ARTIKEL JURNAL LUAR BANDAR SEJAHTERA 2020 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 webbased 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. 105 BUKU JURNAL KPLB 002.indd 99 05/03/2021 10:26 AM
ARTIKEL JURNAL LUAR BANDAR SEJAHTERA 2020 106 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. BUKU JURNAL KPLB 002.indd 100 05/03/2021 10:26 AM
ARTIKEL JURNAL LUAR BANDAR SEJAHTERA 2020 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. 107 BUKU JURNAL KPLB 002.indd 101 05/03/2021 10:26 AM
ARTIKEL JURNAL LUAR BANDAR SEJAHTERA 2020 108 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. BUKU JURNAL KPLB 002.indd 102 05/03/2021 10:26 AM
ARTIKEL JURNAL LUAR BANDAR SEJAHTERA 2020 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 newlyexpanded 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. 109 BUKU JURNAL KPLB 002.indd 103 05/03/2021 10:26 AM
ARTIKEL JURNAL LUAR BANDAR SEJAHTERA 2020 110 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-mobilesocial-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-duringcrisis. 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-fordesamall-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-mediaand-are falling victim. 17 May 2019. The Star. CSM: Malaysians ignore journalism, prefer social media, and are falling victim fraud, fake news. BUKU JURNAL KPLB 002.indd 104 05/03/2021 10:26 AM
ARTIKEL JURNAL LUAR BANDAR SEJAHTERA 2020 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. 111 BUKU JURNAL KPLB 002.indd 105 05/03/2021 10:26 AM
ARTIKEL JURNAL LUAR BANDAR SEJAHTERA 2020 112 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 socialeconomic 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; BUKU JURNAL KPLB 002.indd 106 05/03/2021 10:26 AM
ARTIKEL JURNAL LUAR BANDAR SEJAHTERA 2020 (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 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. 113 NAME OF COMPANY / ORGANISATION NAME OF COMPANY / ORGANISATION NO NO 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 16 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Berjaya Corporation Berhad Hume Cemboard Industries Celcom Axiata Berhad Mydin Mohamed Holdings Berhad Yayasan Pelajaran MARA Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Blue Archipelago Berhad Privasia Sdn Bhd AMR Consult Yayasan MRCB Mycuisine Qube Sdn Bhd Boustead Holdings Berhad Siti Khadijah Holdings Sdn Bhd Yayasan Emkay Universiti Kuala Lumpur Pharmaniaga Berhad DRB-Hicom Berhad Export-Import Bank of Malaysia (EXIM BANK) Samsung Malaysia Electronics Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) Privail Sdn Bhd Numix Engineering Malaysia Airport Holdings Berhad SMGB Group Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC) UNIKL Resources Universiti Multimedia (MMU) Farm Fresh Milk Sdn Bhd CSR Malaysia @ RHA Media Sdn Bhd Binasat Communications Berhad Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) BUKU JURNAL KPLB 002.indd 107 05/03/2021 10:26 AM
ARTIKEL JURNAL LUAR BANDAR SEJAHTERA 2020 Table 2 : Strategic Partners’ Programmes and Activities 114 PROGRAMME / ACTIVITY LOCATION COMPANIES / ORGANISATIONS Bil. SCOPE CELCOM AXIATA Digital entrepreneurship programme Online marketing and sales training Launching local entrepreneur products at Lazada & Shopee platforms. Langkawi & Baling 1 Economic Yayasan MRCB Upgrading of football field at SK Temonyong for the use of 569 students, Minor maintenance work of school drainage system. Minor maintenance work of 11 units toilet of SK Temonyong. 3 Education Langkawi EXIM Bank Donation of 22 computers and two televisions to SK Temonyong for the use of 569 students. Donation of computers and audio-visual equipment. Minor maintenance works at KEMAS library of Kampung Temonyong for the use of nearly 2,500 villagers. 2 Education Langkawi PROGRAMME / ACTIVITY LOCATION COMPANIES / ORGANISATIONS Bil. SCOPE Halal Industry Corporation Berhad Halal awareness (Tourism sector) seminar with 500 homestay 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. Economic Langkawi HDC cilik programme with 100 students from SK Kg Temonyong, Langkawi. Education Baling 4 Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) Contribution of kiosks and business Economic space at Langkawi International Airport. 5 Marketing programme for Kampung Kuala Temonyong entrepreneurs at Airport. Langkawi Education Volunteer programme with volunteers from MAHB and village residents from Kuala Temonyong periodically. Motivation programme for students at Kampung Kuala Temonyong. Community PROGRAMME / ACTIVITY LOCATION COMPANIES / ORGANISATIONS Bil. SCOPE CELCOM AXIATA Digital entrepreneurship programme Online marketing and sales training Launching local entrepreneur products at Lazada & Shopee platforms. Langkawi & Baling 1 Economic Yayasan MRCB Upgrading of football field at SK Temonyong for the use of 569 students, Minor maintenance work of school drainage system. Minor maintenance work of 11 units toilet of SK Temonyong. 3 Education Langkawi EXIM Bank Donation of 22 computers and two televisions to SK Temonyong for the use of 569 students. Donation of computers and audio-visual equipment. Minor maintenance works at KEMAS library of Kampung Temonyong for the use of nearly 2,500 villagers. 2 Education Langkawi PROGRAMME / ACTIVITY LOCATION COMPANIES / ORGANISATIONS Bil. SCOPE Tenaga Nasional Berhad Economic improvement programme. Langkawi & Baling 6 Economic Boustead Holdings Berhad Regular implementation of education programme at SK Seri Bayu, Kg Weng Baling. 7 Education Baling BUKU JURNAL KPLB 002.indd 108 05/03/2021 10:26 AM
ARTIKEL JURNAL LUAR BANDAR SEJAHTERA 2020 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 115 BUKU JURNAL KPLB 002.indd 109 05/03/2021 10:26 AM
ARTIKEL JURNAL LUAR BANDAR SEJAHTERA 2020 116 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 (RMKe9), 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 socialeconomic 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. BUKU JURNAL KPLB 002.indd 110 05/03/2021 10:26 AM
ARTIKEL JURNAL LUAR BANDAR SEJAHTERA 2020 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 (RMK9), 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. 117 BUKU JURNAL KPLB 002.indd 111 05/03/2021 10:26 AM
ARTIKEL JURNAL LUAR BANDAR SEJAHTERA 2020 118 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). BUKU JURNAL KPLB 002.indd 112 05/03/2021 10:26 AM
ARTIKEL JURNAL LUAR BANDAR SEJAHTERA 2020 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 119 Targeted Achievements 1. Developing 7.5 acres of land 2. Building 54 units of PPRT houses 3. Building 1-unit electric substation 4. Installing a water supply system 5. Construction 2.5 km of road 6. Building a multipurpose hall 7. Providing a playground 8. Building 4 unit of shops 7.5 acres of land developed 54 units of PPRT houses built 1-unit electric substation built Water supply system installed 2.5 km of road constructed 1 unit multipurpose hall built A playground provided 4 unit of shops built BUKU JURNAL KPLB 002.indd 113 05/03/2021 10:26 AM
ARTIKEL JURNAL LUAR BANDAR SEJAHTERA 2020 120 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. 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 Targeted Outcome 80% of participants were satisfied with the basic amenities and social amenities provided Achievement 84.8% of participants were satisfied with the basic amenities and social amenities provided Summary of Evaluation The main factor was the basic amenities and social amenities provided met the standards set and functions well Achievement (%) 54.3 60.9 84.8 100.0 94.9 85.8 86.9 86.8 KPI 1. Income (i) Increased in income (ii) Increased in expenditure (iii) Increased in asset ownership 2. Environment 3. Safety 4. Accessibility to education, health, economic and social facilities 5. Social participation Total Average BUKU JURNAL KPLB 002.indd 114 05/03/2021 10:26 AM
ARTIKEL JURNAL LUAR BANDAR SEJAHTERA 2020 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 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 postimplementation 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; 121 No. ISSUES SOLUTION 1. The drain does not flow properly. 2. Speeding vehicles in resident area. 3. Monkey/wildlife problems. 4. Bushes near the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP). The contractor has repaired the drain. The contractor has built speed bumps to reduce the speed of road users. The Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN) has installed wildlife traps to curb the problem. Local authorities have provided municipal services including weed and shrub management. BUKU JURNAL KPLB 002.indd 115 05/03/2021 10:26 AM
ARTIKEL JURNAL LUAR BANDAR SEJAHTERA 2020 122 (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 hardcore 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). BUKU JURNAL KPLB 002.indd 116 05/03/2021 10:26 AM
ARTIKEL JURNAL LUAR BANDAR SEJAHTERA 2020 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. 123 BUKU JURNAL KPLB 002.indd 117 05/03/2021 10:26 AM
ARTIKEL JURNAL LUAR BANDAR SEJAHTERA 2020 BUKU JURNAL KPLB 002.indd 118 05/03/2021 10:26 AM