ARTIKEL JURNAL LUAR BANDAR SEJAHTERA (1)- 2020 jilid

SOCIAL MEDIA PRACTICE IN KPLB

Nurul Adha binti Md Daud
Institute for Rural Development (INFRA), MRD

ABSTRACT

Social media practise is widely use in Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) to disseminated
the information on development to the rural communities. It is vital element to reach the
sustainable development where the rural communities are engage with the development
that planned by the ministry. Hence Malaysia’s ranked among the highest in Southeast
Asia for mobile social media penetration. MRD’s main training institute, Institute for
Rural Advancement (INFRA) has utilised various social media platform from Instagram,
Facebook and Twitter to inform the public on its course especially mobile learning course.
However the social media platform also has its disadvantages. The increasing trend of
misinformation, fraud and fake news could bring harm to the nation especially to the
multiracial society like Malaysia. In order of that necessary action are needed to weed out
the fake content from spreading.

INTRODUCTION

In the context of communication, it is generally related to talking, texting, email, or
even silent physical forms of communication including smiling or hugging. However,
interpersonal communication between people has changed fundamentally. The informality
of social communication presents a new arena for many people. It is typically limited to the
traditional media of newspapers, TV, and radio, but also including the internet in the form
of mobile and interactive.

Rural communities are also changing and adapting to the modern world of communication.
Fast-changing social media platform is challenging the old art of communication with
friends over a casual meeting on the street. Social media refers to a diverse range of web-
based highly interactive tools that allow users to create, share, exchange, and comment in
virtual communities and networks. Social media and networks are essentially internet sites
where people interact, share, and discuss information about each other and their lives using
a mix of personal words, pictures, videos, and audio.

According to Hootsuite and We Are Social in their latest Digital 2019 report, Malaysia was
ranked as top five (5) globally and highest among the Southeast Asia region for mobile
social media penetration. The internet penetration in Malaysia stood around eighty percent
(80 %) with much users spending a daily average of eight (8) hours and five (5) minutes
online. Ranked as fourth globally in mobile social penetration, Malaysia is in the lead
among other Southeast Asian countries, including Singapore, which is standing at the sixth
place, followed by Thailand and the Philippines.

MRD has proposed a wide range of strategies to improve the well-being of rural residents or
the Malaysian rural community. The use of social media platform from Instagram, Twitter
and Facebook have become a vital communication channel for the ministry to ensure the
rural community attained the communication benefits.

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DISSEMINATION INFORMATION

Communication is a key element of any sustainable development. Engaging people for
community development is important, but the community members can be engaged
successfully when the communication is effective. Good community communication
usually leads to successful collaborative efforts and significant community transformation,
which helps to bring substantial social change to the marginalised and vulnerable groups
within the community. Successful communication helps people in achieving a collective
community model with full participation, appreciation, and equity. More and more
communities have realised the importance of social media in bridging the community gaps
of rural area.

According to the 2018 Internet Users Survey (IUS) conducted by the Malaysian
Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), the percentage of internet users
under national level has improved from 76.9 % (24.5 million internet users) in 2016 to
87.4 % (28.7 per cent million internet users) in 2018. With the rapid advancement of
mobile devices capabilities and mobile network, the rapid growth in mobile broadband
segment, wider access to 3G and 4G/LTE network coverage, improved network quality,
and competitive new data plans have stimulated and contributed the upsurge in the number
of internet users. On the other hand, non-internet users continue to decline, from 23.1 % in
2016 to 12.6 % in 2018.

A smartphone is one of the communication devices used by people for internet access. Nine
(9) out of ten (10) or 93.1% internet users used a smartphone to access the internet in 2018
compared to 89.4 % in 2016. Social engagement continues to be one of the most frequent
activities among internet users. About 85.6 % of the people exploited the internet to access
social networking platforms. The survey estimated about 24.6 % of the social networking
users in 2018, of those 97.3 % owned a Facebook account, followed by Instagram account
(57.0 %), Youtube (48.3 %), Google+ (31.3 %), Twitter (23.8 %), and LinkedIn (13.3 %).

This recent development led to the change of social media platforms in disseminating
information among the public relation (PR) practitioners. Apart from the Corporate
Communication Unit of the ministry under the Rural Development Ministry, there are
six (6) agencies and two (2) divisions with the Corporate Communication team. The
agencies are South East Johore Development Authority (KEJORA), South Kelantan
Development Authority (KESEDAR), Terengganu Tengah Development Authority
(KETENGAH), Kedah Regional Development Authority (KEDA), Pulau Pinang Regional
Development Authority (PERDA)m and Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA). The divisions
are the Community Development Department (KEMAS) and Rural Advancement Institute
(INFRA). All of the agencies and divisions have Facebook and Instagram accounts as their
social media platform for public relation purposes. Only KEDA and PERDA do not own a
Twitter account.

The rural development ministry social media account itself has a total of 152,950 Facebook
followers, 3,536 Twitter followers and 19, 300 Instagram followers in January 2020. The
social media account have been used actively to promote and convey information to the
public among the ministries and agencies.

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All the programme, activities and policies are uploaded through the social media platform
to promote a better and quicker way in disseminating information to the public. In 2019,
the Housing Assistance Programme (PPRT), Rural Development Policy and Marketing
Programme, Karnival Usahawan Desa (KUD) programme were among some of the
programme launched and promoted by the MRD. The use of social media provided an
effective platform in explaining and deliberating the issues and policy to the public.

With social media platform, the cost and distance barrier can be eliminated easily, and the
dissemination of information can be done for all segments of society effectively. In other
words, the MRD can communicate with the public under a virtual environment despite
the long-distance barrier. Through social media, the rural development ministry has the
opportunities to engage with a broader range of audience in a face-to-face setting. With
active public engagement, the society can stay updated on the latest policy and issues
matter most to them. This builds trust among the public towards the government agencies.
The updated contents in the social media account could promote a better ministry image as
credible, transparent, and trustworthy.

Hence, budget constraints is no longer regarded as a significant limitation on a project
anymore. Instead of putting a television commercial or launching a marketing roadshow
programme at a high-class hotel, the application of social media has a lower cost of entry
for the same marketing and promotion purposes. Thus, the application of the social media
platforms in an organisation can promote an economical project cost as compared to
traditional face-to-face interaction.

The Rural Advancement Institute (INFRA) is a training institute under MRD. This training
institute has exploited the social media account to reach its target audience in the rural
area. As a training institute aims to empower the rural community, much of the training
courses have been customised, planned, and organised for the benefits of the target society.
All the programme from the Information Technology course (ICT), rural management and
financial management for the MPKK, youth and women course were uploaded to the social
media platform. The participants can extract pictures and information easily from social
media, while INFRA as the organiser obtains feedbacks from the comment post of social
media platform. Much attention and feedback were received for the mobile learning course
that took place on a bus. In 2019, there was a total of fifty (15) mobile learning programme
took place at Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Kelantan, and Pulau Pinang. Pictures and video’s
recording of the course were uploaded to the Facebook account. Images, music, and video
were used to convey the message and bring immense popularity for the mobile learning
course.

As a result, the mobile learning course gained much popularity among internet users, and
most of the internet users requested the implementation of a similar event at their area.
This method encourages INFRA to diversify and expand their promoting strategies from
the orthodox external media agencies like newspaper or television. It also allows for a
better information dissemination to rural communities. Regular updates on the programme
and activities on the Facebook platform can promote a good image and credibility of
INFRA, which at the same time reduces negative rumours and news. Also, public feedback
also allows INFRA to evaluate the impact of the course and identify potential rooms of
improvement for future event planning.

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ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES

Communication development is widely regarded as a two-way process in sharing ideas and
knowledge using a wide range of communication tools and approaches. It empowers and
encourages individuals and communities to take actions for positive change.

Successful rural community development helps a community to strengthen itself and develop
towards its full potential. MRD are improving the rural lives by utilising e-commerce
platforms to promote the products of rural entrepreneurs and increase the sales value target.
This matter is parallel with the nation’s commitment in focusing digital economy.

According to Hootsuite and We Are Social in their latest Digital 2019 report, Malaysia
presented a unique business opportunity, which seventy-five percent (75 %) of the internet
users spent their money via e-commerce and fifty-eight percent (58%) for the internet users
spent on mobile commerce platforms. Malaysia edged out Singapore in the adoption of
mobile banking, with sixty-six percent (66%) of the internet users in Malaysia utilised
mobile banking options compared to the sixty-four percent (64%) of the internet users in
Singapore. MRD is taking one step forwards by introducing Desa Mall@ online in 2017. It
aims to bring rural products to the consumer’s doorstep. It helps to promote and penetrate
the rural entrepreneur’s products into the domestic market through the famous e-commerce
platforms, including Lazada, Shopee, Presto Mall, eBay, and Amazon, for the international
market. A variety of rural entrepreneurs products include shrimp paste, traditional, modern
cookies and curry paste have been sold through this unique e-commerce platform. In the
other hands, it reduces the advertising cost significant for the small and medium-sized
enterprises (SMEs). By embracing digital connectivity, it also allows local businesses to
compete positively and grow as an international brand.

MRD is confident that its sales target of RM 2.5 million for the DesaMall@KPLB online
sales programme by year-end is achievable. Since introduced in October 2017, this
programme has recorded combined sales of RM1.25 million as of Oct 15 this year” said, YB
Datuk Seri Rina Mohd Harun, Minister of Rural Development after witnessed the signing
of a cooperation agreement between E Lokal with Lazada and Shopee in conjunction with
the Rural Entrepreneurs Carnival 2019 (KUD 2019) on 20 October 2019.

Social media platforms include Instagram, Youtube and WhatsApp are used as effective
digital marketing strategies for Desa Mall purchase campaign. With the number of
Malaysians who are active in Facebook browsing increased from eighteen (18) million in
2016 to twenty-six (26) million in 2019, the social media platform serves as an effective
tool to advertise and promote entrepreneur products at an economical cost, especially for
SME.

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PROBLEMS

The application of social media platforms also not excluded from disadvantages. According
to Cybersecurity Malaysia (CSM), the public preference in extracting information from
social media contributed to the increasing trends of fraud and fake news dissemination.
News, reports, audio, and video recordings that are either partially or completely false were
disseminated and sensationalised openly to discredit certain individual or organisation.
Every fake news comes with a big impact on the perception and reputation of those involved
in the news. The impact will be even worse when race, religion and other sensitive issues
are misused. It affects not only the individuals but also threaten the sovereignty of the
nation.

The crime of spreading false information is contained in the Penal Code and the
Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA). In Section 233 of the act, the
government has empowered the MCMC to monitor and investigate any activities involving
internet misuse.

Edelman Trust Barometer 2018 revealed that seventy-three percent (73%) of internet users
in Malaysia were concerned about the negative impact of fake news. At the same time,
about fourty-five (45%) of the internet users in Malaysia opted to disengage from the
mainstream news channels for their main source of information. They relied on the sources
shared on social media platforms. Sixty-three percent (63%) of the Malaysians could not
clearly distinguish between rumours and good journalism.

The research conducted by the MIT Initiative on the Digital Economy claimed that
misinformation on political news was more likely to be shared widely by internet users.
The false news was seventy percent (70%) more likely to be retwee¬ted than the truth. Fake
news or misinformation can spread quickly on the social media platform. Slow response in
detecting and removing such postings could lead to severe consequences.

The diversity of cultures and traditions translates to a quite different consequence and
implication in speeches and postings. If that misinformation is not taken down quickly,
such speeches and postings will be potentially bringing a negative image to the international
society, depending on what is being said in the context of a particular country.

Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Tun Mahathir Mohamed urged Facebook and other platform
providers continue collaborating with the Malaysian government and law enforcement
agencies to ensure that the social media space remains a platform for positive change.
“In enforcing our laws to protect the public, all stakeholders need to work together to
overcome technical challenges,…..freedom of speech without any concern for good
human behaviour would be a disaster for any society. The rule of thumb is simple, what
is illegal offline is almost always illegal online”, he said at the opening of the newly-
expanded Facebook Malaysia office at Q Sentral Kuala Lumpur on 28 May 2019.

He also emphasised stronger cooperation from Facebook in revealing the Community
Standards Enforcement Report. The report defines what is and what is not allowed on the
social network. User-Generated Content (UGC) helps to search and filter contents related
to child pornography, terrorism and hate speech.

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For now, the challenge is to address the diverse spectrum of UGC contents that related to
religious sensitivities, political speech, and even human rights issues, to name a few.

From the survey conducted by IPSOS in 2019, seventy-five percent (75%) of the Malaysian
respondents supported the action of temporary social media bans. The survey found out that
Malaysia was ranked second behind India (88%) a month after the terrorist attack in Sri
Lanka on April 2019. The survey was conducted online from May 24 to June 7. It found out
that seventy-four percent (74%) of Malaysians placed their trust in government decision on
when to shut down social media platforms to stop the spread of fake news. Other countries
that also in favour of the temporary ban on social media are Arab Saudi (73%), China
(72%), and Britain (69%).

The survey showed that Malaysian netizens have a great sense of the detrimental effects
of fake news that would bring to the nation. The public trusted the government to step in
with regulations and weed out the fake content from spreading. Besides that, Malaysian
also must be wary of the false news and misuse of social media. Malaysians must use the
platform with prudence, only limited to advantage and without offending any individual
or party. Hence, all malaysians must curb any form of verbal abuse on the social media
platform together.
In conclusion, the social media platform brings more goods than harms to the Rural
Development Ministry. It helps to promote the ministry activities in reaching out to the rural
community and conveying its development message. Despite the growing internet usage
and increasing usage of mobile devices among the Malaysians, the detrimental impacts
from social media use remain inevitable. Regarding this matter, a proactive approach must
be taken to curb the problem before it is too late

REFERENCE

https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/bots/2019/01/456119/malaysia-ranks-top-5-globally-mobile-
social-media-penetration-highest 31 January 2019.NST. Malaysia ranks top 5 globally in mobile
social media penetration, highest in region

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/09/12/msians-okay-with-social-media-ban-during-
crisis. 12 Sept 2019. The Star.M’sians okay with social media ban during crisis

https://www.malaymail.com/news/money/2019/10/20/minister-target-of-rm2.5m-in-sales-for-
desamall-programmeme-achievable/1802065. 20 October 2019. MalayMail. Minister:Target of
RM 2.5m in Sales for DesaMall Programmeme Achievable

https://www.mcmc.gov.my//skmmgovmy/media/General/pdf/Internet-Users-Survey-2018.pdf. 2018.

Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission. Internet Users Survey 2018

www.star.com.my/news/nation/2019/05/17/csm-malaysians-ignore-journalism-prefer-social-media-
and-are falling victim. 17 May 2019. The Star. CSM: Malaysians ignore journalism, prefer social
media, and are falling victim fraud, fake news.

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PROGRAMME DESA HARAPAN: A STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP FOR THE
DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL–ECONOMICS IN RURAL AREAS

Raja Nazrin bin Raja Ahmad
Rural Community Division, MRD

ABSTRACT

Under rapid urbanisation scenario, the migration phenomenon is principally catalysed by a
diverse spectrum of work opportunities available in the city for the youth community such
as education, manufacturing, finance and so on. The older generation of villagers with poor
willingness in learning new information technology is encountered with an explosion of
information technology era of the 4th Industrial Revolution (4R). As an effort in addressing
such issue, Programme Desa Harapan or Village of Hope is a government programme
implemented by MRD with the collaboration of private and corporate companies to
develop the social-economic of rural areas. The programme comprises of three (3) main
scopes including education, economy, and community. In the other hand, the company may
conduct activities and programme at the discretion of the company itself based on the needs
of the rural communities.

Keywords: Rural, Development, Social, Economics, Corporate

INTRODUCTION

The Malaysian government is highly committed to maintain the high quality of living
standard and life of the rural people. Many efforts have been putting in place to provide
basic rural infrastructures such as rural roads, treated water supply, electricity, digital
infrastructure, and access to quality services. Furthermore, the government aims to develop
and strengthen first-class rural human capital, especially among the poor, youth, women,
and the disabled. As efforts in addressing the rising living costs and bridging the significant
income inequality between urban, rural and regional, various socio-economic development
programmes have been implemented to improve the rural income level, especially for the
low-income households (B40) (Rural Development Policy, 2019).

Programme Desa Harapan (PDH) is an initiative from MRD with the support from corporate
and private companies. It is based on the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR),
which aims to enhance the socio-economic development of the rural communities (Pelan
Harapan Pembangunan Luar Bandar 2018 – 2023, 2018). The ultimate goals of this
programme are to improve the living standard of the rural community, provide opportunities
for the rural community to improve their purchasing power and lastly generate higher
business income through strategic partnerships and collaborations between MRD and the
private sectors.

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PDH was launched on 18th December 2018 at Kampung Kinjang, Batang Padang, Perak.
It was officiated by YB Datuk Seri Rina Mohd Harun, Minister of Rural Development,
together with YAB Dato’ Seri Ahmad Faizal bin Azumu, Chief Minister of Perak Darul
Ridzuan. Until 2019, PDH was implemented at three (3) selected villages - Kampung
Kinjang, Chenderiang, Perak, Kampung Kuala Temonyong, Langkawi, and Kampung
Weng, Baling, Kedah.

PDH is a strategic partnership platform between corporate and private companies. The
companies were engaged in the ministry plan by exploring and evaluating the social-
economic potential of each village before the formulation and implementation of the
economic development proposal (Berita Harian, 2018). From the implementation of the
programme, it helps the rural community to archive higher business income and create
more employment opportunities for the rural youth.

CONCEPT OF IMPLIMENTATION

In line with the Development Sustainable Goals 2030 outlined by the United Nations,
the implementation of PDH aims to bridge the income inequality between the rural
community with the urban cities, to create a high quality of rural human capital in meeting
the requirements needed for IR 4.0 and lastly to enhance the living standard of the rural
community.

PDH focuses on three (3) main scopes: economy, education, and community well-being.
The main objectives are to enhance the social-economic development in rural communities
through:

(a) Establishing a strategic collaboration between the corporate companies,
private companies, MPKK (Village Community Management Council),
and the rural villagers through a series of sustainable economic activities;
(b) Elevating the village to become a thriving, attractive and profitable entity
without compromising the village cultures and values;
(c) Enhancing the community capacity in planning, developing, and implementing
projects in the village;
(d) Promoting knowledge sharing and experience training in resource management;
and
(e) Diversifying the existing resources and methods of implementation.

To archive the objectives of the programme, selection of villages and potential strategic
partners are conducted accordingly to the criteria listed below:

(a) Village Selection :

(i) Willingness and commitment from village leaders and villagers to participate in all
related activities and programme;
(ii) Readiness for the development of a local social-economic project;
(iii) Villages without any recognition (did not receive any major awards/projects)
from the Ministry;

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(iv) Group focus - children, youth, students, women, entrepreneurs, underprivileged
citizens, etc.; and
(v) Lack of access and communication facilities.

(b) Strategic Partners Selection:

(i) Has the ability to fund programme and activities;
(ii) Has the workforce to manage and execute programme and activities;
(iii) Has interest and can give full commitment;
(iv) Has knowledge and experience in running a CSR programme; and
(v) Willing to share experience and expertise with the target group.

STRATEGIC PARTNERS’ PROGRAMME AND ACTIVITIES

Since the programme launched at Kampung Kinjang, Chendering Perak in 2018, a total of
thirty-one (31) corporate/private companies have joined as the strategic partners for PDH.
A full list of companies and organisation participated is showed in Table 1.

Table 1: Programme Desa Harapan Strategic Partners

NO NAME OF COMPANY / NO NAME OF COMPANY /
ORGANISATION ORGANISATION

1 Berjaya Corporation Berhad 17 DRB-Hicom Berhad
2 Hume Cemboard Industries 18 Export-Import Bank of Malaysia (EXIM BANK)
19 Samsung Malaysia Electronics
3 Celcom Axiata Berhad
4 Mydin Mohamed Holdings Berhad 20 Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB)
5 Yayasan Pelajaran MARA 21 Privail Sdn Bhd
6 Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
7 Blue Archipelago Berhad 22 Numix Engineering
23 Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM)
8 Pharmaniaga Berhad 24 Malaysia Airport Holdings Berhad
9 Privasia Sdn Bhd 25 SMGB Group
10 AMR Consult 26 Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC)

11 Yayasan MRCB 27 UNIKL Resources

12 Mycuisine Qube Sdn Bhd 28 Universiti Multimedia (MMU)
13 Yayasan Emkay 29 Binasat Communications Berhad
14 Boustead Holdings Berhad 30 Farm Fresh Milk Sdn Bhd
31 CSR Malaysia @ RHA Media Sdn Bhd
15 Siti Khadijah Holdings Sdn Bhd

16 Universiti Kuala Lumpur

A series of programmes and CSR activities were carried out at Kampung Kinjang, Perak
and also two addition villages - Kampung Kuala Temonyong, Langkawi and Kampung
Weng, Baling, both in the state of Kedah Darul Aman. The programmes and activities
organised by the strategic partners are listed in Table 2.

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Table 2 : Strategic Partners’ Programmes and Activities

Bil. COMPANIES / SCOPE PROGRAMME / ACTIVITY LOCATION
Bil. COORGMAPNAINSIAETSI/ONS SCOPE PROGRAMME / ACTIVITY LOCATION
ORGANISATIONS
1 Economic Digital entrepreneurship programme Langkawi
1 CELCOM AXIATA Economic DOnigliintael menatrrkeeptrienngeaunrsdhsipalpesrotgrarainminmge LaBnag&&liknagwi
CELCOM AXIATA LOanulinncehminagrkloectianlgeanntrdepsraelenseutrrapinroindgucts
Laat uLnaczahdinag&loSchaol peneetrepplaretfnoermursp. roducts Baling
at Lazada & Shopee platforms. Langkawi
Langkawi
2 EXIM Bank Education Donation of 22 computers and
2 EXIM Bank Education tfDtowworoontahtteeteilloeeunvvsiiessoiifooo2nnf2ss56cttoo9omSSsKKtpuuTTdeeteemmnrsootsnna.yynoodnngg Langkawi
fDoorntahteiounseofocfo5m69pustteurdseanntsd. Langkawi
aDuodniaot-iovinsuoaf lceoqmupipumteernsta. nd
aMuindoior-mviasiunatel enqaunicpemweonrtk. s at KEMAS LOCATION
MltliihbbienrraaourrryysmeooffaofiKKnaantmmeenapprauulnynnc2gge,5TTw0eeomm0rookvsinnllyyaaoogtnneKggrEsMff.ooArr S
the use of nearly 2,500 villagers. Langkawi

3 Yayasan MRCB Education Upgrading of football field at Baling
3 Yayasan MRCB Education SSUofKKp5gTT6reea9mmdsoointnnugyydoooennfnggftosffo,ootrrbttahhlleefiuuessldee at
Mofin5o6r9msatuindteenntasn, ce work of school Langkawi
Bil. COMPANIES / SCOPE dMrianionramgeaisnytsetneamn.ce work of school
ORGANISATIONS Mdrianionramgeaisnytsetneamn.ce work LOCATION
4 Economic oMfin11orumnitasinttoeilneat nocfeSKwToerkmonyong.
Halal Industry of 11 units toilet of SK Temonyong. Langkawi
5 Corporation Berhad Education & Baling
Economic PROGRAMME / ACTIVITY Baling
Bil. Malaysia Airports Education
Holdings Berhad Halal awareness (Tourism sector)
6 (MAHB) seminar with 500 homestay
7 entrepreneurs at Kampung
Kuala Temonyong, Langkawi
and surrounding areas.
Halal industry practice workshop
programme for 500 homestay
entrepreneurs at Kampung Kuala
Temonyong, Langkawi and its
surrounding areas.
Halal executive programme for
500 homestay entrepreneurs at
Kampung Kuala Temonyong,
Langkawi and its surrounding areas.
HDC cilik programme with
100 students from SK Kg Temonyong,
Langkawi.

Contribution of kiosks and business
space at Langkawi International Airport.

Marketing programme for
Kampung Kuala Temonyong
entrepreneurs at Airport.

COMPANIES / Community Volunteer programme with volunteers
ORGANISATIONS from MAHB and village residents from
SCOPE Kuala Temonyong periodically.
Tenaga Motivation programme for students
Nasional Economic
Berhad at KaPmRpOuGngRKAuaMlaMTeEm/oAnyConTgI.VITY

Economic improvement programme.

Boustead Education Regular implementation of education
Holdings programme at SK Seri Bayu,
Berhad Kg Weng Baling.

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CONCLUSION

From the implementation of PDH, MRD is committed to developing the rural community
consistently through the strategic partnership of corporate and private companies. It is
envisaged that the rural community who participated in the PDH will earn a higher business
income through training, knowledge sharing, and funding given by the corporate and
private companies who participated in this programme. As a result, this allows the village
community to participate in the rural development process independently.

REFERENCE

Desa harapan. Published 2018 © Kementerian Pembangunan Luar Bandar Dasar
www.rurallink.gov.my

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THE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT OF KG. GELUNG PEPUYU,
PERAK TENGAH, PERAK: AN OUTCOME ASSESSMENT STUDY

Mr Mohamed bin Mat Yaakob, Mr Ahmad Zeohairi Ismail@Zanudin, Miss Siti Fatimah
Ramli, Mr.Suhaimi Hasan, Miss Faeizah Norjinal and Mr Raden Mohd Fawwaz

ABSTRACT

The Regional Development Project (Projek Pemajuan Kawasan or PPK) is a series of
government initiatives to develop new settlements or re-develop the existing rural villages
with basic infrastructure and social amenities. After since the Ninth Malaysia Plan (RMKe-
9), the PPK has been implemented nationwide to improve the living quality of rural villages.
In this work, an outcome assessment study is conducted to evaluate the level of satisfaction
and socio-economic profile of the PPK assistance recipients from PPK Kg. Gelung Pepuyu,
Perak Tengah, Perak. The study involved fourty-six(46) recipients who had fully relocated
since March 2018, which represents nearly eighty-five percent (85.2%) of the total recipients.
From the study, it showed that ninety percent (90%) of the PPK assistance recipients were
satisfied with the home provided, and about eighty-four percent (84.8%) of PPK assistance
recipients were satisfied with the basic amenities provided. The study also assessed the
level of satisfaction related to the socio-economic change in income, environment, security,
accessibility to education, health, economic, social amenities, and social inclusion. It was
found that about eighty-six percent (86.8%) of the PPK assistance recipients were satisfied
with their socio-economic change after the relocation. As a whole, the project had positive
impacts on the community, especially the hard-core poor from Perak Tengah District who
were exposed to flood threats. The establishment of an integrated settlement with upgraded
infrastructures and social amenities will allow the rural villagers to live a more comfortable
life in their own house.

Keywords: Projek Pemajuan Kawasan, Regional development project, Rebuilding village,
Integrated settlement.

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction
Programme outcome studies are essential to ascertain the degree of success and post social-
economic impacts of a government programme. Programme evaluation is in line with the
government’s directive to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each programme for
future improvement. Furthermore, such studies can help to ensure that each programme
implemented meets its objectives. Therefore, PPK Kg. Gelung Pepuyu, Perak Tengah was
selected to assess the success of PPK programme.

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CHAPTER 2: PROJECT BACKGROUND

2.1 Area Development Project
PPK is a project to develop new settlements or re-develop the existing rural villages with
basic infrastructures and social amenities. After since the Ninth Malaysia Plan (RMK-
9), three (3) projects such as the Projek Bersepadu Desa Terpencil (Integrated Remote
Areas Project or PROSDET), Penempatan Semula Kampung (Resettlement of Villages or
PSK), and Pusat Pertumbuhan Desa (Rural Development Centre or PPD) were carried out
by MRD. PPK project is also continued in the 10th Malaysia Plan (RMK-10) and 11th
Malaysia Plan (RMK-11). The implementation of PPK project is in line with the first core
of strengthening the inclusive development and the second core of improving people’s
well-being in the RMK-11.

The project is also matched with the Dasar Pembangunan Luar Bandar (Rural Development
Policy or DPLB) through the fourth core of the complete and advanced infrastructure, the
seventh core of successful rural life, and the tenth core of housing of regional development
and integrated rural settlement.

The main aim of the PPK programme is to improve the quality of life of the rural population
by creating an integrated village equipped with proper infrastructure and social amenities.
In general, the objectives of the PPK projects are listed as follows:

(i) Creating new settlements for rural residents who were exposed to threats
(natural disasters, safety, and health) and had poor accessibility to basic
infrastructures/amenities;
(ii) Creating systematic settlements for rural residents under the hard-core poor
and low-income categories; and
(iii) Upgrading and remodelling the existing villages (for example, the Structured
Village Plan) by providing better facilities and infrastructures for the purpose
of improving the living quality of the rural population.

Under this programme, the scopes of development are outlined as follows:

(i) Housing: housing provision is subjected to Programme Perumahan Rakyat
Termiskin (Poor People’s Housing Programme or PPRT) guidelines.
(ii) Housing lot: provide land properties for the low-income group (B40)
and the house construction is subcontracted by third party.
(iii) Basic infrastructure facilities: provide the groundwork, residential roads,
drainage, water supply, electricity supply, streetlamps, and centralised sewage
treatment systems.
(iv) Social amenities: multipurpose hall, surau, recreation playgrounds,
court playground, Child Care Centre (Taman Asuhan Kanak-kanak or TASKA)/
Children’s Pre-school (Taman Bimbingan Kanak-kanak or TABIKA)/
Early Childhood Education Centres, open spaces, and others; subjected
to the local needs. Existing facilities in the proposed area are preserved
and will be upgraded to meet the needs of the new community.
(v) Economic infrastructure: provide shop lots and public areas.

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There are three (3) development packages offered under the PPK:

(i) Package 1: MRD provides complete accommodation unit with the provision
of housing, residential lots, infrastructure, and social amenities;
(ii) Package 2: MRD provides site preparation works, groundwork and basic
infrastructure including roads, drains and other components suitable
for existing residential areas, subject to the layout plans in accordance with the
guidelines required by the Local Government (PBT) for planning permission; and
(iii) Package 3: MRD provides preliminary works on-site preparation, groundwork
and basic infrastructure including roads, drains and other appropriate components
in the new residential areas. However, this decision is subjected to the provisions
for the construction of houses acquired from the state government, agencies,
or other relevant parties.

2.2 Area Development Project Kg. Gelung Pepuyu, Perak Tengah, Perak
PPK Kg. Gelung Pepuyu is located about fifty-six (56) km from the Ipoh City. The project
was in accordance to the proposal of the Perak state government through the central Perak
district office. FELCRA Ltd was appointed as the official agency to implement the PPK
project Kg. Gelung Pepuyu. The total funding allocated was RM7.2 million.

2.3 Project Scope
The scope of the project involved 7.5 acres of land work, construction of 54 PPRT houses,
installation of electricity supply, reticulation of water pipelines and water tanks, the building
of sewage treatment plants, roads paving along the settlements, preparation of trench and
drains, construction of multipurpose halls, playgrounds, and one-storey shop buildings (4
doors).

2.4 Project Objectives
The objective of this project is to create an integrated living space equipped with public
amenities and basic infrastructure. A comfortable living space will be provided for those
affected by the flood threat at Kampung Gelung Pepuyu and the hard-core poor lives nearby
the villages of Perak Tengah.

2.5 Target Group
The target groups for this project are:
(i) Residents of surrounding villages who are exposed to flood threats; and
(ii) The hard-core poor who are registered under e-kasih and are eligible for
PPRT housing assistance.

2.6 Project Location
PPK Kg. Gelung Pepuyu was developed on a 7.5-acre land owned by the Perak state
government. It was located at Bota District, Perak Tengah, Perak (about 56 km from Ipoh
City). The location is selected due to the excellent accessibility to educational, health, safety,
economy, and social facilities. Among the amenities available are Masjid Taufiqiah RPA
Gelung Pepuyu (0.6 km), Tabika KEMAS (0.8 km), grocery and food stalls (1.0 km), Tanah
Perkuburan Islam Gelung Pepuyu (1.2 km), Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Seri Londang
(1.5 km), Klinik Kesihatan Komuniti Titi Gantung (3.5 km), Balai Polis Titi Gantung (3.5
km), and Sekolah Kebangsaan Titi Gantung (4 km).
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CHAPTER 3: TERMS OF REFERENCE
3.1 Study Objectives
To evaluate the implementation impacts of PPK Gelung Pepuyu, a series of specific,
measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound SMART concepts were introduced. For
this study, the objectives are listed as follows:

(i) To evaluate the recipients’ level of satisfaction with the house and basic amenities
provided; and
(ii) To evaluate the recipients’ satisfaction with the socio-economic change after
relocated to PPK Kg. Gelung Pepuyu.

3.2 Study Limitations
Due to the limited time of the study period, this study was solely obtained from the
perspective of the PPK assistance recipients from PPK Kg. Gelung Pepuyu. This study
was restricted to the period of extent when the PPK assistance recipients started to move
and live in the house from March 2018 to June 2019 only. The numbers of people involved
were only forty-six (46), and the remaining eight (8) recipients had not fully resided in the
house yet.

CHAPTER 4: STUDY FINDINGS

4.1 Output Achievements

The project has achieved its targeted output as in Table 1:

Table 1: Achievement of Targeted Output

Targeted Achievements

1. Developing 7.5 acres of land 7.5 acres of land developed
2. Building 54 units of PPRT houses 54 units of PPRT houses built
3. Building 1-unit electric substation 1-unit electric substation built
4. Installing a water supply system Water supply system installed
5. Construction 2.5 km of road
6. Building a multipurpose hall 2.5 km of road constructed
7. Providing a playground 1 unit multipurpose hall built
8. Building 4 unit of shops
A playground provided
4 unit of shops built

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4.2 Target Outcome 1: 80% of Recipients Were Satisfied with the House Provided

The first outcome target was achieved as ninety percent (90%) of the PPK assistance
recipients were satisfied with the home provided as compared to the target outcome of
eighty percent (80%). The housing unit was well built with ample space and room provided
for family protection.

Targeted 80% of participants were satisfied with the basic amenities
Outcome and social amenities provided

Achievement 84.8% of participants were satisfied with the basic amenities
Summary and social amenities provided
of Evaluation The main factor was the basic amenities and social amenities
provided met the standards set and functions well

4.3 Target Outcome 2: 80% of Recipients Were Satisfied with Basic Facilities and Social
Amenities Provided

The second outcome target was achieved as about eighty-four percent (84.8%) of the
PPK assistance recipients were satisfied with the basic infrastructure and social amenities
provided compared to the target outcome of eighty percent (80%). The well-established
basic facilities and social amenities met the standards and functioned well.

4.4 Target Outcome 3: 80% of Recipients Were Satisfied with Post-Migration
Socioeconomic Change

Five (5) Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) were selected to assess outcomes 3, which
include income, environment, security, access to health facilities, education, economic, and
social participation. The average achievement for each KPI evaluated is as shown in Table
2:

Table 2 : Achievement by KPI of target outcome 3

KPI Achievement (%)

1. Income 54.3
(i) Increased in income 60.9
(ii) Increased in expenditure 84.8
(iii) Increased in asset ownership 100.0
94.9
2. Environment
3. Safety 85.8

4. Accessibility to education,
health, economic and
social facilities

5. Social participation 86.9
86.8
Total Average

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Outcome 3 has achieved its target with a total average of approximately eighty-six percent
(86.8%) of the PPK assistance recipients were satisfied with the socio-economic change
after moved to the new settlement.

CHAPTER 5: ISSUES AND WAY FORWARD

5.1 Issues and Solutions
Although this project has achieved the output targets, the PPK assistance recipients raised
some of the major issues that existed in the project. The contractors have addressed the
issues related to the infrastructure since the defect liability period was remained effective
by that time, while other responsible parties settled other issues. All issues have been solved
and showed in Table 3:

Table 3: Issues and Solution

No. ISSUES SOLUTION

1. The drain does not flow properly. The contractor has repaired the drain.
2. Speeding vehicles in resident area. The contractor has built speed bumps
to reduce the speed of road users.
3. Monkey/wildlife problems. The Department of Wildlife and National Parks
(PERHILITAN) has installed wildlife traps
to curb the problem.

4. Bushes near the Sewage Local authorities have provided municipal
Treatment Plant (STP). services including weed and shrub management.

Through the survey, residents also asked about related suggestions and recommendations,
including the potential programmes that could be implemented at PPK Kg. Gelung Pepuyu
in order to enhance the capabilities of the population. The proposed programmes are listed
as follows:

(i) Provide skills courses such as sewing, cooking, and baking classes to fill the leisure
time and improve skills of unemployed housewives; and
(ii) Conduct entrepreneurship and marketing courses
(iii) Provide financial assistances for small businesses start-up.

5.2 Way Forward
The following points are recommended to be taking into consideration for post-
implementation of this project. The recommendations are applicable to all new PPK
projects in the future. The recommendations are listed as follows:

(i) Incorporating speed bumps in the settlement area;
(ii) Residents can be linked with the existing MRD programmes such as Income
Improvement Programme and Training and Career Skills Programme;
(iii) Residents are encouraged to perform small scale farming around the housing
area or adjoining vacant land;

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(iv) Provide waste collection areas and waste disposal technology
(such as Eco-waste Asher technology) to alleviate the burden of PBT for waste
collection services; and
(v) Organise more community activities such as regular patrolling and cleaning
of residential areas.

CHAPTER 6

CONCLUSION

PPK project at Kampung Gelung Pepuyu had positive impacts on the community, especially
the PPK assistance recipients. The integrated settlements with basic infrastructure and
social amenities allow the residents to own a private house and live a more comfortable life.

Also, these integrated settlements facilitated the implementation of economic or
social activities and also the distribution of proper assistance to the eligible recipients.
Furthermore, the PPK project has the potential to improve the living quality of the hard-
core poor community. As a whole, the implementation of PPK project created a prosperous
rural community in various aspects of life including social, economic, cultural, and
environmental which are in line with the Rural Development Policy (2019).

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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

ABBREVIATIONS CONTENT

B40 Bottom 40

e-kasih Portal pembasmian kemiskinan

DPLB Dasar Pembangunan Luar Bandar

FELCRA Berhad Lembaga Penyatuan dan Pemulihan Tanah

Persekutuan

KEMAS Jabatan Kemajuan Masyarakat

KPI Petunjuk Prestasi Utama

KPLB Kementerian Pembangunan Luar Bandar

PBT Pihak Berkuasa Tempatan

PERHILITAN Jabatan Perlindungan Hidupan Liar dan Taman

Negara

PLKK Program Latihan dan Kemahiran Kerjaya

PPD Pusat Pertumbuhan Desa

PPP Program Peningkatan Pendapatan

PROSDET Projek Bersepadu Desa Terpencil

PSK Penempatan Semula kampung

SMART Specific, Measurable, Achievable,

Realistic, Time Bound

SPP II Project Monitoring System II

SPSS Statistic Package for the Social Sciene

TABIKA Taman Bimbingan Kanak-Kanak

TAKSA Taman Asukan Kanak-Kanak

REFERENCE

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalan_Gelung_Pepuyu

http://www.mdpt.gov.my/en/node/960

Polisi Pembangunan Luar Bandar . 2019. Putrajaya: KPLB, Malaysia.

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