Analysis of Plastic Waste Management among Rural Residents in Kuala Penyu, Sabah, Malaysia

Abstract

Plastic pollution has become a serious environmental issue, particularly affecting the ecological integrity of coastal and rural areas in emerging countries. This study explores on rural inhabitants' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding plastic waste management in Kuala Penyu District, Sabah, Malaysia. As a location with a dispersed population and major eco-tourism assets, such as Pulau Tiga Park, effective waste disposal is critical to local sustainability. Structured surveys were distributed to a random sample of 100 residents as part of a quantitative research design to assess cognitive and behavioural drivers of plastic waste management. Descriptive statistics revealed that participants had a high level of knowledge. A correlation analysis found a significant, positive, and moderate association between knowledge and practice. Furthermore, simple linear regression revealed that knowledge is a strong predictor of behavior, accounting for 33.5% of the variance in waste management practice. In contrast, while attitude was a statistically significant predictor, its predictive power was noticeably lower, accounting for only 11.9% of the variation. The findings imply that in rural Sabah, factual comprehension and awareness are more powerful drivers of behavioural change than evaluative perceptions. To overcome the practice gap, policy interventions should shift away from general knowledge toward practical, infrastructure-based education and the provision of accessible waste management facilities.