The impact of rural environmental sanitation programme in Sarawak :comparison between selected sub-urban and rural communities in Kuching district

Abstract

The paper discusses the findings of a study on the impact of a Rural Environmental Sanitation Programme (RESP), sponsored by the Malaysian Ministry of Health under the Rural Health Environmental Programme in two localities in Sarawak. The study focuses on the extent to which the communities adopted health practices and knowledge of sanitation by appraising the behavior of the respondents in selected localities in the rural and sub-urban areas. The localities were randomly chosen from 205 rural villagers and sub- urban settlers in Kuching District. A total of 143 respondents were selected and interviewed, 85 from the rural areas and the rest from the sub-urban areas. In addition, small group discussions and personal observations were also conducted to gather the necessary information. The findings of the study revealed that majority of the respondents in both areas live with clean and feasible water supply provided by Kuching Water Board (KWB), Public Work Department or Ministry of Health projects. All households, except six, have latrines or proper toilets. In the rural areas 95% of the households were using proper systems of waste disposal as compared to only 56.7% in the sub-urban areas. However, house keeping and house compound cleanliness were better amongst the sub-urban households. Majority of the respondents in both areas were having good knowledge on health; sub-urban respondents have higher level of knowledge of health and environment compared to the rural respondents. About 90 percents of the total respondents have good knowledge regarding disease prevention and awareness on the importance of personal hygiene with those in the sub-urban scoring slightly higher. Open burnings were still rampant in both areas and most of them were not aware as to why such practice is not allowed. Recycling of refuse was widely practiced and the respondents were also aware of the benefits gained from such practice. Respondents in the rural areas also have better and more positive views on sanitation projects compare to those in the sub-urban areas. In terms of needs, those in the sub-urban prefer to have health-related projects while the rural respondents mostly prefer agricultural projects. The study also revealed that those with higher level of education tend to have better knowledge and awareness on health. On the other hand, occupation and income level has no influence on the level of awareness and knowledge on health issues.