailed the hunting activity. Game meat, if any, is for the hunters¶ own

consumption.

Collection of Jungle Products

The minority surveyed settlements especially those away from Julau Town

used to collect the forest product from the adjacent forests to supply their daily

needs. According to the locals, they are still collecting the raw material such

as rattan, bamboo and palm leaves for making handicraft such as floor mat,

tray, basket and hat. This is mainly carried out for the people¶s own use and

not for commercial purposes. The introduction of modern household utensilshad reduced the dependence of the forest products.

3.3.9 Income

Pepper, corn cultivation and other minor food crops, fishing and sometimes

hunting provided the main items of food for the people. Among the surv ey, the





ABC Sdn Bhd 3-44

main source of household cash income came from self -farming and other

crops cultivation besides employment in the government and private sectors,

working as manual labourers on contract or daily paid basis. A substantial

number of households also received remittances from family members who

were working away from the longhouses/kampungs. Most of the people

claimed that their incomes were not stable. Based on the current socio -

economy survey, about 70% of the people were in the monthly household

income bracket of RM700 and below, while approximately 30% of the people

did have a monthly household income of more than RM700. A small number

of sampled population reviewed their earning of probably more than RM2,000

per month. However, the average household income was about RM500. This

finding on income level figure did not indeed give a true reflection of the actual

income; it was only an indicative at most as it was difficult to factor in the

values of the food crops and vegetables that they grew and the products of

forest they collected.

Housing and Standard of Living

The entire housing in the area understudy was all owner -occupied, and were

in moderate to good condition. The Malays and Chinese settlements are in

the form of individual houses built near to each other, while the Ibans mostly

stay in longhouses. Among the sampled longhouses, about 80% of the

longhouses were made of timber features with bamboo, meanwhile only 10%

of the entire residents lived in concrete houses and the rest had acombination of wood and brick/concrete.

The interviews also revealed that virtually about 70% of the sampled

households had radios and television sets, 65% of them had furniture and

mobile phones. This survey also showed that a large number of the

households owned motorcycles and cars.

3.3.10 Shopping/Marketing Facilities

The people in the region understudy usually sell their farm produce and buy

their daily needs at Julau wet market (Figure 3.14). This town can be easily

reached either by land or river. Nowadays, most of the people here tend to

travel to Sibu town for shopping occasi onally.







ABC Sdn Bhd 3-46

sets to generate electricity for backup purposes. Based on the respondents,

they only tend to consume the electricity during night -time to supply electricity

for their lighting systems in budgeting way.

Figure 3.16: Power Supply and Telecommunications in the Vicinity of

Project Site

Telekom Malaysia Bhd¶s fixed lined telecommunication service is not available

at those longhouses except Rh. Banyang Ak. Maga. In Rh. Bayang, not all of

the households were subscribing the in -house telephone utility, however quite

plenty of the households tend to subscribe prepaid mobile services. There is

no public telephone service to the longhouses sited away from the town. Most

of the mobile telephone services are available with limited telecommunication

coverage.

3.3.13 Burial Grounds and other Cultural/Sensitive Areas

The social study conducted did not include an exhaustive survey of the burial

sites of the local communities. Based on the survey, there are few burial

grounds found in the study region; all of them are located away from their

longhouses, which more than 3-km radius from the Project Site. These burial

grounds are usually located along the riverbank around the settlements. The

burial grounds are shared by the local communities. No other cultural or

sensitive areas are found within the study region.

3.3.14 Aesthetics, Historical or Religious Places

The proposed site covers secondary forest, agricultural area and grassland.

As such, no aesthetics, historical or religious places were found within the site.





ABC Sdn Bhd 3-47

3.3.15 Perceptions towards the Proposed Project

The following discussion sessions were based on the data collected from 4

Tuai Rumah of longhouses and 86 headmen of households from the four

longhouses located within 3-km radius of the project site.

The perception towards the proposed Project was unanimously (100%)

positive because of the potential benefits associated with additional number of

students will have opportunity to study and gain knowledge especially those

who completed 6 years study in primary schools from rural areas, (Ulu Pakan,

Ulu Entabai). This project expected to bring benefits to the existing and the

only secondary school in Julau (SMK Julau) which almost reach the quota of

that school population, agreed by Deputy Principal of SMK Julau, Mr. Casimir

Ato.

When the interviewees were asked to express whatever opinions they had

about the proposed project, the following points were noted:

y None of the respondents expressed any concern regarding the

compensation for the lands acquired and the houses affected.

y Most of the respondents were curious to know the actual date of

completion or operation. According to the respondents, they had heard

about the news for years but they did not know any project details and

implementation schedule.

y Most of the respondents suggested that at strategic locations of the project

site, more speed limit and other related signboards were needed

especially near the entrance of the project site.

3.3.16 Transportation and Linkage

All the settlements surveyed were well served by a good network of roads, themain mode of private transport for the people are motorcycles and cars/vans.

Julau can be reached by car in just over 1 hour and 30 minutes driving from

Sarikei town or approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes drivin g from Sibu town.

The journey shall be greatly reduced once the upgrading road construction

along the roads from Sibu Airport to Sibu-Julau Junction (which is now on-

going) is completed. In the region of socio-economy study, all the longhouses





ABC Sdn Bhd 3-48

found in the interior parts are already connected to the partial concrete based

road systems, while the road access to Rh. Banyang Ak Maga was fully

equipped with concrete road surface (Figure 3.17). Based on the survey, the

people in the region relied heavily on th e existing roads to Sibu and Sarikei

(currently under construction ± ongoing upgrading work). They would travel to

Sibu or Sarikei at least twice a month to reach other facilities and services that

are not available in Julau town.

Figure 3.17: Access Road to Rh. Bayang Ak Maga e uipped with

Concrete Surface Road

3.3.17 Existing Road Network and Traffic

The proposed site is situated about 4 kilometres from Julau Town via Julau

Feeder Road. Locality maps depicting the overall road network and project

location are shown in Figure 2.1 and Figure 2.2, respectively.

3.3.17.1 Traffic Survey

Manual traffic counts were conducted on the 25th June 2009 during the

morning and afternoon peak hour periods at the access point to the

project site. The traffic were recorded at 15-minute intervals under six

different vehicle categories namely, passenger car, motorcycle,

van/utility, light truck, heavy truck and bus.

The directional morning and afternoon peak hours traffic were

computed and the results are presented in Figure 3.18 and Figure

3.19. The results of the traffic study indicate that the morning peak

hour occurred from 0700-0830 hours, and the afternoon peak hour

occurred from 1700-1830 hours. The morning peak hour traffic was

around 20% more than the evening peak hour traffic whereby





ABC Sdn Bhd 3-49

motorcycle accounted for more than 50% of the total traffic during the

peak hours.

The numbers of various classes of vehicles have also been converted

to passenger car unit (PCU) based upon the conversion factors as

recommended in the Arahan Teknik (Jalan) 8/86¶ ± ³A guide onGeometric Design of Roads´ under the rural standards category .

These conversion factors are presented in Table 3.18 and the traffic

volumes converted to PCU.

Table 3.18: Conversion Factors to Passenger Car Unit (PCU)

Type of Vehicle Rural Standards

Passenger Car

MotorcycleVan/Utility (2)

Light Truck

Heavy Truck

Bus

1.00

0.33

(1)

2.00

2.50

3.00

3.00(1)

± A factor of 0. » » instead of 0.7 ¼ was adopted as it was observed on site that 0. » » is more

appropriate for purpose of analysis.(2)

± Includes commercial and passenger vans, ½ -wheel drive, pick-up or jeep



Cadangan Pembangunan Projek Pendidikan Bagi SMK Julau NO.2, (30BD) Di Atas Lot 353, Block 3, Jikang Land District, S

Malaysia

ABC Sdn Bhd

Figure 3.18: Locality Plan of Proposed SMK Julau No.2 Situated at 4 Km Away from Julau Tow

Points (J1, J2, J3)



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Plate T- junction and Proposed Pro ject Site S ulau o.

PROJECT SITE

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Plate 2: Julau Town located km away from T- junction J2

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Sarikei/

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Julau Feeder Road

To Julau

KJD Road



Cadangan Pembangunan Projek Pendidikan Bagi SMK Julau NO.2, (30BD) Di Atas Lot 353, Block 3, Jikang Land District, S

Malaysia

ABC Sdn Bhd

Figure 3.19: Locality Plan of Julau Town Centre & Traffic Sampling Point



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Plate : Directions from Julau Town to Julau Entabai left) and Sar ikei/Sibu r ight) at T- junction J3

Entabai

To Julau

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Sarikei/Sibu

ToEntabai

Julau Town

Center

Julau Feeder Road

Documents

EIA Chapter 3