Perception of Development: A Micro Study of the Poor in Terengganu, Malaysia

Abstract

Abstract: The surveys conducted in 1999 and 2004 in six poverty-stricken areas in Terengganu show that the poor perceive development in almost identical terms as those suggested by development experts. The poor’s perception about the importance of social overhead capital has become stronger in 2004 compared to 1999. With minor variation, they have positive opinion about their leaders. The better educated among them seem to be better in preference for both material and moral considerations. The poor are poor in religiosity but that may be due to the nature of the profession and the distance of the shari’ah-based financial institutions. The government should pay attention to their demands for better physical and social infrastructural facilities.