Title: Urban poverty in Malaysia: its profile and impact of programmes implemented towards its eradication.

POPLINE Document Number: 268314

Author(s):

Fong CO

Source citation:

In: Urban poverty in Malaysia: policies and issues, edited by Fong Chan Onn. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, University of Malaya, Population Studies Unit, [1985]. :44-157.

Abstract:

The aim of this study is to analyze the current profile of poverty in poor areas in 4 metropolitan centers in peninsular Malaysia, and the impact of programs for uplifting living standards of residents in these areas. Relative income measure stresses real relative economic inequality: useful poverty theory should take relationships to the larger society into account. There has been considerable study of urban poverty in Malaysia, a recognition of a need for poverty eradication programs, and an understanding of mechanisms governing their impact, e.g. organizational factors and household participation. Selection of a sample of households to be studied is outlined: the result is a sample population of 1948 ethnically diverse households in several cities. A profile of socioeconomic conditions in urban poverty areas is given, as measured by subdivided economic indicators of economic, educational, health, public services, and fertility statuses, and level of general satisfaction with the poverty eradication program. Detailed studies of the data are made for each ethnic group. The organization and impact of programs are examined: the accessibility of daily services to households, the efficiency of service delivery, and the accessibility of nondaily household services have a considerable effect on the programs' impact. A conclusion outlines policy implications under general categories of economics, education, health, fertility, and public service access. Definitions of poverty lines and the enumeration of poverty areas, income generation projects, school attendance and housing projects will all need to receive special attention. Installations should maintain good community relationships, and the staff should include individuals linguistically proficient in the main dialects of the urban poor. An appendix to this study is a copy of the questionnaire.

Keywords:

Malaysia
Socioeconomic Factors
Poverty
Development Planning
Economic Development
Government Programs
Social Development
Social Change
Urban Population
Low Income Population
Ethnic Groups
Population Characteristics
Progress Report
Recommendations
Housing
Income
Educational Status
Employment Status
Urbanization
Fertility
Social Welfare
Health
Asia, Southeastern
Asia
Developing Countries
Economic Factors
Programs
Organization and Administration
Demographic Factors
Population
Social Class
Socioeconomic Status
Cultural Background
Residence Characteristics
Population Distribution
Geographic Factors
Urban Population Distribution
Population Dynamics