THERMAL SPRINGS OF MALAYSIA AND THEIR POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT

The study on the potential development of hot springs for the tourism industry in Malaysia was conducted. Out of the 40 hot springs covered, the study identified 9 hot springs having a high potential for develo pment, 14 having medium potential and the remaining 17 having low or l east potential for development. This conclusion was arrived at after c onsidering the technical and economic feasibility of the various hot s prings. Technical feasibility criteria includes geological factors, wa ter quality, temperature and how rate. The economic feasibility criter ia considers measures such as accessibility, current and market potent ials in terms of visitors, surrounding attractions and existing invent ory and facilities available. A geological input indicates that high p otential hot springs are located close to or within the granite body a nd associated with major permeable fault zones. They normally occur at low elevation adjacent to topographic highs. High potential hot sprin gs are also characterised by high water temperature, substantial flowr ate and very good water quality which is important for water-body cont act activities such as soaking. Economic criteria for high potential h ot springs are associated with good accessibility, good market, good s urrounding attractions like rural and village setting and well develop ed facilities and infrastructures. (C) 1997 Published by Elsevier Scie nce Ltd.