The Quality of Life among Youth Living Near to Muar River and Pahang River

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the QOL or sustained changes in community and social systems. To know the QOL, a measurement tool was used to assess the balance of national development and the social systems of the community. Various aspects are often considered in determining the QOL of a country or society, including education, health, safety, housing, environment and working environment. Malaysia is a country who is started from an agriculture and commodity based in low-income economy and then the economy rapidly growth and successfully achieve the middle-income economy. This result has improved the Malaysian quality of life. Now the government is aiming to become a high-income nation by 2020 with both inclusive and sustainable. The development of a nation is measured by the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) (Kalsom & Norashikin, 2006). The Department of Statistics Malaysia reported that the GDP at national level in 2013 have increased from RM31, 920 to RM32, 984. Since independence, the government has implemented various development programs to improve the quality of life of the rural community. Provision of basic facilities, social amenities, education and health become a major focus for government to increase income and reduce poverty. The evolution of rural development started with the establishment of Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA) and followed by the establishment of Rural and Industrial Development Authority (RIDA). It became a catalyst for the development and management of land and rural area in agriculture aspects. Then in 1965 Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) was established to help farmers to market their products. The following years Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) was established for developing, encouraging, facilitating and fostering the economic and social development in the federation, particularly in rural areas. However to address the problem of idle land, the government