The development and status of human geography in Malaysia

Abstract

Human Geography in Malaysia started at the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur in 1959. The early pioneers, comprising expatriates and locals, set the tone and pace of development that saw its heights in the 1970s, 80s and 90s. However, with new recruits not conversant in the English language, and the retirement of established human geographers accompanied by a gap in replacement policies and downsizing, the tempo and zest have somewhat lost their edge, even though a small number of human geographers are still active in research and publications. In Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and Universiti Sains Malaysia, the multidisciplinary and interdisciplining approach has limited the role and functions of human geography. In Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, for instance, its status as a Department was changed to that of a Programme, resulting in a reintegration of human geography courses with other disciplines. This cross-fertilization is also reflected in the research and publications of human geographers in Universiti Sains Malaysia. The increasing trend to publish in the national language has also constrained human geographers from a greater exposure and integration to the global community of human geographers. In other universities in the country, human geography plays an insignificant role in the humanities and social sciences. Finally, the diminishing number of geography students in tertiary institutions is a point of concern and it is obvious that the full value and contributions of human geography will not be fully realized unless geography is made mandatory again in secondary schools.