Malaysia Assessment Measure for Modern Rural Development (Mamrd): Appraisal Index and Intervention

Abstract

Technology disruption makes it difficult for rural areas to cope with digital infrastructure and people's readiness to embrace changes. Indeed, technological advancements provide greater opportunities to transform rural areas into instinctive living environments - destinations to invest, work, live, and visit. However, a significant question arises: how far has this innovative technology been practised in rural activities? The current paper aims to demonstrate the application of a Malaysia Assessment Measure for Modern Rural Development (MAMRD); it incorporates the rural technology practices for appraising the score (index) towards a modern rural approach, thereby enabling lessons to be learned for further improvements. From this measurement, it was found that the aqua-tourism and smart community-based village (Kampung Padang Rumbia, Pekan, Pahang) scored 55.92% in the overall index, which could put it into a three-star rating village. The fishing-based village (Kampung Tepi Sungai, Sungai Muda, Kedah) gained two-star with 30.51%. The results become the self-checked intervention for them to move towards a modern rural approach. In the end, MAMRD shall assist all stakeholders who rely on rural and community transformation, such as Institute for Rural Enhancement (INFRA) and Jawatankuasa Pengurusan Keselamatan Kampung (JPKK). Undeniably, this paper also reveals the agendas of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) towards societal harmony and happiness.