Impak pembangunan ekonomi terhadap komuniti tanah bencah Setiu, Terengganu

Abstract

The principles of a sustainable society includes respect and care for the community, improvement in the quality of life, conservation of the earth’s vitality and diversity, minimizing the depletion of resources, changing attitudes and practice and effectively managing the environment. Thus, a prerequisite to sustainable livelihood is the absence of poverty. Poverty however, is prevalent among the wetland communities, the major factor being weak in social, physical, natural and financial capitals. Setiu Wetlands, located in the state of Terengganu, Malaysia is less developed than other districts in the state, and are regarded as relatively poor. The Malaysian government initiates several projects to improve the community including a large scale shrimp aquaculture project. The aim of this study is to identify the impact of the economic development and how it contributes to the community in attaining sustainable livelihood. Primary data is gathered through questionnaires involving 322 households from 12 villages located in Setiu wetland. This research used DPSIR (Diverse Pressure State Impact Response) framework to analyze the development process of the wetland and sustainability. The strength of livelihood assets against development threat is measured by five main indicators which are human capital, natural asset, social capital, physical capital and financial capital. Findings reveal that most households in the communities are still earning low monthly income with an average of RM1000 and even less. Other critical issues include mass emigration of young people to bigger cities, lack of asset, unavailability of advanced equipment for fishing, farming and other economic activities, reluctance to be involved in active economic and social participation, poor educational background in addition to lack of skills in required areas. This research recognizes the need to strive for an improved quality of live and suggests that the communities should be exposed to the virtues of employment, public participation, social cohesion and cultural identity in order to achieve a sustainable livelihood for long-term survival.