147
4.6.1 Results of Field Investigation
For the Mangsalut River, there is no data that resemble the past activities in the past
or recorded in books. The only knowledgeable and reliable data on Mangsalut River
is the experience of the local people in the past. By doing interview, this could get a
more valid data on the study area and with this qualitative method; we could get the
aesthetic values on the Mangsalut River. The interview with one of the local people
Dato Paduka Haji Ahmad bin Kadi, he stated that the Mangsalut River was known
for the fishing activities and also for hunting. He added, during his youth age that
was the famous place for the youth his age to go for fishing as they sees it as a source
of entertainment, economic sources and the male was seen holding a responsibility
of a breadwinner in the family by providing everyday needs such as foods and clothing. The lifestyle for the Bruneian people back then in the 1970s, they still practicing their traditional lifestyle despite Brunei in the era where oil and gas was their
main source.
In 1970s the development was visible in Brunei, however the society in 1970 is
still practicing their traditional ways of living where their main source for consumption was agriculture, fishing and hunting. The interviewee also added and emphasize that the local people still holds their culture and traditional belief very dearly
until now. He quoted, “Despite the modern lifestyle, Bruneian still treasure the
culture and even The Sultan (The King for Brunei Darussalam) treasure the Royal
Customs that they carry from the past until now”. This shows how The Sultan
emphasize in treasuring the unique Malay culture of Brunei to the world and by
being a role model to its country and the local people.
4.6.2 Past Scenario Since 1978
By referring to Fig. 4.13, it is proved that during the year 1978 the Mangsalut River
was surrounded by the huge catchment of Mangrove swamps. According to Bird
(1984a) where mud is being deposited mangroves spread on to it and create a sheltered environment enabling other salt marsh plants to colonise when the mud surface has built up to suitable level. He also added that the mangrove encroachment is
impeded by strong wave action or tidal scour, so mangrove swamps is most extensive in sheltered areas. The Mangsalut River itself was surrounded by hilly area,
which could lead to the process of water run-off and infiltration, resulting in the
swampy area. Moreover the area itself was untouched by the development or construction activities and the river was naturally flowing in meandering formation to
the river mouth. However, about 2.61 km there is a nearby settlement, which is
located at Kg Salambigar away from the main Mangsalut River. Only few houses
back then and little human development and infrastructure development such as
schools and industries (Bird 1984b; Bird 1996).
4 Impacts of Coastal Land Use Changes on Mangrove Wetlands at Sungai Mangsalut…
4.6.1 Results of Field Investigation
For the Mangsalut River, there is no data that resemble the past activities in the past
or recorded in books. The only knowledgeable and reliable data on Mangsalut River
is the experience of the local people in the past. By doing interview, this could get a
more valid data on the study area and with this qualitative method; we could get the
aesthetic values on the Mangsalut River. The interview with one of the local people
Dato Paduka Haji Ahmad bin Kadi, he stated that the Mangsalut River was known
for the fishing activities and also for hunting. He added, during his youth age that
was the famous place for the youth his age to go for fishing as they sees it as a source
of entertainment, economic sources and the male was seen holding a responsibility
of a breadwinner in the family by providing everyday needs such as foods and clothing. The lifestyle for the Bruneian people back then in the 1970s, they still practicing their traditional lifestyle despite Brunei in the era where oil and gas was their
main source.
In 1970s the development was visible in Brunei, however the society in 1970 is
still practicing their traditional ways of living where their main source for consumption was agriculture, fishing and hunting. The interviewee also added and emphasize that the local people still holds their culture and traditional belief very dearly
until now. He quoted, “Despite the modern lifestyle, Bruneian still treasure the
culture and even The Sultan (The King for Brunei Darussalam) treasure the Royal
Customs that they carry from the past until now”. This shows how The Sultan
emphasize in treasuring the unique Malay culture of Brunei to the world and by
being a role model to its country and the local people.
4.6.2 Past Scenario Since 1978
By referring to Fig. 4.13, it is proved that during the year 1978 the Mangsalut River
was surrounded by the huge catchment of Mangrove swamps. According to Bird
(1984a) where mud is being deposited mangroves spread on to it and create a sheltered environment enabling other salt marsh plants to colonise when the mud surface has built up to suitable level. He also added that the mangrove encroachment is
impeded by strong wave action or tidal scour, so mangrove swamps is most extensive in sheltered areas. The Mangsalut River itself was surrounded by hilly area,
which could lead to the process of water run-off and infiltration, resulting in the
swampy area. Moreover the area itself was untouched by the development or construction activities and the river was naturally flowing in meandering formation to
the river mouth. However, about 2.61 km there is a nearby settlement, which is
located at Kg Salambigar away from the main Mangsalut River. Only few houses
back then and little human development and infrastructure development such as
schools and industries (Bird 1984b; Bird 1996).
4 Impacts of Coastal Land Use Changes on Mangrove Wetlands at Sungai Mangsalut…