Strategic land development model for Malay reserve land (MRL) in Malaysia / Siti Hasniza Rosman

The Malay Reserve Land (MRL) is an heirloom belonging to the Malays to be protected, preserved and developed in line with the aspirations of shared prosperity vision 2030 in Malaysia. However, it has been found that lands under the Malay Reserve Land (MRL) category are still lagging in the development stream due to some prevailing issues and obstacles. These are despite their inherent potential to be developed in tandem with other (non-Malay Reserve) lands. Currently, there is no specific strategic land development model provided to assist Bumiputera developers or owners to develop MRLs comprehensively. A strategic land development model is able to drive the development of MRLs. This research aims to develop a strategic land development model for MRLs. The research involves four (4) main objectives which are to identify the issues and strategies of MRL development in Malaysia, to explore the success factors in strategic land developments of MRLs, to analyse the key success factors in strategic land developments of MRLs, and to develop a strategic land development model for MRLs as a guideline to the parties involved in Malay Reserve Land developments. This research uses a mixed method of qualitative and quantitative analyses. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions to identify the issues and proposed strategies for MRLs. Additionally, data was gleaned from return questionnaire survey forms from ninety-one (91) respondents with expertise in MRL developments. Data was analysed using SmartPLS 3 software for Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to assess the measurement and structural for formative-formative model based on the significant value of the items studied. The results of the research revealed that the path coefficient analysis score of the establishment of research institutes is the highest which is 0.799, while the establishment of special financial institutions is 0.223. This is then followed by the establishment of the MRL Act at 0.146, while the establishment of Bumiputera land development units is -0.151. It has been shown that the relationship between indicators and constructs is highly correlated. The results also highlighted that the establishment of a research institute is the best strategy for MRL development. The findings of this research is able to contribute towards strengthening the Twelfth Malaysia Plan (12MP) to ensure a more inclusive and meaningful national development, in line with the formation of a prosperous society.