The Impact of Rural – Urban Relations on Rural Areas in Malaysia

The Impact of Rural – Urban Relations on Rural Areas in Malaysia

Mohd Zaki Bahrudin, Zurinah Tahir, Noordeyana Tambi

Center for Development, Social & Environment Studies (SEEDS), Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, University Kebangsaan Malaysia

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.90400376

Received: 28 March 2025; Accepted: 12 April 2025; Published: 17 May 2025

ABSTRACT

The development of rural areas is significantly influenced by urban areas through various forms of rural–urban linkages. These dynamic relationships greatly shape how rural areas are developed. Both rural and urban areas are interdependent, requiring mutual access to resources and services. Generally, rural–urban linkages are observed through spatial and sectoral interactions between these areas. The importance of such relationships lies in preserving the environment, empowering sustainable development, and protecting natural resources. Field observations and studies were conducted from February to April 2024 in the Kuala Langat District, Selangor. Secondary data were collected from various sources, including development planning documents, journal articles, and official reports, while primary data were gathered during fieldwork focusing on land use and physical changes in rural areas. Discussions on the impacts of rural–urban linkages in the study area are based on observed physical and spatial changes in rural areas. This study aims to examine the physical impacts on rural areas, particularly land use changes along the borders of neighboring districts. Clear correlations are evident from trends in current development within the study area, especially regarding industrial area expansion, residential development, population growth, and the decline in agricultural land. The benefits of rural–urban linkages in the study area have spurred progress and accelerated inward development, directly impacting land use and physical changes in rural areas. Non-built-up land uses such as agriculture and forests are increasingly converted into built-up uses, including industrial, residential, and infrastructure developments. Therefore, rural–urban linkages should be reassessed for their broader implications on the study area. This study highlights that the dynamic impacts of rural–urban linkages result from rapid urbanization processes and policy decisions that often favor urban areas over rural ones.

Keywords: rural-urban relation, physical development, rural area, sustainable development

INTRODUCTION

Interactions between rural and urban areas have become increasingly frequent due to the processes of urbanization and globalization (United Nations, 2019). As a result, rural–urban linkages play a crucial role in generating wealth, enhancing well-being, and creating employment opportunities (Shafiei & Azharianfar, 2017). In recent decades, there has been a notable increase in the number of rural residents commuting to urban areas and urban dwellers traveling, investing, and retiring in rural areas. This situation necessitates immediate actions to enhance the compatibility and integration between rural and urban areas (Chao & Zhimin, 2020). However, the long-standing rural–urban divide, stemming from urban dominance in governance, poses a significant barrier to achieving integrated development (Gong et al., 2019). Additionally, there is competition and conflict of interest between rural and urban areas, particularly in terms of markets, funding, and resources. The widening gap has emerged as a major challenge and a crisis for rural areas, given the evident imbalances in development and increasing backwardness (Chao & Zhimin, 2020). This calls for an integrated governance approach that treats rural and urban areas as interconnected rather than separate entities (Gu, 2019). Policies and mechanisms for rural development must also be improved to ensure that the benefits of national progress are equitably distributed across all communities. According to (Tacoli et al., 2015), policies should aim to curb rural – urban migration by providing basic amenities and housing in rural areas, even though this is admittedly challenging. To better understand the effects of urbanization on rural areas, it is essential to consider rural–urban linkages. These linkages are bidirectional and interdependent, with their measurement varying across countries and ultimately influencing the interpretation of findings (Wineman et al. 2020).

The complexity of distinguishing rural and urban areas arises from the fact that no country develops exclusively for either rural or urban settings. Urban characteristics, such as small towns, may exist in rural areas, while rural features, such as urban greenery and urban farming, may also be found in cities. Rural and urban areas are interconnected through road networks, communication systems, and services that extend into rural regions. This has resulted in hybrid spatial formations where rural and urban areas merge, representing the physical manifestation of their direct interconnections (Uchendu, 2022). These connections often arise from urban expansion into rural areas, which impacts agricultural land, food resources, and water supplies especially in peri-urban areas. Accordingly, this study will discuss the impacts of rural–urban linkages on rural areas, particularly from the perspective of physical changes in rural areas.

LITERATURE REVIEW

The expanding trend of urbanization has begun to impact rural areas significantly. The discussion about rural-urban relation often touches on the impact of changes after the relationship occurs especially for peri-urban areas. Peri-urban refers to complex transitional areas between urban dan rural environment characterized by rapid land use change, population growth and diverse socio-economic interactions. According to the study by Wolff et al. (2021), peri-urban areas are defined as contested and blurred spaces between urban dan rural areas with boundaries changes over time. This area experiences rapid and diverse land use changes reflecting its dynamic and complex nature. Rajput (2021) states that peri-urban areas combine physical, social and economic characteristics from both urban dan rural areas. This includes mixed land use, fluctuating population density and diverse economic activities. Raverts et al. (2025) emphasize that peri-urban areas are complex transitional spaces with interrelated physical, social and systematic. Sareen and Haque (2023) highlight that peri-urban area planning faces significant challenges including the lack of evidence-based approaches and ambiguity in the spatial representation of sustainable development principles. Abdulai et al. (2020) found that peri-urbanization leads to improvement in living standards but also results in the loss of traditional livelihoods and increase in poverty among the local population. Its lead to propose policies that can protect agricultural land while promoting urban activities.

Malaysia has undergone two initial phases of development transformation: the first from 1957 to 1993 and the second from 1994 to 2020. Currently, the country is in its third phase (MRD, 2019). Initially, Malaysia focused on rural development and subsequently shifted to large-scale poverty eradication through national policies. This shift has led to an inevitable transition from low to high urbanization levels as the nation advances toward becoming a developed country. While the rapidity and nature of this transition represent a global trend, the specifics differ across countries and sub-regions (McGee, 2008). This process has evolved into a spatial transformation that highlights rural–urban linkages more distinctly. The resulting spatial formations have shaped the functional character of various areas. According to (De Koninck, 2003), national spatial configurations are conventionally categorized into three regions: core agricultural areas, specialized agricultural activity zones such as livestock farming, and peri-urban zones surrounding large cities or desakota regions.

Malaysia’s rapid development occurred as its policy direction shifted from a focus on rural social development to industrial development in pursuit of becoming a developed nation. The rapid urbanization process has intensified rural–urban linkages, resulting in shrinking rural settlements and rural areas lagging in development. This is attributed to the disproportionate allocation of investments, technology, and policy support favoring urban areas for infrastructure, healthcare and social services, and economic and technological development. Meanwhile, funding for rural development and agricultural activities has continued to decline (UN-Habitat, 2019). Effective policy implementation and strategic planning can yield better, more sustainable development models capable of meeting numerous goals and targets outlined in the SDGs, NUA, and other international agendas (Remy et al., 2019). The impacts of rural–urban linkages are evident in physical changes in rural areas, particularly land use transformation. Rural–urban linkages involve spatial and sectoral interactions between rural and urban areas, including human mobility, service provision, information sharing, financial flows, and the exchange of goods (Tacoli, 2006). Table 1 outlines the challenges of rural–urban land linkages and their impact on rural areas.

Table 1 comparison Of Challenges to Land or Spatial Types

Source: Uchendu, 2021

Table 1 explains that this scenario is commonly observed in many developing countries that face challenges in connecting urban, rural, and peri-urban lands. It is extremely difficult to address land-related issues in isolation, as these connections bring about problems such as road links, infrastructure, and accessibility. In this context, all three categories of land must be interconnected through efficient transportation and a comprehensive network of connections. To implement this, it requires the enforcement of policies and comprehensive actions so that the benefits of rural–urban linkages can be seen through sustainable development. This is because rural–urban linkages require more policies that necessitate institutions and agencies to implement suitable coordination mechanisms through either the central or local governments (Joachim, 2007). Although decentralization can increase effectiveness and accountability, it entails high costs and various challenges. Local governments may be unable to provide all the required services due to a failure to generate local revenue or cuts from the central government. However, they must strive to support development in peri-urban areas to bolster the significant potential of rural areas (Bowen, 2024).

Meanwhile, local-level decisions and actions, supported by adequate resources, can strengthen rural–urban linkages. Therefore, policymakers need to realize that rural areas are more likely to record profits and export more, but are given fewer opportunities to create products or services compared to the urban sector due to exploitative activities (Phillipson et al., 2019). Moreover, the most crucial priority is to ensure the sustainability of rural areas remains preserved. However, sustainable development requires a holistic approach, considering social, economic, and environmental factors (Purvis et al., 2019) to address challenges in rural–urban relations (Somanje et al., 2020), as shown in Figure 1. Positive and continuous relationships can advance the rural sector, as rural development is a process that enhances the economic well-being of populations relying on primary industries such as agriculture and natural resources (Imai et al., 2017).

In this regard, rural–urban linkages represent the flow of spatial elements, individuals, natural resources, finances, goods, services, as well as social and cultural values between urban and rural areas. Therefore, without stable administration, which acts as an obstacle to rural development, achieving sustainability in rural–urban linkages may be difficult (Mustakangas & Vihinen, 2024). Thus, there is a clear importance in enhancing rural–urban linkages to ensure the equitable distribution of development.

Figure 1: Conceptual framework for sustainability of rural-urban relations

Source: Somanje et al. (2020)

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study on the impact of rural–urban linkages was conducted in the Kuala Langat District, Selangor. This district is rapidly developing and is part of the National Conurbation Region towards the south. Its strategic location, adjacent to more developed districts such as Klang and Sepang, makes the rural–urban linkages in this district highly dynamic, supported by a comprehensive and efficient infrastructure. The area of this district spans 85,811.27 hectares, governed by the Kuala Langat Municipal Council. The most developed areas in this district are the Tanjung Dua Belas and Telok Panglima Garang sub-districts. These sub-districts continuously attract residents from both within and outside due to their location and high accessibility. Particularly in Telok Panglima Garang, the villages here have easy access to nearby cities for services and employment. This has led to the areas bordering this district becoming more developed, receiving many developments such as industrial areas, housing, and infrastructure.

The study conducted is survey-based research using an observation and case study approach. The case study was employed to examine the dynamic rural–urban linkages, particularly in the district border areas within the study site. It aims to study the impacts following the establishment of dynamic linkages in the study area. Primary data was collected by researcher through surveys conducted in the study area from February to April 2024. The researcher conducted two phases of field studies to ensure that the data obtained is consistent with the information obtained from secondary sources. For the first visit, the researcher conducted observations and recorded the changes occurring in the study area. After completing the fieldwork for this phase 1, the researcher collected all the primary data gathered and aligned it with additional information from secondary sources. It aims to cross-check data gaps and information. After that, phase 2 fieldwork is conducted to verify the additional information obtained by re-recording the matching of the collected data.

The researcher focused on physical changes resulting from the rural–urban linkages in the study area, such as changes in agricultural land use, population growth, housing and industrial development, and infrastructure construction. Secondary data was obtained from development plan documents, journal articles, and related agency reports such as the Kuala Langat Local Plan 2030, the Strategic Analysis Report of the Kuala Langat Local Plan 2030, and the Selangor State Structure Plan 2035.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

The discussion on the impact of rural–urban linkages in the study area is based on the physical and spatial changes observed in the area. The aim is to study the impact on the rural physical environment, particularly in areas bordering other districts. A clear correlation can be seen from the current development trends in the study area, especially in terms of industrial area development, residential area development, population growth, and the reduction in agricultural land area (refer to Figure 2). As a result, the study area has begun to develop and undergo significant changes in physical aspects and land use (refer to Table 2). Urban and peripheral district populations have started migrating into the study area due to: 1) affordable landed housing prices; 2) the district’s proximity to major national developments such as KLIA, KLIA2, Putrajaya, and Cyberjaya; 3) an efficient road and highway network to Kuala Lumpur and Port Klang; 4) proximity to amenities such as shopping malls, hospitals, recreational areas, and others; 5) a peaceful, quiet, and safe environment; 6) a green and comfortable surrounding; and 7) the absence of traffic congestion typical of large cities. Three significant impacts have been identified as a result of dynamic rural–urban linkages: industrial area growth, increased property market value comparable to urban areas, and the construction of an efficient connectivity network.

Figure 2: The location of the study area and the accessibility network that enhances rural-urban relations

As shown in Figure 3, the study area has received a spillover of development from the Klang Valley, which has further invigorated the dynamics of rural–urban linkages in Kuala Langat. Its strategic location has enhanced the potential for future development in the study area. The dynamic linkages are driven by an

efficient road network, which has, in turn, improved accessibility for residents to both urban and rural areas. Consequently, economic opportunities have emerged along the connectivity routes, acting as a catalyst for rural development in the study area. As a result, villages located near the borders of the study area, particularly in the Telok Panglima Garang sub-district, have experienced significant physical and land-use changes. Figure 3 illustrates the construction of numerous residential developments to meet market demand, alongside the development of industrial areas that further stimulate rural economic opportunities. These land-use changes are mainly concentrated along the district borders that are closer to other major cities, such as Shah Alam, Klang, Putrajaya, Cyberjaya, and Kuala Lumpur.

Table 2 Comparison of Land Use Percentages of The Study Area In 2020 And 2016

Source: Kuala Langat Local Plan 2030 (2018)

Figure 3: The change in land use from non-built-up areas (agriculture) to built-up areas (residential and industrial) in 2023 in the Telok Panglima Garang.

Note:
Kg =	Kampung / Village
	Purple = Industrial
	Orange = Residential
	Green = Agricultural

Current development trends in the study area

The impact of the dynamic rural–urban linkages in the study area is evident throughout the entire district, shaping the current development trends. Previously, the study area was a rural district, with more than 80 percent designated as agricultural and forested land. However, this percentage has steadily declined each year. This shift has contributed to advancements in both the economic and social spheres. The progress resulting from these linkages can be measured through the current development trends, which have significantly contributed to the overall advancement of the study area.

Current industrial development 

Overall, the study area will be developed with industrial zones distributed across the entire district. This is because the area offers large and affordable land for industrial development compared to the Klang Valley. Additionally, its proximity to Port Klang and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) has enhanced accessibility to the study area. Between 2000 and 2011, there was an increase of 2.2 percent, but between 2011 and 2016, a significant growth of 26.8 percent occurred due to the addition of 5 new industrial zones. Table 3 shows the comparative statistics of industrial land use area in the study area. The three main industries most commonly operated in the study area are: 1) the chemical, rubber, and plastics industry, 2) the timber and furniture industry, and 3) the metal construction, machinery, and equipment industry. The distribution of these industrial enterprises is mainly concentrated in the Tanjung Dua Belas and Telok Panglima Garang.

Table 3 Comparative Statistics of Industrial Land Use Area

Source: Kuala Langat Local Plan 2030 (2018)

Current residential development 

Due to the study area’s location within the Klang Valley development corridor, it has emerged as an alternative to accommodate the housing needs of the rapidly developing areas, especially those bordering Shah Alam and Klang. Projections indicate a high demand for housing, particularly landed properties, each year. This is attributed to the high market value of properties in the cities and the study area’s proximity to major urban centers, which has attracted residents to relocate there. These statistics are based on the projected population growth and the number of households by sub-district, as shown in Table 4. In comparison, the types of housing that are in high demand are single-storey terraced houses and double-storey terraced houses. Areas such as Mukim Tanjung Dua Belas and Mukim Telok Panglima Garang have the largest stock of housing compared to other sub-districts. It is expected that the existing rural settlements in the study area will undergo significant transformation, particularly in terms of physical changes to the villages, due to the rapid construction of housing estates developed in pockets, with each estate covering less than 3 acres.

Table 4projected Statistics of Housing Needs in The Study Area

Source: Kuala Langat Local Plan 2030 (2018)

Current population growth

The average annual population growth rate in the study area in 2010 was 1.4% per year. By 2035, the growth rate is projected to be 2.9%, placing it third overall in Selangor, after Sepang and Sabak Bernam districts. This scenario reflects a rapid population growth trend in districts outside the Klang Valley zone. Indirectly, this suggests that there is a trend of people moving out of the Klang Valley and into rural districts. This situation indicates that people are seeking better opportunities to shape their daily lives. For the study area, the projected population for 2030 is 423,900 people, and 459,000 people by 2035. This is a significant increase compared to the population in 2010, which was only 224,600 people. Therefore, it is not unlikely that the trend of population influx into the study area will continue to increase annually. This is driven by the affordability of landed houses, the strategic location of the study area, efficient road networks, proximity to essential facilities, and a well-preserved environment.

Current trends of agricultural land

The increasing pressure of development in the study area has led to a rising demand for land every year. The need for housing and infrastructure is very high due to the growing population. Statistics show that in 2016, the non-built-up land use was 87.89%, while built-up land use was only 12.11%. By 2030, it is projected that this ratio will change to 61.83% non-built-up land and 38.17% built-up land. This change is due to the opening of new areas for housing development and the sale of agricultural land by individual owners for development. Landowners tend to sell plots of land to developers for joint venture housing projects within an agreed timeframe. This is because, for villages near industrial areas, farming is no longer seen as profitable. Additionally, the new generation tends to work in the cities, which promise higher earnings. As a result, the amount of agricultural land in the study area will decrease from 5,674.11 hectares in 2016 to 2,141.69 hectares in 2030.

Significant Impact of Rural-Urban Linkages

The benefits derived from the rural-urban linkages in the study area have spurred progress and accelerated inward development. This has directly impacted land use sectors and physical changes in the rural landscape. Non-built-up land, such as agricultural land and forests, is beginning to be explored and converted into built-up land uses such as industries, housing, infrastructure, and amenities. This indicates that the impact of the rural-urban relationship between the study area and the surrounding major cities has driven development. Indirectly, this has increased the value of rural real estate, making it comparable to urban areas, particularly those near the boundaries.

Industrial area growth

Kuala Langat’s goal by 2030 is to become a dynamic, livable, and sustainable growth center in the southern Klang Valley Conurbation. In terms of physical development, it will be planned in an integrated manner, harmonizing with environmental preservation and conservation efforts. This will lead to the opening of new lands in rural areas to allow development. For instance, in Mukim Telok Panglima Garang, the area has been zoned for high-tech industrial centers, service industries, recycling, timber, furniture manufacturing, trade and service centers, financial service hubs, residential developments, community facilities, and transportation centers. This is because Telok Panglima Garang has been designated as a Key Growth Center within the Kuala Langat urban hierarchy. The spillover from this development has significantly altered the physical appearance and identity of the study area, which was once known for its peaceful rural setting, especially near the main road. As a result, some villages have lost their original identity and appearance as rural settlements. This strategy aims to control the spread of urbanization, particularly the effects of urban sprawl from the Klang Valley into the rural areas of the study area. The implementation of this strategy will provide advantages for the study area to develop, as it possesses large areas of land suitable for development.

Increase in market property value comparable to urban areas

Overall, the planned residential area in Kuala Langat District covers 804.14 hectares. Mukim Tanjung Dua Belas has the largest area of approximately 430.07 hectares, representing 53.5%, while Mukim Telok Panglima Garang covers only 157.71 hectares, or 19.6%. Residential development projects in Mukim Telok Panglima Garang are currently carried out on a smaller scale, using land lots of 2 to 3 acres. This is because the study area is an agricultural zone with potential for development due to the influx of surrounding urban growth. This trend is especially prominent in villages near district borders, as well as village lots in strategic locations such as those near main roads and other major developments. The development trend in the study area is driven by affordable property prices, which are attractive to the public, and proximity to major cities and road networks. As of 2024, the market price for single-storey terraced houses (middle lot) starts at RM430,000, while two-storey terraced houses (middle lot) begin at RM500,000. Additionally, single-storey semi-detached houses (middle lot) are priced from RM550,000. These types of houses are in the highest demand in the Kuala Langat District, with 36.5% of demand due to buyers’ desire to own landed property. Property prices here are much more affordable compared to those in nearby urban areas such as Kuala Lumpur and Shah Alam.

Development of efficient transportation networks

Currently, Kuala Langat District is accessible through federal roads, state roads, and highways. Key routes directly connecting to the study area include Jalan Klang-Banting from the north, Jalan Banting-Port Dickson from the south, Jalan Kebun, South Klang Valley Expressway (SKVE), ELITE Expressway, and West Coast Expressway (WCE). These transportation networks are the primary access for residents to enter and exit the area, as well as to reach their workplaces. This is because many residents work in neighboring districts, especially in Shah Alam, Klang and Kuala Lumpur. The comprehensive transportation network makes daily commuting easier. The main goal is to build a quality life in the countryside while still working in the city. Furthermore, the district’s proximity to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) makes it a preferred choice for residents, which in turn increases property market values.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, the dynamic rural-urban relationship is seen to play a significant role in developing areas that are less developed. As stated by (Tacoli, 2006), the rural-urban relationship is a spatial and sectoral interaction between rural areas and cities. This relationship exists due to the flow of people, demand and supply, as well as needs and desires. Because of this, the rural-urban relationship is difficult to separate, as the two are interdependent. The study found that there are both direct and indirect relationships. Direct relationships involve the movement of rural residents to cities for employment and to access urban services. These individuals act as agents of connection, contributing to current and future demands and needs. This leads to an indirect relationship, increasing demand for real estate, which in turn contributes to the economic sector. The property prices in the study area are nearly comparable to those in urban areas.

The impact on rural areas is seen to be less resilient, requiring constant adaptation to the changes brought about by development. Rural areas are affected when their agricultural sectors become less productive and economically valuable. This, in turn, leads to the loss of fertile land and threatens food security. As a result, agricultural resources become limited, and the efficiency and sufficiency of agricultural activities decline. Farmers begin to seek alternative sources of income outside of agriculture. Eventually, farming becomes a secondary daily activity rather than the main occupation. In areas with high-intensity development, the risk of land encroachment increases, as well as the challenges to local socio-economic stability.

As a result, agricultural and forest areas are directly impacted. Although the need to preserve agricultural and forest land is essential, it is also difficult to reject development, especially in the study area, which requires a catalyst for development. Originally a rural district, the hope is to implement sustainable development practices to ensure the area is developed carefully. Therefore, the rural-urban relationship needs to be revisited to better understand its greater contribution to the study area. This study illustrates that the dynamic rural-urban relationship is caused by rapid urbanization processes and policies that favor urban areas over rural ones. Rural areas should be developed holistically, with proper focus and consideration, to maintain environmental sustainability. In the future, the study area will continue to be a focal point for development through a more dynamic relationship, leading to significant physical changes towards becoming a more advanced urban area. Agricultural land will decrease and be replaced by residential, industrial, and commercial developments.

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