Socioeconomic conditions and subjective well being of the displaced community in Putrajaya, Malaysia / Suresh Raja Manickam

Suresh Raja , Manickam (2022) Socioeconomic conditions and subjective well being of the displaced community in Putrajaya, Malaysia / Suresh Raja Manickam. PhD thesis, Universiti Malaya.

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Abstract

Issues of socioeconomic conditions and subjective well-being (SWB) of development-induced displacement due to out-migration of plantation workers have hardly been discussed in the context of Malaysian rubber plantations. Indeed, the available evidence on this community is reflected only in anecdotal evidence and a piecemeal approach in the media public. This reflects the lack of understanding of the true socioeconomic conditions of the displaced community for any policy intervention by policy makers. This study therefore seeks to examine the socioeconomic conditions and SWB, particularly life satisfaction, as well as the drivers of SWB in the Indian displaced community in Malaysia. In addition to assessing the socioeconomic conditions and SWB of the study group, the study also examines the intergenerational mobility of the community. The study uses a mixed-methods approach, employing both qualitative and quantitative methods, using a combination of questionnaire survey and interviews. The study uses the displaced community in Taman Permata, which was displaced from three main settlements, as a case study for the research. The main findings of the study indicate that the socioeconomic conditions of the displaced community have not improved significantly. For example, the income level of the displaced community remains low, with an average income of RM 722 and a median income of RM 625, which is below the national level. Experience also does not contribute to income differences in the displaced community, suggesting that the community is trapped in an occupational class where experience does not matter. There is also a large income gap between men and women. Almost 96% of households also have no other sources of income, with 75% of households unable to survive without income for more than 1 month. Similarly, lack of financial stability is one of the critical factors for the community. In terms of intergenerational iv mobility, there has not been much progress in the community as a whole, especially in terms of educational mobility which limits income opportunities. It is also noted that the community has a high school dropout rate - almost 28%. The main reasons for dropping out of school are financial and family problems, which account for 53%. There is also a lack of social support and network, which limits the possibility of seeking additional help. More importantly, safety in their neighbourhood was mentioned as one of the main problems - gangsterism and robbery are the biggest safety issues. Although the socio-economic factors did not show much progress, selected segments of the community shows some very positive attitudes towards their subjective well-being. Financial instability, family relationships, the physical environment and relationships with neighbours were found to be the most important factors for SWB. This suggests that the social network was key to improving the SWB of the displaced community as they were displaced from the settlements. Income, gender, household size and education do not seem to explain SWB. The study concludes with policy implications and future research directions. It is crucial to improve access to education, income opportunities and the overall living environment to improve the socio-economic conditions and subjective well-being of the community.

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