Managing The Rural-Urban Migration

By Shaharul Aini Saharan KUALA LUMPUR, July 11 (Bernama) -- When speaking of the homeless people, the capital city of Kuala Lumpur also faces the same predicament like many of the major cities of the world. However, what could have contributed to this problem in the first place? Is it because some segments of the community were left out due to the rapid development? A closer observation indicates a more compelling factor, the rapid rural-urban migration that is overwhelming the cities. Admitting this, the National Population and Family Development Board's (LPPKN) Director General, Dr Siti Norlasiah Ismail said the rural-urban migration has stretched to the limits the resources in providing public amenities, housing and infrastructure. "The over concentration of people has also put pressure on the community itself. The negative impact is not only from the physical sense but also in the social sense," she said. Speaking at the Bernama Radio24's 'Ala Carte Pagi' programme recently, Dr Siti Norlasiah noted that the migration factor has to be handled wisely to avoid derailing development and modernisation of the people and the country. "The population density in Kuala Lumpur has increased by 100 percent. Flash floods, urban poverty and street dwellers are among the implications from high population density". THE LATEST STATISTICS Based on the statistics provided by the Statistics Department, during the 2010-2011 period 711,600 people migrated to the cities reflecting an increase of 181,200 people compared with 530,400 people between 2009-2010. State of Selangor tops the favourite destination list accounting for 17,700 people, followed by northern state of Penang (8,800), East Malaysia state of Sarawak (5,500) and northeast state of Kelantan (3,200). THE GOVERNMENT'S ROLE While the government has taken every step possible in providing a balanced environment to manage with the rising population density in the big cities, it still could not keep up with the ever rising needs of the society. "The need for clean water, affordable housing and proper drainage is among the main issues in addressing the migration and urbanisation woes. This is seen as a big challenge by the Local Councils who serve as the coordinators," she said. Dr Siti Norlasiah called upon the relevant agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGO) and private entities to participate actively in managing migration. MIGRATING FROM PLANTATION TO OFFICES The younger generation have shied away from the farming and plantation activities that were the domain of the rural landscape in search of more comfortable working environment in towns. Meanwhile, in the run up to the World Population Day celebrated on every July 11, LPPKN organised the International Population Conference with the Cooperation of Universiti Malaya on Monday at the university. Among others the conference themed 'Migration, Urbanisation and Development' analysed the migration trends, the effects of migration on urbanisation, and establishing cooperation at the international stage. -- BERNAMA