Examining the Influence of Safety Knowledge on Safety Practice in Malaysia’s Outdoor Recreation Sector

Abstract

The study is focusing safety knowledge and safety practice in Malaysia, using the theory of knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP). The survey utilizes of the respondents among outdoor recreation who involve guides, instructors and staff) in Malaysia (n = 300). Safety knowledge and safety practice were assessed using Likert-scale items that have been validated for adventure tourism in Malaysia. Linear regression analyses investigated the impact of safety knowledge (independent variable) on safety practice (dependent variable). The results revealed that safety knowledge is a significant predictor of safety practice, explaining a total of 27% of the variance in safety practice. Higher compliance with safety procedures and greater participation were obtained from practitioners' safety knowledge. Significance of the study provides empirical support for the KAP model in the Malaysian outdoor recreation context. This underlines the importance of security training and knowledge dissemination to improve ground security practices. The implications will be increased safety knowledge among outdoor recreation workers leading to better adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and proactive safety behaviors, potentially reducing accidents.