The challenge of rural life nostalgia: barriers in redevelopment of Malay Reserve Land (MRL) in Klang Valley

Abstract

The development of Malay reserve land is a nationwide issue which can be overcome through better understanding of the existing barriers. While many barriers have been examined, the challenges relating to land owner expectations and preferences has not been thoroughly examined. Using Kg Sungai Penchala in the capital city Kuala Lumpur as a case, this research used a structured interview survey of 258 respondents representing both owners and tenants. Statistical analysis demonstrates that majority of the land owners (individuals) rejected the idea to further develop the land. The land owners preferred to maintain the village status quo and they were satisfied with the current development level in the village. Only a minority of respondents agreed that the land should be developed and instead perceived that re-development of this Malay Reserve Land of Kg Sungai Penchala would be able to raise their quality of life. The restriction is much preferred by the land owners who preferred the current style of village living. Thus, immediate re-development of the area is not warranted and the preference of the land owners represents a strong barrier.

Issues and Obstacles in the Development of Malay Reserve Land

“…According to Siwar (1976), theoretically this status of ownership is a form of land fragmentation that affects the efficiency of land use in the long run. The studies by Hanif et al (2015) and Maidin (2013) found that the development of MRL was hindered as a result of shared ownership status and legal restrictions on land dealings. This is not only happening in rural areas but it is more alarming for MRL in urban areas (Md Ariffin, 2013).…”

“…The lending practices also contribute to the difficulties in obtaining funding for redevelopment. This financial barrier impacts the economics of decision-making that hinder redevelopment of particularly vacant and abandoned lands in the urban areas (Hanif et al, 2015).…”

Inter Vivos Gift as Land Inheritance Mechanism for FELDA Land Holding

“…Deprived by this restriction, the problem of multiple ownerships on one holding will occur as practiced by other types of land except FELDA (Kamarudin, Zaman, & Meor Razak, 2019). Multiple ownerships will contribute to difficulties to the owners to gain benefits such as agricultural and SME activities due to uneconomic size of land (Ahmad, Jamsari, Nasir, Hehsen, & Hassan, 2017;Hanif, Azriyati, Abdul-Rahman, Wang, & Wood, 2015;Kamarudin & Nor Muhamad, 2018;Mohd Shafiai & Moi, 2015;Sulong & Taha, 2016;Taha, Sulong, & Ayub, 2015).…”