Towards sustainable regional economic development : the case study of Iskandar Malaysia

• Main Authors: Rabe, Noor Suzilawati, Mohamed Osman, Mariana, Bachok, Syahriah
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English
• Published: 2012
• Subjects: HD72 Economic growth, development, planning
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/25963/1/S4-3-1%5D_PAPER.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/25963/; http://www.earoph2012.or.kr/

Regional development is one of the main key players in accelerating the rapid changes and process in Malaysia. Since after the independence, the implementation of the regional development policies and strategies has sped up the urbanization and development including the rapid changes in economic growth. Development of regions emerged due to various reasons including the integration of geography and physical features, the need for cooperation beyond local jurisdiction and also due to the needs of local and national development. In Malaysia, there are diverse development concepts of regions implemented to accelerate the economic growth of the country. There are five economic regions namely Iskandar Development Region (IDR), North Corridor Economic Region (NCER), East Corridor Economic Region (ECER) Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) and the most recent The Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE). There is also the growth triangle region that is based upon international integration of economic development such as the Northern ASEAN Triangle (IMT-GT), the East ASEAN Growth Triangle (BIMP-EAGA) and the Southern Growth Triangle (IMS-GT). Review of literatures identified sustainable regional economic developments are related with the balancing between development and natural ecosystem. Reviews also suggested that sustainable regional economic development were affected by the well-being of its residents. The sustainable development process is a virtuous circle that involves every aspect of living in the region. This paper presented a review on the approach towards promoting sustainable regional development in Malaysia. The review will also discuss on issues related to sustainable regional development implemented in other countries. Thus, measures and strategies are propose to provide a critical insight for planners, professionals and policy makers in the promoting sustainable regional economic in Malaysia.