A study on the satisfaction level of residents' living condition in a resettlement programme for squatters case study: Johor Bahru / Julieven Nonoi Kuek

Issues of squatters are still a pertinent debate and agenda in Malaysia. As the country is prepared towards realising the vision of becoming a developed country by year 2020, most of the states in Malaysia target to achieve the zero-squatters status by year 2020. Resettlement programme is one of the most significant mechanisms in tackling squatter’s settlements issues in Malaysia. Hence, the Johor State Government had taken various approaches in trying to eradicate squatter settlements by relocating them to new locations for better housing and environment. However, this method has not fully solved the problems, as there are several issues and problems discovered related to resettlement programme of low-cost housing designated for squatters, namely; (1) the resettlement areas located far from the city, (2) the price of houses for resettlement scheme is not affordable, (3) the provision of uncomfortable low-cost houses; and (4) the issue of resettlement houses low space standards. The aim of this study is to evaluate the satisfaction of the residents of a resettlement programme at PPR Melana Indah (Phase 1), Taman Perling, Johor Bahru, with regards to their new living environment as compared to their previous squatter area. This research therefore, applies the case study method and looked particularly at PPR Melana Indah (Phase 1) Taman Perling, Johor Bahru resettlement programme. The methodology comprises of the qualitative design, where exploratory and in-depth interviews with government officers were employed which was also analysed along with the quantitative approach. The quantitative technique was conducted through a structured questionnaire survey using a targeted 290 samples of the PPR Melana Indah (Phase 1) residents through the stratified random sampling approach. The exercise had first undergone a pilot survey, to test the reliability of efficiency of method. However, during the course of survey, the research received only acquired 150 participants or returned questionnaire forms. The selected respondents expressed their satisfaction level and perceptions concerning their new low-cost housing resettlement, which were measured through seven (7) variables, i.e.; neighbourhood environment aspect, house environment aspect, green area aspect, public transport aspect, city connectivity and accessibility aspect, neighbourhood socialibility aspect and lastly facilities aspect. These were analysed through the statistical frequency analysis, cross tabulation analysis and gap analysis to determine their satisfaction of the residents in the resettlement area. Results from the study demonstrate that the local residents of the resettlement area are generally pleased with the physical conditions of their new homes, in spite of having to experience with several issues at their new place. Recommendations were made and focused more of tackling the current issues that the residents experienced. The suggestions had also included some ideas to assist the government in trying to reduce the number of squatters. In short, the original purpose of this research, which was to evaluate the level of satisfaction of a resettlement programme’s residents, was accomplished