Stakeholder Engagement and Participation in Integrated River Basin Management: Individual Perspectives in Malaysia

Stakeholder engagement has emerged as a fundamental tool for navigating the social, economic, and cultural complexities of integrated river basin management (IRBM). Engagement helps reconcile competing interests and promotes sustainable water resource management practices by fostering collaboration and dialogue among stakeholders. This study identifies key stakeholders, their selection criteria, and the factors that contribute to effective engagement in IRBM in Malaysia. A questionnaire survey was designed to understand individual stakeholder perceptions of the importance of engagement and the mechanisms that facilitate this, their views on how key stakeholders can be identified, and the factors contributing to effective engagement. Based on data from 250 online respondents, factors influencing engagement effectiveness were categorised into three stages: pre-engagement, during-engagement, and post-engagement. Statistical analysis ensured reliability, with Cronbach's alpha values (>0.7) indicating strong internal consistency. The Friedman test was applied to identify statistically significant differences within the same group of parameters across the three engagement phases. Findings highlight the importance of stakeholder inclusion, selection criteria, and credibility at the pre-engagement stage for developing the IRBM plan. Transparent, structured participatory processes during engagement facilitated the most fruitful collaborative discussions, while post-engagement emphasised implementing stakeholder contributions and feedback and the need for monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. The study underscores the need for an inclusive and legitimate governance model within IRBM to enhance the effectiveness and credibility of stakeholder engagement.