Turkish Journal of Computer and Mathematics Education Vol.12 No.3 (2021), 428-431 Research Article
428
Dynamic and Structure Profiling of Kampar River, Slim River and Sungkai River:
White Water Recreation Rivers in the State of Perak, Malaysia
Jaffry Zakaria*1, Benderi Dasril2, Md. Amin Md Taff3, Mazuki Mohd Yasim4
1,2,3,4Faculty of Sports Science and Coaching, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), 35900, Tanjong Malim,
Perak, Malaysia
jaffry@fsskj.upsi.edu.my1*
Article History: Received: 10 November 2020; Revised: 12 January 2021; Accepted: 27 January 2021; Published online: 05 April 2021
Abstract: In Malaysia, there are many rivers that are being the attraction for white water river activities. Perak, is a state on
the west of Peninsular Malaysia has several rivers that are suitable for white water river activities and being among the favourite location for white water river activities enthusiasts. Among the well-known white water rivers in Perak state are Kampar River, Slim River, Sungkai River, Singgor River and Sungai Bernam River. The attraction of a white water river depends on several factors. One of the important factor is the classification of rapid difficulty level. To date, the classification of rapid difficulty level in Malaysia is based on the international standard scale and certified by The International Canoe Federation (ICF). Apart from that, other attraction factors such as river water quality, geographical location, logistics facilities, transportation access, facilities, operator reputations and promotions are among other attraction factors. This present study aims to identify the main attraction factors in the white water rivers in Perak State. Dynamic and structure profiling of the rivers was produced. The white water rivers selected in this study were Kampar River, Slim River and Sungkai River. From the study, Kampar River was identified to be the most preferred river for white water activities compared to Slim River and Sungkai River. Findings from the study was resourceful in the effort of constructing a complete profile of white water rivers structure located in the state of Perak besides promoting white water river activities as a structured recreational tourism activity in Perak.
Keywords: Profiling, White Water, Activities, Rivers, Perak, Malaysia
1. Introduction
Adventure recreation and commercial adventure recreation are often considered as commercial adventure tourism. These two types of recreations differ in two primary areas. These two areas are the motivations for participation and the view of whether the participant is identified as a recreationist or a client (Pomfret, 2006). Nowadays, the involvement of society in research based activities especially white water rapid activities are increasing. Statistics shows that the involvements from local and international participations are expanding each year (National Canoe Education Board, 2012). The existence of various recreational activities operators from private companies, youth associations as well as non-profit organizations offer services and products in white water activities such as tubing, river boarding, rafting and kayaking is very encouraging (Ahmad and Ibrahim, 2006). This indicates that white water activities is receiving great response and is able to increase Perak state’s income specifically and Malaysia’s income generally through tourism activities.
In Malaysia, there are several rivers that are being the attention of white water activities lovers such as Padas River, Kiulu River in Sabah state, Loh River in Terengganu state, Lipis River (Besu Rapid), Chamang River and Telom River in Pahang state, Endau Rompin River in Johor state, Kuala Kubu River in Selangor state, Sedim River in Kedah state, Nenggiri River in Kelantan state, Kenaboi River in Negeri Sembilan state, Singgor River, Kampar River, Slim River and Sungkai River in the Perak state (Zakaria et al., 2013). Statistic also shows that Perak state has quite a number of white water rivers, paradise for white water recreational activities enthusiasts. The attraction of white water rivers depends on the classification level of the rapids in the river (Zakaria et al., 2017). To date, the classification of rivers difficulty level is according to the standard scale that is being applied internationally and certified by International Canoe Federation (ICF). This classification emphasized on the technical difficulty level and the skill level that is required in a section or a river rapid. There are six scales whereby it is in accordance to the grade or class. The higher the classification scale, the rapids’ difficulty level is greater (Watters, 1999). Nevertheless, the rapids difficulty level in the river changes depending on the river flow capacity. The river flow capacity is influenced by several factor such as weather, rainfall and soil erosion. Apart from the river difficulty level, other attraction factors such as river water quality, river geographical location, logistics facilities (put-in and take-out, transportation and parking access) other facilities such as lodging, camp site, toilets, praying area, reputation on operators at the activities sites advertising and promotion (media) are among the important factors in influencing white water activities.
Dynamic and Structure Profiling of Kampar River, Slim River and Sungkai River: White Water Recreation Rivers in the State of Perak, Malaysia
429 In order to ensure the relevancy and sustainability if white water rivers in increasing the development of the country’s tourism and recreational industry, a special documentation that consists of all aspects of attractions need to be developed. Up till now, a complete documentation of river profiling is still not available in Malaysia. Hence, from this study, white water rivers profiling of selected rivers in the state of Perak will be developed with the aim to assist in the tourism and recreation industry in Perak.
In the present study, the attraction factors of the white water rivers in Kampar River, Slim River and Sungkai River in the state of Perak will be identified. A documentation in the form of river profiling will be constructed based on the findings.
2. Materials and Methods
Site observation was applied in this research. Researchers obtained data through observations done at three research location, Kampar River, Slim River and Sungkai River in the state of Perak, Malaysia. Apart from primary data, secondary data was also obtained. Primary data in this research were data obtained directly from the site observation such as number and name of the rapids, rapid characteristics (gradient, water flow), characteristics of river (access, logistics to put-in and take- out points) and characteristic of facilities (operators, transportation). Meanwhile, secondary data were data obtained from responsible bodies such as the Department of Irrigation and Drainage, Department of Meteorology and the water recreational activities operators. All data obtained were recorded and analysed for the rivers dynamic profiling.
3. Results and Discussion
Table 1. Profile of Kampar River, Slim River and Sungkai River, white water rivers in the state of Perak, Malaysia
River Profile
Kampar River Slim River Sungkai River
Level of difficulty (Gradient) 3 3-4 3-4 (Muara Tisong- Nurnikman Camp) Rainfall (mm) 277.08 ± 3.2 186.51 ± 2.8 306.17 ± 2.5 Current (m3/s) 43.4 ± 1.8 23.48 ± 0.9 5.49 ± 1.4 Number of operators 10 3 2 Number of white water activities participant 1500 ± 0.6 500 ± 1.2 200 ± 0.9 Logistic facilities
level (access to put-in and take-t point)
Good Good Good
Amenities Good Good Satisfactory
Table 2. Rivers difficulty according to International Standard (Bennet, 1999) Difficulty Level Details
Grade 1 (easy)
No rapids and smooth flowing water (more to flat water). Risk to swimmers is slight; self-rescue is easy.
Grade 2 (novice)
Some rough water and the line is easy to see or pursue.
Swimmers are seldom injured and group assistance, while help, is seldom needed. Rapids that are at the upper end of this difficulty range are designated Class II+.
Jaffry Zakaria*, Benderi Dasril, Md. Amin Md Taff, Mazuki Mohd Yasim
430 Grade 3 (intermediate)
Very safe for larger rafts: kayakers and canoeist should have good rolling and self-rescue skills.
Scouting is advisable for inexperienced parties. Injuries while swimming are rare; self-rescue is usually easy but group assistance may be required to avoid long swims.
Grade 4 (advanced)
For experience paddlers: the route through the rapids may require quick maneuvering.
Scouting may be necessary the first time down. Risk of injury to swimmers is moderate to high, and water conditions may make self- rescue difficult. Group assistance for rescue is often essential but requires practiced skills. For kayakers, a strong roll is highly recommended.
Grade 5/6
(Expert/Extreme and exploratory rapids)
For advanced paddlers and team of experts: scouting the rapids may
be required and there may be hidden hazards which require precise maneuvering and taking all safety precautions.
Grade 5: Scouting is recommended but may be difficult. Swims are dangerous, and rescue is often difficult even for experts. Proper equipment, extensive experience, and practiced rescue skills are essential.
Grade 6: Runs of this classification are rarely attempted and often exemplify the extremes of difficulty, unpredictability and danger. The consequences of errors are severe and rescue may be impossible. For teams of experts only, at favourable water levels, after close personal inspection and taking all precautions.
In order to ensure the sustainability and the relevancy of white water rivers in enhancing the development of adventure and recreational tourism in Malaysia, a complete documentation comprises of all aspects of attractions need to be established. At present, complete profiling documentation of white water rivers in Malaysia is still unavailable. Thus, through this research, the profiling of white water rivers in the state of Perak, Malaysia was established and therefore, could benefited the development of adventure tourism industry in the state of Perak, specifically and Malaysia generally.
4. Acknowledgement
The authors would like to thank Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI) and Research Management and Innovation Centre (RMIC) of UPSI for providing University Research Grant (GPU), project code : 2017-0018-108-01 and the facilities to carry out this research.
References
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4. Pomfret, G. (2011). Mountaineering adventure tourists: A conceptual framework for research. Tourism Management, 27 (1): 113-123.
Dynamic and Structure Profiling of Kampar River, Slim River and Sungkai River: White Water Recreation Rivers in the State of Perak, Malaysia
431 5. Watters, R. (1999). The proposed expanded class I system of rating rivers. Proceedings of the 1999
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