Frontier area development and migration in Pahang, Malaysia

Abstract

This study of frontier area development and migration in Pahang is carried out in the context of the inter-relationship of migration and development. The primary objectives are to examine the patterns of migration in Pahang in relation to the development of two frontier regions, JENGKA and DARA; to examine who were the migrants to the land settlement schemes in the frontier region; and what is the potential for out-migration from the land settlement schemes in the region. The analysis was done using data from the 1980 population census, 1976 FELDA Settlers Census, a survey carried out by the author in 1986 and various reports from Regional Development Authorities (LKWJ and DARA). The findings of this study show that the impact of development in JENGKA and DARA on internal migration in Pahang is significant. Migrants in the settlement schemes in the region tend to be induced migrants. Substantial out-migration occurs among settlers' children (second generation) from a settlement scheme in the region. The places of destination of out-migrants were mixed, but more migration occurs to other rural areas and over short distances than to urban areas and over longer distances.