This report is categorized as LIMITED, although not CLASSIFIED. It can be used by Gopeng Rural Ambassadors for internal purpose. This report should not be

circulated or reproduced in any form of media without permission from FSSK UKM 1

Rural Transformation Programme (NBOS4)

Identifying Rural Socio-Community Needs for Strengthening Rural-Urban Link through Rural

Transformation Centre (RTC)

Executive Summary of Findings

1 Introduction

This executive summary reports on a research survey conducted on rural population in the district of Gopeng and Kampar, Perak to investigate

a. the perception of the rural community in the vicinity of a Rural Transformation Centre, TEMAN, located in Gopeng, towards the role and impact of the RTC on their political, economy, social, technological and education (PESTE) environment and status.

b. the readiness of the rural community to support the RTC in its role as the collection center of local agro-food supply and modern agribusiness facility to help entrepreneurs expand their businesses and improve their products to meet international standards.

c. the PESTE needs of the rural community in view of supporting the RTC and meeting the objectives of RTP towards building self-initiated learning communities.

d. the prospect of developing rural youth ambassadors and volunteers as change agents in the rural-urban link in view of engaging rural communities in achieving the objectives of RTP.

The research findings will indicate strategic implications for reinventing or raising the potentials of TEMAN in Gopeng as an RTC and the creation of the rural youth ambassadors programme. The work plan for the research can be found in Appendix 1.

2 Research design

This study was conducted in three phases. Phase one is the focus group discussion (FGD) involving 40 respondents from 20 villages in Gopeng. Based on the qualitative analyses, a questionnaire was developed. The questionnaire was then administered in a pilot study involving 74 key informants who are also villagers in Gopeng. Analysis of the pilot study was done to examine the reliability and validity of the questionnaire. Several improvements and modifications were madee from the results of pilot study. The third phase of the study is the actual survey which is getting the data from the sample respondents.

The respondents were selected using multistage cluster sampling. Cluster sampling may be used when it’s either impossible or impractical to compile an exhaustive list of the elements composing the target population (Babbie, 2004). Multistage cluster sampling involves listing of all clusters and sampling respondents from the clusters. This research therefore selected 20 villages around 50 km radius from Gopeng. This entailed the inclusion of villages in the Mukim Teja area which covers Kampar and Gopeng. A total of 200 respondents were randomly selected from each village to answer the questionnaires. An additional sampling of 200 from the indigenous group were also targeted. In total 4200 questionnaires were distributed to the target population: Kampung Chulek, Kampung Gunung Mesah Hilir, Kampung Jahang, Kampung Masjid, Kampung Baru Jelintoh, Kampung Batu Karang, Kampung Gunung Mesah Hulu, Kampung Gunung Panjang, Kampung Lawan Kuda, Kampung Malim Nawar, Kampung Pintu Padang, Kampung Pulai, Kampung Seri Malim, Kampung Sungai Itek, Kampung Tanjung Bangkong, Kampung Batu Berangkai, Kampung Kota Baharu and Kampung Kuala Dipang.

Data were obtained from the questionnaire developed by the researchers. The questionnaire comprises eight parts which are: (1) socio-demographic information, (2) knowledge about Terminal Agribisnes Negara (TEMAN), (3) the role of TEMAN, (4) economy, (5) facilities at TEMAN, (6) education and ICT, (7) social and politics, and (8) health. A descriptive analysis on the quantitative data was conducted and reported in this summary. However data for the part on Health is excluded in this summary.

3 Research Findings 3.1 Socio Demography of research population Figure 1 below shows the list of 20 villages and total number of respondents who had completed

and returned the questionnaire for analysis.

Gunung Panjang (4.4%)

Kuala Dipang (4.4%)

Malim Nawar (4.4%)

Pulau Pisang (4.4%)

Pulai Bergading (4.4%)

Sri Malim (3.6%)

Tanjung Bangkung (4.3%)

Tualang Sekah (8.6%)

Batu Karang (4.8%)

Kampar Selatan (8.3%)

Chulek (4.4%)

Mesah Hulu (4.4%)

Mesah Hilir (3.9%)

Kota Bahru (4.4%)

Jahang (4.4%)

Lawan Kuda (4.4%)

Sungai Itek (4.4%)

Pulai (4.4%)

Pintu Padang (4.3%)

Jelintoh (4.4%)

Orang Asli5%

Gopeng43%

Kampar52%

Fig. 1: Distribution of respondents within 50km radius of TEMAN, Gopeng, Perak

4200 questionnaires were employed to 20 villagers situated within 50km radius of TEMAN in Gopeng as illustrated in Fig. 1 above. However only 2280 (54%) respondents from the Malay (89%), Chinese (5%), Indian (1%) and Indigenous (5%) ethnic groups were completed and returned as listed in Table 1 below.

Table 1: Number and percentage of respondents by ethnicity

Ethnicity N Percentage

malay 2037 89.3%

chinese 108 4.7%

indian 18 0.8%

indigenous 117 5.1%

Total 2280 100.0%

3.2 Perceptions of the rural community towards the role and impact of the RTC (TEMAN)

Perception of the rural community towards the RTC is measured by the following constructs: knowledge about the RTC (TEMAN) in terms of its existence, role, accessibility and facilities as well as impact on up-lifting socio-economy of rural community.

a. With regards to knowledge about the RTC, Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 below clearly indicate that majority of the respondents know of its existence and the channels through which they learned about it’s existence.

Fig.2 Distribution of knowledge about RTC (TEMAN)

Fig.3 Distribution of channels of information about RTC (TEMAN)

Tahu 84%

Tidak tahu 16%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

120%

Tahu Tidak tahu

Radio, 18.6%

Televisyen, 16.9%

Akhbar, 16.5% Banner/kai

n rentang, 22.4%

Pemimpin tempatan,

9.2%

Rakan, 16.4%

Most of the respondents who indicated that they have no knowledge of TEMAN are from among the indigenous group as well as residents who hail from Malim Nawar and Kampar selatan. Their reasons for not knowing may be due to lack of communication channels that they have access to and the fact that they have less need to go into Gopeng town.

The data also shows that the most common channel of information about the RTC that reached the ethnic groups are through Banners (22%) and informants such as friends, followed by through electronic media such as radio and television as well as through printed media as in the newspapers. It is worth noting that for some communities such as the indigenous groups, the village head is the carrier of information and news for majority of the people (see Fig. 4 below).

Fig. 4 Distribution of channels of information about RTC (TEMAN) by ethnicity

Knowledge about the RTC’s role is clearly known to only half of the those who know of its existence as depicted in Fig. 5 below.

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

120%

Tahu Tidak tahu

28.3%

26.2%

8.9%

20.4%

13.7%

2.5%

pusat pengumpulan hasil kampung

pusat penjualan barangan hasil kampung (sayur, buah, ikan da

pusat jualan secara runcit

pusat jualan secara borong

pusat pemasaran produk tempatan

tempat pengantara antara orang kampung dengan agensi

Ya54%

Tidak46%

Fig. 5 Knowledge of TEMAN’s role by groups

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

Melayu Cina India Orang Asli

Radio

Televisyen

Akhbar

Banner / Kain rentang

Pemimpin tempatan

Rakan

Most of those who indicated that they know of the RTC’s roles is correct in their perceptions of its functions as TEMAN, a centre for modern distribution of agro-food and agribisnes that connects between consumers through activities such as collecting, processing, and distributing complete with added values, with an organized and controlled wholesale market system. However as an RTC they are not aware of its main objectives which are: (1) to increase knowledge and increase skills and competencies among the rural residents, (2) to increase ICT access, infrastructure and facilities including public facilities, (3) to transform the rural areas in order to attract foreign investment, (4) to provide job opportunities and economic activities so that the young generation will return to their villages, and (5) to increase standard of living and generate income among rural residents. Other functions of the RTC is to be a centre which is complete with all facilities including health and technology services. Hence these potentials need to be further communicated and demonstrated clearly and extensively by the managers of RTC for community engagement.

Figure 6 below indicates the frequency of visits as well as the reasons for visiting as declared by the respondents who know and have visited TEMAN at least since it was opened in 2010.

ya72%

tidak28%

37.3%

24.8%

21.8%

12.1%

3.0%

1.0%

membeli keperluan harian

membeli barangan untuk memasak atau barangan basah (ikan/aya

membeli barangan dapur

berniaga atau urusan perniagaan

meninjau/melawat TEMAN

urusan kerjaya

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

120%

Pernah mengunjungi Tidak pernah mengunjungi

setiap hari3% seminggu

sekali29%

sebulan sekali68%

Kekerapan mengunjungi

Fig. 6 Frequency of visits and reasons for visiting TEMAN

Clearly the purposes for visits were mainly as consumers for daily needs and food. Only 12% visited TEMAN to explore opportunities for agribusiness related purposes. Furthermore, those who have visited rarely return as majority may visit the place once a month or less (68%). The reasons for this lack of interest to be returning customers either as consumers or sellers is due to its distance, lack of public transportation, and lack of purpose for returning to TEMAN after viewing what it had to offer.

Nevertheless, majority of the respondents are of the opinion that local small farmers given the right circumstances will support the aims of the RTC as TEMAN in its endeavour to upgrade their business opportunities as illustrated in Fig. 7.

ya61%

tidak39%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

120%

Ya Tidak

Fig. 7 Support for TEMAN by local small farmers

Nevertheless, it is also important to point out that most of the respondents who do not agree to the view of the majority qualify their opinion by highlighting the following needs that should be addressed by the authorities in view of getting the support of the local small farmers as listed in Table 2.

Table 2: List of threats to the success factor of RTC (TEMAN)

Needs and Views

high cost to trade prices are cheaper at the wholesale market, distance not convenient, transportation problems, infrastructure is too ‘office like’, TEMAN officers do not approach the local farmers TEMAN officers do not project enthusiasm as a wholesale marketing centre.

Majority of the respondents who have visited TEMAN in Gopeng feel that the facilities to access TEMAN can be further improved to encourage people to visit to buy as well as for small businesses to flourish. Quality of facilities and physical infrastructure are important success factors that should be given high value of importance by the authorities managing TEMAN or any RTCs. The perception

of the current available facilities at TEMAN is found to be satisfactory mainly as presented in Table 3 below.

Table 3: Perception of availability of facility at TEMAN

Kemudahan di TEMAN

Ya

Tidak

TEMAN dekat dengan tempat tinggal saya

60.6% 39.4%

Lokasi TEMAN sesuai dan mudah dikunjungi

81.4% 18.6%

Pengangkutan awam ada disediakan untuk ke TEMAN

28.7% 71.3%

Papan tanda dan logo TEMAN jelas menunjukkan peranannya

71.5% 28.5%

Sewa gerai di TEMAN berpatutan 44.2% 55.8%

Kemudahan asas di TEMAN mencukupi (elektrik, air, telefon, internet)

83.8% 16.2%

Kemudahan asas di TEMAN memuaskan

80.6% 19.4%

Kemudahan awam di TEMAN mencukupi (tandas, ATM, parkir, pejabat pos, pengawal, medan selera, cctv, loker)

77.4% 22.6%

Kemudahan awam di TEMAN memuaskan

76.7% 23.3%

The emerging threats to the success factor of TEMAN in terms of facilitation is clearly the lack of public transport to the venue (71%) and the high overhead cost to conduct business at TEMAN (56%). Many also suggested other facilities should be made available to provide additional convenience to visitors and paying patrons at the venue. These include: Automated TeleMachines, public phones, handicap friendly, internet cafe, post office.

3.3 Readiness of the rural community to support the RTC in its role

Readiness indicators are measured by the following constructs in the questionnaire:

1 Extent of acceptance to have the RTC infrastructure built within the local area.

2 Scale of value placed on RTC’s impact on the quality of life and socio-economic status of local

small farmers, traders and general rural population.

3 Degree of expectation levelled at RTC’s potential in ensuring returns on investment (ROI) to

participating local small farmers, traders and consumers.

Extent of acceptance:

In anticipation of TEMAN achieving its aimed outcomes, majority of the respondents are positive and

agree that such an RTC should be set up within their vicinity as they recognize the benefits of having

the facility especially for the local farmers, traders and businesses, particularly in promoting their

products for global market through product enhancement and marketing strategy programmes.

Figure 8 below illustrates this.

Fig. 8: Readiness to accept RTC (TEMAN) facility in community

KenyataanSangat tidaksetuju

Tidaksetuju

SetujuSangatsetuju

1. TEMAN boleh ditubuhkan di kawasan saya 24.3% 13.2% 48.7% 13.8%

2.TEMAN boleh mendapat kerjasamamasyarakat di kawasan saya

17.9% 20.5% 55.3% 6.3%

3.Masyarakat setempat saya ada produk yang boleh dijual di TEMAN

9.9% 27.3% 55.2% 7.6%

4.Kaedah moden seperti jualan internet sangatbersesuaian dengan produk di kawasan saya

10.0% 30.6% 42.4% 17.1%

0.0% 10.0% 20.0% 30.0% 40.0% 50.0% 60.0%

TEMAN boleh ditubuhkan di kawasan saya

TEMAN boleh mendapat kerjasama masyarakat di kawasan saya

Masyarakat setempat saya ada produk yang boleh dijual di TEMAN

Kaedah moden seperti jualan internet sangat bersesuaian dengan produk di kawasan saya

Sangat setuju Setuju Tidak setuju Sangat tidak setuju

Majority of the respondents opined that the setting up of TEMAN or an RTC in their districts will

recieve the support of the local people (55.3% agree and 6.3% strongly agree). Many also agree

(55.2%) that there are local products that can be sold at TEMAN; while 42.4% view there is potential

for online business of local products. However there is a threat of non engagement on the part of

these stakeholders if TEMAN ignores the needs and views of the majority as depicted in Table 2

before.

Scale of value and expected returns on investment placed on RTC (TEMAN):

With regards to the value of the RTC in relation to up-liftment of socio-economic well being of the

rural society majority of the respondents agree and strongly agree that the RTC will have potential in

improving their socio-economic status (79% agree; 8% strongly agree), access to local and global

markets (76% agree; 10% strongly agree), introduce, enhance and continually develop skills towards

self empowerment (55% agree; and 10% strongly agree).

It is also noteworthy to highlight that the respondents value the RTC as an avenue for community

cohesiveness between races (80% agree; 11% strongly agree), collaboration between community

and government agencies (74% agree; 13% strongly agree), as well as point of contact between

buyers and sellers at the local and global levels (73% agree; 9% strongly agree). Fig. 9 below

illustrates these values.

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%

TEMAN menberikan kesan dan faedah kepada masyarakat kampung

Terdapat pengurusan yang baik dalam TEMAN

Masyarakat kampung memberikan kerjasama dalam hal ehwal TEMAN

TEMAN membantu meningkatkan tahap pendapatan masyarakat kampung setempat

TEMAN memberi keutamaan kegiatan ekonomi setempat

TEMAN memberi keutamaan kepada pembentukan usahasama ekonomi antara kaum

TEMAN meningkatkan jalinan perpaduan masyarakat setempat

TEMAN berjaya mewujudkan rangkaian perniagaan untuk hasil pengeluaran masyarakat setempat

TEMAN ada kerjasama dengan agensi atau pertubuhan lain

TEMAN ada menyediakan kemudahan awam untuk dikunjungi oleh masyarakat setempat

TEMAN berjaya menjadi pengantara di kalangan para pembekal dan pembeli

TEMAN berperanan penting dalam meningkatkan taraf hidup saya

Sangat setuju Setuju Tidak setuju Sangat tidak setuju

Fig. 9 Scale of valuing RTC

3.4 PESTE needs of the rural community in view of supporting the RTC

Related indicators contributing to the success factors of an RTC in the rural ecosystem is the extent

to which political, economic, social, technological and learning enviroment (PESTE) needs are

addressed and met. In relation to the rural communities studied, the following sections provide

insights into the population’s views, needs and aspirations with regards to the five factors.

Socio-Political factors

Twelve items were constructed to guage the extent to which the respondents are socially and

politically aware. Channel of information through which social and political news and issues are

communicated or accessed by the respondent is important to establish as the finding will help

strategise means of communications that should be improved, added and even eliminated or

redeployed. For the 2280 respondents, results in Table 4 show that a total of 1654 or 24.4% received

the information from television, followed by national daily newspapers (23.9%), radio (16.2%), local

political leaders (8.5%), neighbours (7.5%), family members (7.5%), political party newspapers

(3.7%), internet/blog (3.6%), colleagues (3.3%) and short message system/SMS (1.4%). Some may

have indicated multiple modes of sources, hence the total figures of 3617 for males, and 3159 for

females.

Table 4: Source of political and social information

Sumber utama maklumat politik dan sosial

lelaki perempuan

N Peratus N Peratus

Akhbar harian 910 25.2% 711 22.5%

Akhbar parti politik 146 4.0% 102 3.2%

Radio 576 15.9% 523 16.6%

Internet/Laman blog 134 3.7% 111 3.5%

Televisyen 871 24.1% 783 24.8%

Rakan sekerja 132 3.6% 89 2.8%

Pemimpin politik setempat 324 9.0% 252 8.0%

Sistem Pesanan Ringkan (SMS) 55 1.5% 37 1.2%

Jiran 238 6.6% 272 8.6%

Ahli keluarga 231 6.4% 279 8.8%

Jumlah 3617 100.0% 3159 100.0%

Table 5 and Figure 10 below, show the results of respondents’ perception towards TEMAN and

purported underlying political agenda. A total of 72.4% (1395) respondents agreed that TEMAN is a

government project to help in the rural economy. When asked whether political intervention is

needed in the success of TEMAN, a total of 54% respondents agreed and another 22.4% strongly

agreed. Majority of respondents (52.7%) agreed and 21.2% strongly agreed. Respondents also

perceived that the success of TEMAN requires coordinated involvement of the community,

government agencies, private sectors and NGOs with 63.9% agreeing and 25.2% strongly agreeing.

Table 5: Distribution of respondents’ perception of TEMAN from a political perspective

Bil Kenyataan

Sangat tidak setuju

Tidak setuju Setuju Sangat setuju

N % N % N % N %

1

TEMAN adalah satu projek kerajaan untuk mambantu ekonomi penduduk luar bandar

31 1.6 156 8.1 1395 72.4 344 17.9

2

Campur tangan politik perlu dalam membantu kejayaan TEMAN

106 5.6 338 18.0 1016 54.0 421 22.4

3

TEMAN diwujudkan sebagai memenuhijanji-janji pilihan raya oleh kerajaan

80 4.6 375 21.5 919 52.7 369 21.2

4

Kejayaan TEMAN perlu penglibatan masyarakat, agensi kerajaan, swasta dan NGO

80 4.2 126 6.6 1215 63.9 479 25.2

Figure 10: Distribution of respondents’ answers

Results in Figure 11 below show the social problems faced by the villagers in Gopeng. A total of

46.7% indicated that the biggest problem was stealing and robbery, followed by the problem of

illegal motorbike racing by mat rempit (20.8%). A total of 17.1% respondents said that the social ills

of drug addiction was also a big problem. Other social problems included smoking and drunken

behaviour (4.4%), promiscuity (4.1%), loitering (3.1%), unemployment (1.9%), vandalism (1.3%),

illegal immigrants (0.4%), and racism (0.3%).

Figure 11: Distribution of social problems

0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

60.0%

70.0%

80.0%

Sangat tidaksetuju

Tidak setuju Setuju Sangat setuju

Kenyataan 1

Kenyataan 2

Kenyataan 3

Kenyataan 4

Mencuri/merompak/pecah…

Rempit

Lain-lain (merokok, mabuk, menipu)

Pergaulan bebas

Lepak

Penganggur (tiada pekerjaan)

Vendalisme

Pendatang tanpa izin

Perkauman

46.7%

20.8%

17.1%

4.4%

4.1%

3.1%

1.9%

1.3%

0.4%

0.3%

Respondents were also asked about other facilities or development needed in their villages. Figure

12 shows that the highest need was better infrastucture such as better roads and drainage systems

(33.2%), followed by sports facilities such as recreational fields, futsal and badminton arenas (27%).

Other facilities needed were ICT/internet facilities (7.9%), multipurpose hall (7.2%), government

assistance and subsidies (6.3%), public transportation (2.8%), centres and classes for education

(2.5%), factories, supermarkets and banks (2.3%), public telephones (2.1%), computer centres

(1.8%), bus and taxi station (1.4%), centre for collection and distribution of village products (1.3%),

library (1%), private and public educational institutions (0.8%), clinics (0.6%), police station and fire

station (0.6%), tourist development and homestay facilities (0.4%), organised villages (0.3%),

mosques (0.3%) and counseling centres (0.2%).

Respondents were also asked about their opinions towards the national leadership and majority of

respondents (58.1%) said that it was good. A total of 56.1% respondents said that the parliament

leadership was good. They also said that DUN leadership was good (45.1%), TEMAN leadership was

also good (49.1%). In addition, most respondents said that the local/village leadership was good

(61.5%). Thus in general, the quality of leadership at all levels is viewed positively.

Table 6: View of quality of leadership

Leadership Very Good Good Moderate Weak

N % N % N % N %

National 613 30.3 1177 58.1 203 10.0 33 1.6

Parliament 348 17.4 1124 56.1 407 20.3 126 6.3

DUN 375 19.0 979 49.5 419 21.2 204 10.3

TEMAN 252 14.2 869 49.1 455 25.7 193 10.9

Local/Village 425 21.2 1231 61.5 283 14.1 64 3.2

Create-Raise-Reduce-Eliminate: Social-Political factors

Generally it can be concluded that the respondents from the 20 villages are current and aware of

news and information pertaining to social and political issues. The main channel of information is

through the television, followed by newspaper and then radio. It is important then to ensure that

infrastructure for electricity, telephone lines, and internet access are fully developed for equal

access of information. It may also be wise to reduce dependence on individuals such as heads of

villages, friends or family members and to raise direct access to reliable and secured sources of

information, while at the same time eliminate insidous ideologies that entrap rather than empower.

Interestingly, the respondents recognize the need for political will to spur the RTC to be sustainable.

This awareness does not however deter them from acknowledging the true potentials of TEMAN and

the profitable implications for their busineses. In this scenario it is important to raise and create

sustainable promotion and opportunities for the political will to be translated into community based

activities where the RTC becomes the venue, organizer, facilitator, services centre, resource centre

and community learning centre.

In terms of other needs that were articulated, most of the respondents indicated the need to

upgrade the roads and drainage system. The need to address this is vital and important to ensure

little interruptions of mobility of people and goods as these upgrades will reduce road congestions

and road closures or detours due to floods.

The next most requested need is additional recreational fields and facilities for games such as

badminton and futsal. Fulfilling this need has many related positive repercussions as it creates

opportunities for young talents in football and badmiton for example to be discovered while at the

same time reduce and eliminate ‘lepak’ behaviours and ‘mat rempit’ among youths who have no

avenue to direct their energy positively. Simultaneously social business model and principles can be

introduced wherein the energies of these undirected youths can be harnessed and regenerated in

the form of honed skills and talents empowering them to be self-reliant and self initiated.

The positive view of leadership quality as expressed by the respondents suggest unanimous

acceptance and confidence in current leadership. However the onus is on key figures in the

community as well as the political figures to further raise and create sincere allegians with the

community members. Towards this end it is important to reduce and eliminate insecurities and

unfulfilled promises so as to sustain continuous support from the grass roots. The authorities have to

reach out to the communities rather than expect them to find their way to the RTCs without any

integrative purposes or motivation.

Economic factors

The economic success factors of RTC on the socio-economic status of the respondents from 20 rural

communities are illustrated in the following Fig. 12 below. Essentially majority of the respondents

agree that the RTC in the form of TEMAN has potential in promoting and upscaling the small local

farmers and businesses market share and opportunities to a significantly wider market locally (69%).

They also believe that inkeeping with its mission, TEMAN can help upgrade the quality of their

products to meet international standards (69% and 65%). And most importantly the respondents

argree that products collected and distributed or sold at TEMAN should be cheaper (64%) than other

markets such as the pasar borong or pasar tani which currently captures a major portion of the

consumers market in the Gopeng and Kampar district. The products should also appeal to daily

needs of the local residence and not for export markets only (79%). The respondents are also

hopeful that the management of TEMAN can identify potential new local products that can be

marketed (69%) as many are not savvy about consumer preferences or about creating notions of

‘wants’ and ‘needs’.

Fig. 12 Economic factors

Create-Raise-Reduce-Eliminate: Economic factors

Based on the responses as depicted in Fig. 12 above, some factors can be highlighted for further

scrutiny in view of reinventing TEMAN as an RTC. It is clear that the communities are not adverse to

TEMAN’s prescribed mission and objectives. However their responses suggest the need to create

outreach programmes whereby expert authorities engage in fieldwork to source out potential

products and potential new consumers.

This may entail creating awareness about new entrepreneurial opportunities and carve out new

consumer needs. Towards this end the authorities should lead in identifying local community

sourced products with ‘bleeding edge’ potential where new inroads and pathways are introduced to

carve out new needs and new ways of living or working. In tandem with this aim, it is imperative that

fundamental literacy competencies and entreprenuerial competence of the locala are increased

through continual development programmes. Strategic collaborative networking with private sectors

are also vital to give impetus to the the desired outcomes.

At the same time more serious efforts should be put into action to reduce and redeploy current

competing avenues that detours consumers and businesses from using TEMAN as their trading

venue. This include engaging pasar tani or pasar borong operators by trading concesssions for

example to reduce or relocate the competition.

Technology and Learning Environments

The quantitative data analysed reveal the following findings with regards the perceived needs for

fundamental literacy skills and ict literacy skills (Fig. 13).

Fig. 13: Distribution of perceived needs for fundamental and information literacy skills

Table 7: Key for statements

Kenyataan

1. Meningkatkan pengetahuan 2. Meningkatkan kemahiran penggunaan

komputer

3. Mengubah cara mencari maklumat

4. Penggalak untuk terus belajar 5. Membuka peluang untuk melanjutkan

pelajaran

6. Meningkatkan semangat untuk menimba ilmu

7. Meningkatkan kerjasama dalam kumpulan

8. Meluaskan hubungan dan kenalan 9. Membolehkan menggunakan Pelbagai

peralatan teknologi

As expected majority of the respondents agreed that they need to upgrade and improve on their

knowledge and skills in the four fundamental literacy skills as well as computer skills for information

access and establish social networking as well as community of practice for sharing and general

acquintance.

Nearly half of the sample population indicated that they are internet literate (56%) while remaining

44% percent do not use the internet at all. Among those who uses the internet, they are mainly

0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

60.0%

70.0%

80.0%

Sanagt tidak setuju Tidak setuju Setuju Sangat setuju

Kenyataan 1

Kenyataan 2

Kenyataan 3

Kenyataan 4

Kenyataan 5

Kenyataan 6

Kenyataan 7

Kenyataan 8

Kenyataan 9

home (59%) and office (29%) users. Fig. 14 below shows the distribution of outlet sources for

internet users.

Fig. 14: Distribution of outlet for internet use

Apart from the internet, the traditional modes for information access remains to the television

(23%), news papers (22%), radio (19%) and personal informants such as village heads (15%) and

friends or relatives (13%) as depicted in Fig. 15 below.

Fig. 15: Distribution of other sources of information other than internet

Among the internet users the most common use for the internet is to search for or post

advertisements such as those listed below in Fig. 16.

0.0%

100.0%

0.0%5.0%

10.0%15.0%20.0%25.0%

Apa-apa produk

Pertanian dan perikanan

Produk lembu

Produk FAMA

lukisan&hiasan

graphic and furniture design

ya, 17.6%

tidak, 82.4%

Fig. 16: Types of advertisements on the internet searched for/posted

Create-Raise-Reduce-Eliminate: Technology and Learning Environment factors

The need to create programmes in view of raising the literacy competencies of the rural

communities is essentially germaine to knowledge access and professional development. Hence

there is an urgent need for the authorities to provide contiual literacy developoment programmes

for youths as well as the ageing group. In the indigenous group however, there is a low interest to

learn new ways of literacy among parents especially the mothers. However they have aspirations for

their children to have the opportunity to catch up with the world so to speak and support fully

literacy programmes that can be conducted at RTCs as long as there are facilities for them to be

transported from their homes to the RTC and back.

The ageing society comprising of men and women who are 60 years and older in rural communities

are slowly increasing as death rates perceptibly decrease with better health awareness and health

care. In the communities investigated it was also revealed that many of those who are 51 and above

are still active tilling farms, doing business or carving an income through self employment (See Fig.

17 below). These senior citizens are far more experienced and have a finger on the pulse of the local

ways of life and values. Therefore they are key gatekeepers for authorities as well as rural-urban link

mediators such as rural youth ambassadors and youth volunteers as well outsiders. This implies that

raising their literacy competencies that enable them to be empowered with critical local knowledge,

technology know how should be prioritized.

Fig. 17: Distribution of age groups

Illiteracy which still exists among the rural population especially among the elders and indigenous

people should continously be addressed so as to reduce and eventually eliminate. Nevertheless it is

simultaneously important to acknowledge other types of literacies that the modern world do not

recognize as alternative ways of making and communicating meaning. These includes imageries,

oracy, and indigeneous vernaculars. To ensure inclusion and engagement of the groups of

communities who practices these unchartered literacies, authorities can raise awareness and create

new ways to include these alternate literacies into the repertoire of the local heritage with the RTCs

playing a leading role in collecting, preserving and exhibiting them, creating emotional and cultural

‘buy-in’ into RTC’s role in the rural communities.

Other related concerns are the immediate need to develop and hone specific skills related to

business such as financial literacy as well as numeracy skills. Learning from the different ways of

doing business or trading from inter and intra ethnic groups may also be more worthwhile than

imposing modern day business models and formulas on these rural communities.

4. Implications for Rural Youth Ambassador programme and revision of RTC’s role and functions

The Ministry of Higher Education’s strategy in RTC programme aims to achieve the following

outcomes:

o To increase students’ sense of empathy and awareness

o To conduct mulitdisciplinary research through knowledge transfer program

o To implant positive values: nationalism, commitment, self reliance and entrepreneurship

among youths

o To create learning communities and learning societyies

With reference to the above aims and outcomes, the socio-community research conducted and

reported in this executive summary provide insights and possible guidelines to chart the way for an

effective Rural Youth Ambassdors (RYA) programme design. Basically the RYAs need to reconcile

their roles with the aims of the RTC in Gopeng which at the time of research remains as illustrated in

Fig. 18 below.

21-25 26-30 31-35 36-40 41-45 46-50 51-55 56-6061 ke atas

9.0% 8.2% 8.7% 9.1% 10.1% 9.7%

11.6% 12.6%

21.0%

Fig. 18: RTP targeted aims

The RYAs are commissioned to be youth leaders among the younger generation in the rural

communty who have a centra role as the information liason person between the community and

government agencies at the ground level. They should possess comprehensive knowledge of

political, ecnomonic, social, technology and education issues as they are designated as the

community’s reference point for current and accurate information. More significantly, they should

be active supporters and drivers for community activities and should have an eye and ear for

potential ‘bleeding edge’ opportunities as well as indigenous practices that can be promoted.

Based on the analysis of the research findings reported here the success factor for the RTC in

relation to the RYA’s role can be encapsulated in the following Fig. 19. The three E principles of the

Blue Ocean Strategy requires that the RYAs should firstly be able to articulate collective expectations

and desired outcomes of both the community and the government. This desire was expressed in the

responses of the needs analysis in the research. Secondly and equally important is the competency

in which the RYAs articulate, convey and demonstrate clear and concise explanations that delineate

action plans, mitigations, risk analysis, projected and alternative outcomes that are clearly laid out

and trustworthy. The execution of these two fundamental principles by design will manifest in the

members of the rural communities volunteering to engage in RTP plans and valuing the objectives

while appropriating high commitment to the desired outcomes for the collective good.

Meningkatkan taraf hidup dan menjana pendapatan penduduk

luar bandar

Mentransformasikan kawasan luar bandar supaya mampu menarik

pelaburan swasta

Menyediakan peluang pekerjaan dan kegiatan ekonomi supaya generasi muda

kembali berkhidmat di ‘kampung’

Meningkatkan akses ICT dan infrastuktur serta fasiliti termasuk

keperluan asas

Menambahkan ilmu pengetahuan dan Meningkatkan Kemahiran serta kompetensi

warga luar bandar

Fig. 19: Three E principles of BOS as applied to RYA-RTC success

Create-raise-reduce-eliminate

Analysis from the research has also highlighted the threats that should be eliminated, challenges

that can be reduced, new opportunities that can created where it was never recognized before and

strengths that can be raised to enable new opportunities based on the perception, readiness and

PESTE needs of the rural communities. Please refer to previous sections where these factors were

discussed at length. These input can be mapped onto the following Fig. 20 as training process for the

development of RYAs.

Fig. 20: Four Action Framework: Create-Raise-Reduce-Eliminate (BOS)

Engagement: Keterlibatan warga komuniti dalam menjayakan RTP: Nilai

komitmen tinggi dan ‘self-initiated’

Explanantion: Penerangan dan penyampaian matlamat dan tindakan

yang jelas, berkesan dan boleh dipercayai

Clarity of Expectations: Outcome matlamat yang difahami dan dipersetujui

secara kolektif dan impak sasaran capaian yang diperoleh bersama

5. Closing Remarks

This executive summary report provides an overall view of the findings of the research conducted

and shall be detailed out later in a comprehensive technical research report. The aim of the report is

primarily to show the convergence and divergence of the perceptions, readiness, and articulated

needs of the rural communities in relation to the role and functions of RTC in Gopeng, Perak i.e.

TEMAN and its impact on the socio-economic status of the rural people between the ages of 21

onwards from various ethnic groups including the indigenous groups. The findings have revealed

convergence over divergence in relation to aspirations for TEMAN and its projected outcomes.

However the analysis have also shown emerging potentials, existing strengths that can be raised to

create opportunities, current and ongoing threats that should be examined closely to distinguish

between threats that are born out of marginalization or neglect and threats that entrap and

encumber and therefore need to be eliminated. The report concludes by way of providing a guiding

framework for rural-urban youth link programmes.

The research team would like to acknowledge the Ministry of Higher Education, Department of

Industrial Relations, for the grant commissioned to us for the conduct of the research.

Report prepared by

Professor Dr. Hazita Azman Head of the Research Team Team Members Professor Dr. Hazita Azman (Head)

Dr. Zaini Amir (Project Manager)

Associate Professor Dr. Supyan Hussin

Associate Professor Dr. Datin Norizan Abdul Razak

Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Fuad Mat Jali

Associate Proefessor Dr. Noraini Ibrahim

Associate Professor Dr. Jalaludin Abd Malik

Dr. Mohd Yusof Abdullah

Dr. Kemboja Ismail

Dr. Wan Shahrazad Wan Sulaiman

Research Assistants

Fadzilah Noor Mohd Kalimi

Nurul Huda Zulkifli

Almas Afrida Ramli

Mohd Asruladlyi Ibrahim

Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

Appendix 1

Activity Date Deliverables

1. Assessing the current socio-economic environment at Gopeng based on PESTE

1.1 Focus group discussion (FGD) with expert informants 1.2 Conduct quality analysis of interview content to construct questionnaire 1.3 Plan and prepare meetings and deployment of questionnaires rural communities 1.4 Spatial Analysis of Gopeng socio-infrastructure

OCT-NOV ‘11

• Quality analysis of articulated views, perceptions, readiness, needs of key informants in relation to RTC (TEMAN) and the current socio-economic environment in Gopeng

• Development of questionnaire constructs

• Meeting schedules and list of respondents for questionnaires

• Spatial Analysis of Gopeng socio-infrastructure

2. Investigating the rural communities’ perceptions, readiness and views of RTC

2.1 Pilot of questionnaire for reliability 2.2 Distribution of questionnaires 2.3 Collection of questionnaires at scheduled locations: Kampar, Gopeng, TEMAN

NOV ‘11

• Results of reliability test

• Meeting schedules • Questionnaire

3. Determining

strengths,

weaknesses,

opportunities and

threats to enhance,

reduce, create and

eliminate

respectively

3.1 Identify the perceptions of RTC 3.2 Identify the readiness to support and to engage with RTC 3.3 Identify the key agents to motivate and move engagement with RTC 3.4 Identify potential social business opportunities based on recognizing the needs and potentials of rural communities using the principals for social business

NOV-DEC

‘11

• Needs analysis

based on PESTE

• Profiles of key

movers

• Profile of non-users

and unknown users

of RTC

• Propose RTC’s

potential functions

and services

model 3.5 Develop content for Rural Youth Ambassador programme

4. Formulating the rural community engagement strategy for revision of RTC functions and services

4.1 Preparation of the Rural Youth Ambassadors for fieldwork 4.2 Documentation of findings and framework of formulation

NOV-DEC ‘11

• RYA Training schedules

• TYA Training materials

• Summary findings report of fieldwork results and proposed formulation.

• Final detailed report

RESEARCH TEAM MEMBERS