An integrated approach to development planning in Kedah / Nor 'Asiqin Zainal

The purpose of this study is to identify the development problems that exist; in Kedah state and at the same time attempt to provide some solutions to overcome these problems. Imbalances exist among the districts and between rural and urban population in Kedah. It has also resulted in isolated physical developments as well as massive rural-urban migration. Besides the basic geographical, historical, sociological and political causes, lack of departmental coordination and duplication of functions are the overriding causes. Hence, the emphasis of this study then is to try to improve the planning of the state and provide solutions to overcome the problems. The study hereby proposes three comprehensive strategies. They are, a reviewed organizational and planning strategy, a comprehensive rural development strategy and a migration strategy. All three complement each other and it is felt that they could improve the state development machinery as well as concurrently benefit the rural backward areas.