Isu dan Impak Perkembangan Penanaman Getah di Perak, 1958-1984

Issues and Impacts of the Development of Rubber Plantation in Perak, 1958-1984

Abstract

This research is to see to what extent the development of commercial plantations, in particular rubber plants in Perak between 1958 and 1984 has had a positive impact on the socioeconomic progress of the population in this state. The elemental of this rubber plant development is seen through the development of this plant in the state of Perak, the challenges faced by the people in rubber cultivation activities, especially in facing the problem of South American Leaf Blight (SALB) disease and how they resolved it during the period studied. This research adopted historical qualitative method on sources and materials obtained from the National Archives of Malaysia Kuala Lumpur, National Archives of Malaysia Perak State Branch, Hamzah Sendut Library 1, Universiti Sains Malaysia in the Malaysiana and Archives section, Kuala Kangsar Public Library, Perak, and the library at the National Archives of Malaysia Perak State Branch.This study has found that the rapid development of rubber plantations in Perak has left a significant impact on socioeconomic aspects among residents in the state of Perak. For example, the rate for employment opportunities and generated income had increased especially for women, as well as there were improvements in infrastructure, education, and health. This matter shows that the progressiveness of the economic sector in Perak is not solely contributed by tin mining activities as widely discussed by previous studies. It turns out that economic activities based on rubber cultivation have also had a positive impact on the progress of the lives of residents in the state of Perak.

Received: 15 Mei 2023

Reviewed: 21 Jun 2023

Accepted: 25 September 2023