Economic Development Region in Malaysia

The Impacts of Globalization on the Development of Small Communities
First of all, let us take a look at the literature meaning of the title. This is the first section
of my essay. “Impact” means “a powerful effect that something, especially something new, has
on a situation or person “(Cambridge Dictionary 3rd edition, 2008). It could be anything or any
system. In our case, the positive impact of community development is improving the ability of
communities (Shaffer, unpublished).
Next, “globalization” means the process of world shrinkage, of distances getting shorter,
things moving closer. It pertains to the increasing ease, with which somebody on one side of the
world can interact, to mutual benefit, with somebody on the other side of the world (Thomas
Larsson, 2001). In other words, the world is at tip of our fingers. Everyone is able to connect
with anybody in this world. For an example, Shafiq (IIUM Student) can interact with his old
friends at Bangladesh University through Skype. Next, we also can travel across the world, thus
benefiting globally. Kenichi Ohmae (1992) stated that “globalization means the onset of the
borderless world. Nowadays, people are able to conduct business online through internet. For
example, there are Maybank2u, e-commerce and others. I am able to access the news and info
about other country as well, through Al-Jazeera, US-online and others. Likewise, people also can
take long-distance degree or PHD study through video-conferencing. In addition, globalization is
what we in the Third World have for several centuries called colonization” (Martin Khor, 1995).
This is because, nowadays, most people are worshiping everything in the internet. More life is
internet-based, orienting people desires on fashion, interest, belief and others. For an example,
Sundev (Indian teenager) is influenced by hip-hop trend and advocate Israel (Jews) belief. Thus,

meaning that, whoever controls the media and internet, he controls the world. This is also proven
when artist like Lady Gaga the Illuminati is becoming world icon for bad behavior and fashion.
Moreover, globalization is a spatial fix for capitalism and an ideological tool with which to
attack socialists (David Harvey, 1999). Nowadays, socialists are losing their power because of
capitalism identity brought by globalization. The world is more into profit-based and marginoriented. USA has been globalized for many decades, and we can see disruption of environment
because of the thirst on mass industry. Globalization is also an industry or corporation acting on
a global scale with manufacturing bases in several countries such as Nike and McDonalds
(Bridgemary, 2006). Child labour and abuse has likely been legalized and it disrupt social right
and humanity. The child workers are migrated from Indonesia and paid with low-salary. Last

definition I want to highlight is globalization which a process that encompasses the causes,
course, and consequences of transnational and transcultural integration of human and non-human
activities (Al-Rodhan, 2006).
“Development” is a process that increases choices. It means new options, diversification,
thinking about apparent issues differently and anticipating change (Christenson et.al., 1989). It
involves cultural, social, physical and economic changes in community. Development can also
sometimes mean less or fewer people in a community, or the loss of a manufacturing plant for
example could improve the circumstances of what people value in the community and can occur
without growth and growth can occur without development (Cavaye, 2001).
Small communities a group of people with a shared identity (Flora, 1993) which small

community can be defined as small group of people with shared identity. The community is both
the means and the end of community development. The community itself takes action and
participates together. It is through this action that the community becomes more vital, not just
economically but as a strong functioning community in itself. Among the characteristics of the
community are Inclusivity, Realistic, a group of all leaders, a spirit and etc (Zin, 2013). Example
of small communities are Sungai Pusu Village (Village community), Bandar Sri Damansara
Residents (Urban community), and Trata’ Leka Homestay Muar (Small community-basedcommunity). True Community is Founded on reciprocal relationship with their landscape (A
sense of Place), reflection on how community see themselves (History) and enduring belief that
one can achieve one’s necessities and wants (Trust) (Zin, 2013). There are many types of
community such as academic community (IIUM community), Aboriginal community (Orang
Asli Senoi), Religious community (Sekolah Pondok Kelantan), Sport community (Gym & Parks)
and even Prison community (Penjara Sungai Buloh).

Second section of this assignment, I would like to talk about a) the concept of
Globalization and b) development of small community.
Among globalization concepts are E-organizations, E-governance, E-economy and Ecommunity. Firstly, E-organization is established and operated, based on the Internet and other
related technologies in an environment referred to as Internet Culture, whereby organisation will
be placing the Internet at the center of their business and encouraging ubiquitous use of
networked technologies (Azumah, 2009). Many companies in Malaysia nowadays were founded
by this concept such as Maybank, Planner consultancy companies and others. Secondly is EGovernance which means governments that uses Internet and communication technologies to

automate governance in innovative ways, so that it becomes more efficient, more cost-effective,
and empowers the human race even more (Bhogle,2009). Malaysia is now reaching full egovernance in every level and agencies. Prime Minister Office Malaysia (PMO Websites)
handles Waqf, religion department, social and welfare of the citizens by using internet. Next, Eeconomy is a modification in the behaviour of economic agents and citizens resulting from the
possibilities offered by the spectacular development and reduction in price of ICT and, in
particular, from the development of the Internet (Brussels, 2001). E-economy increased
competition, resulting from lower barriers and the creation of new channels for delivery of
products and services. It also provides new business models, with cost savings, better quality and
customer-driven innovation. Moreover, there is creation of new ways of buying and selling, with
a further customisation of products and services and produces new skills requirements. For an
example, people nowadays conduct online business such as tudung (Rebels Collection), Clothes
(ZALORA), and Insurance company (Zurich formerly known as MAA). Furthermore,
globalization also takes places in E-Community which can be viewed as a group of individuals
who primarily use Internet for communication for achieving a common goal (Sandev, 2004).
Example of e-community is game community (DOTA online), Twitter community, and residents
in urban who communicate through What’s App Group.

Next concept is the Development of Small Communities. Cavaye (2001) stated that the
“concrete” benefits of community development, such as employment and infrastructure, come
through local people changing attitudes, mobilising existing skills, improving networks, thinking
differently about problems, and using community assets in new ways. Meaning that, the small

community itself engages in a process aimed at improving the social, economic and
environmental situation of the community. Moreover, community development is a process
where people are united with those of governmental authorities to improve the economic, social
and cultural conditions of communities and communities are integrated into the life of the nation
enabling them to contribute fully to national progress (Biggs, 1999). Aspen Institute, (2000) has
also stated that community capacity is the combined influence of a community’s commitment,
resources and skills that can be deployed to build on community strengths and address
community problems and opportunities. Personally, I concluded that development of small
communities includes economy, physical, cultural, social, environmental and political
development. Economic development involves many of the elements of community
development, such as participation, rethinking, action learning etc. and specifically aims to
improve the relative economic position of the community. (Flora et. al., 1992). Physical
development of community means infrastructure and facilities development in small community.
For an example, near my house in Muar, there is Fishing Village that been developed as
homestay (Trata’ Leka Homestay Muar). There is significant development houses quality,
architecture, landscape, and environmental quality. Because of globalization, this homestay has
able to commercial its SME products to international tourists and trade. Subsequently, it enables
economic growth of the villagers. In social development, the villagers are participating to
develop their village to become tourist attractions. Moreover, the concept of small community
development also includes social changes. For an example, there is urban residents in Shah Alam

which has succeed in solving crime issues in their residents through cooperation which is
conduct through What’s App Group.

In this third section of this assignment, I would like to talk about the Impacts of
Globalization on the Development of Small Communities. I have divided into positive and
negative impacts.
The positive impacts of globalization are various. Firstly, globalization leads to
sustainable community. A sustainable community is a community that improves and enhances its
natural, social and economic capital in ways that allow current and future inhabitants of the
community to have healthy, productive and happy lives (Brundtland Commission’s
Definition,n.d). Globalization in small community can improve the quality of life of both current
and future generations, while safeguarding the earth’s capacity to support life in all its diversity.
Globalization also makes the community abide by the rule of law and respect for fundamental
rights including freedom, equal opportunities and cultural diversity. Most importantly,
globalization promotes high levels of employment in an economy whose strength is based on
education, innovation, social and territorial cohesion and the protection of human health and the
environment. Sustainable community is achieved when three fundamental components exist. The
three components are Environmentally Sound, Economically Productive, Socially Just (Swisher,
Rezola and Sterns, 2012). Environmentally sound means Decision-making focuses on reducing
the impacts of population growth and development on natural resources and the environment.

This only can be done with knowledgeable community. Economically productive means
community members make local capital investments that will sustain local human and natural
resources and yield adequate financial returns to those investments. Socially just means equitable
access to resources and decision making processes foster the distribution of foods and benefits
across all sectors to the community.
Example of positive globalizaiton on sustainable community is Petaling Jaya City. MBPJ
has launched a Local Agenda 21 seminar on 10th May 2000 to acknowledge the participants
about the goals and the first meeting between the residents was held in year 2000. The committee
member of the Local Agenda 21 is formed in July 2000 and the leader is the Head of MBPJ.
Basically, the sustainable Plan by MBPJ is emphasize on the awareness of environment and they
focus on how to care for the environment. Few programs had been organized such as:



Brief on Sustainable development to the students and teachers in Petaing Jaya.
The pioneering project “River Basin Management” with other NGO.



The pioneering project “Harmonising NEHAP policy in the local government” with



Ministry of Helath.
The launched of natural and organic food fiesta with other NGO.

Globalization has empowered each individual and all small community in Petaling Jaya to
ensure the success of this plan.
The second positive impact of globalization towards small community is on SOCIAL.
Globalization has leads to education consciousness and made the community become
knowledgeable (Merrill, 2006; Schutt, n.d). The activists in small community will inform others
about oppression, injustice, and alternative visions, thus motivate others to participate in their
struggle. According to Jabatan Kemajuan Orang Asli (JKOA) many Orang Asli communities has
experienced globalization in their daily lives. This can be proven through conversations with
friends, street speaking, rallies, protest demonstrations, study groups, advertisements, and
publishing articles, reports, and books. Globalization has leads to community empowerment
(Schutt, n.d). Community empowerment processes develop a sense of responsibility,
commitment, and ability to care for collective survival, as wells as skills in problem solving, and
political efficacy to influence changes in environments relevant to the quality of life (Narayan,
2000). Four elements of empowerment are access to information, inclusion and participation,

accountability, and local organizational capacity. Activists encourage and support others to work
for social change, often by showing them how to do it and demonstrating that the consequences.
According to (10th Malaysia Plan, 2010) many small communities in rural Malaysia has
experienced empowerment. They are able to decide their development direction and desire as we
can see community that oppose the Lynas Project in Pahang. Next, globalization has leads to
community organization building (Schutt, n.d). The intelligent people in community bring people
together to work toward a common goal. In other words, globalization has made the society to
cooperate social building and strengthen family institution. We can see in Kampong Baru how
the community leader and all the communities unite to oppose the government project (Insitut
Sosial Negara, 2010). Furthermore, globalization also enables the community to develop their
own alternatives and make them more independent (Schutt, n.d). It can be seen when socialist
groups create new, better alternatives to existing institutions or customs. Moreover, according to
(10th Malaysia Plan, 2010), globalization has provided the small communities with quality

healthcare and services. Nowadays, in many rural areas, there are Klinik 1Malaysia that provide
great services and latest technology for RM1 fee only. Besides, Globalization in small
community leads to population growth and people mobility (Berita Harian, 2008). The
employment is particular community will attract the immigrants. For an example, near my home
town, in Pagoh Industrial Hub, there is lot of foreign low-cost workers. In addition, according to
(Singapore Press, 2012), globalization has made their local community to become liveable and

vibrant with the implementation of modern technology. Furthermore, globalization in small
communities has enables the civilized and acceptable law and regulation to be practised. This
laws pertaining to community welfare has made the community safer. Besides, globalization also
encourages the community to take charge to ensure their safety and solve their community
issues. In other words, it increases community participation. For an example, according to Nurul
(2012) there is residents in Shah Alam has solved local issue which is thief. Community
participation also can be seen in Banghuris Homestay Community. In this homestay project, 90
houses are cooperating together to promote their places as international tourism area (Ministry of
Tourism Malaysia, 2008). This also proves the success of cultural globalization. Lastly,
globalization has gendered impacts on women. Women nowadays are empowered (Fretella,
2004). There is feminization at work place. In some small community, the leader/ Penghulu are
women. The women had able to influence community with the knowledge they had. Many rural
women nowadays are degree or doctorate holder (Insitut Sosial Negara, 2010). Furthermore, we
can see increasing in women performance in some small communities. This situation would
create competition between genders to achieve high position in community.
The third positive impact of globalization towards small community is on ECONOMIC.
Merill, (2006) has underlined few impacts of globalization towards economic of small
community such as corporate market growth. Modern technology and business strategy has
enable the farm production is exceeding the local consumption and can be exported. According
to (Ministry of International Trade and Industry Malaysia [MITI], 2008), many small community

in Malaysia has export and market their products such as kerepek, food through international
market. Secondly, globalization in small community has enabled the community to adapt with
modern technology (ETP, 2010). Modern technology can speed up the small community
production. It also enable new modern business invention machine. For an example, new
technology in rubber tapping has enabled FELDA villagers to get more products in simpler way

and shorter time. Thirdly, subsequently, globalization will boost economic growth and
investment of small community. Community is able to conduct business online and this kind of
business can penetrate world market (Najib, 2013). Fourthly, small community will benefit in
which there will be more market competition, thus lower price and better quality (Merrill, 2006).
For an example, there are few grocery stores in community. The seller/ manager will set low
price to compete and attract costumer. With new technology, goods will become greater quality.
Lastly, in socio-economic aspect of globalization, immigrant workers represent both alternative
sources of income and consumption that boost economy by making a contribution or investment
into local economies and they also are able to bring positive structural changes in local
communities because immigrant workers bring new ideas and knowledge (Orozalieva, 2010).
The fourth positive impact of globalization towards small community is on PHYSICAL.
Firstly, it gives impact on urbanization of small community. According to (MySelangorku, 2012),
globalization in small communities in Selangor has rapidly occurred. It leads to opening of new
small urban area. The construction cost also will be lower because abundance of smart

technology. Secondly, globalization also contributes to better life quality. For an example, near
my hometown in Muar, there is village project entitled “Kampung Bestari” which promotes life
and environmental quality of that small community. This can be achieved with the help of the
government bodies. Thirdly, according to (Berita Harian, 2011), globalization has contributed to
better infrastructures and facilities provision in small community. This can be proven when we
look at Malaysian rural scenario.
The fifth positive impact of globalization towards small community is on POLITICAL.
Globalization in small community has created new dimension of community leader. Small
community nowadays has strong leadership with better administration system (Utusan Malaysia,
2005). The leaders are more inspired and knowledgeable and can drive their community in
positive direction and fulfilling their desires. For an example, in Kiambang, Putrajaya, the
community elected their leader so that their community would become livable and reliable.
Secondly, globalization has made the political environment in small community become stronger
as it gains supports from the national government (The Star Online, 2012). For an example, small
community in Pagoh has experienced physical development as the education hub project is
supported by Malaysia Government.

The sixth positive impact of globalization towards small community is on
ENVIRONMENT. Globalization has impact the small community as it increases their
environmental awareness (Salleh, 2001). In Malaysia context, we can see in Local Agenda 21
implemented in Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ). In this plan, the community is educated with
modern sustainable eco-friendly technology and how to implement it in daily life. Through
Information Technology, the local authority has conducted various seminars on the importance of
environmental awareness. Secondly, globalization has introduced us with various technologies to
preserve the nature (Howard, 2001). Nowadays, car smoke has been filtered, renewable energy
like solar has been used, and green building index (GBI) had been implemented in daily life.
Thus, it enables the human to conserve and preserved the nature at the same time minimizing bad
impacts.
Like any other system or invention, there would be bad impacts. So, I would like to talk
about the negative Impacts of Globalization on the Development of Small Communities.
The first negative impact of globalization towards small community is on SOCIAL. Mars,
(2007) stated that globalization has severe impacts on social because there is reduction in the
authority of the old, a lessening in deference and respect paid to them. Basically, the youths less
respect the older because there think the elders are less knowledgeable, narrow-minded and
socially problematic. For an example, a child who is obsessed with modern fashion might be not
respecting his parents because their parents’ fashion is outdated. Secondly, Mars, (2007) also
stated that traditional household, especially in its extended forms as institutions of microhierarchy and family bonding become eroded. In other words, globalization reduces social bonds
and obligations between different generations within the same household. For an example, the
children are more engrossed with gadget and internet, while their parents prefer face-to-face
conversation as communication method. So, there will be conflict and complex collision in the
family. Thirdly, Merrill, 2006 stated that globalization impact on small community is severe as
local cultures are being replaced by mass modern culture. It leads to cultural change which can
be defined as the change of entire complex of ideas and material objects that the people of a
society (or group) have created and adopted for carrying out the necessary tasks of collective life.
For an example, traditional community games like congkak and galah panjang is rarely played
nowadays because children like to play with modern gadget. This is also because there is lack of

space for outdoor recreation (Bella, 2003). There will be destruction of the traditions and culture
of the membership, a consequence of the destruction of the traditional legitimacies (Chuceru,
2011). Fourthly, there will multiple and complex pattern of culture and fluctuate based on latest
trend. A way of life which is a deeply ingrained pattern of living where individuals fulfil multiple
diverse roles has been replaced by lifestyles that are purchased and easily discarded as each
lifestyle fad is marketed to docile consumers (Swan, 2000). For an example, modern urban
children are easily obsessed with current fashion and interest. They will experience identity and
cultural confusion. Fifthly, there will be more community internal sabotage due to jealousy of
someone happiness (Chuceru, 2011). In this capitalism oriented globalization, people judge a
person through their wealth and more driven by profit-based. Thus, the wealthy individual in
small community is more likely to be sabotaged. In Malaysia, this evil doing has been spreading
to urban companies also; slander and lies everywhere.
The second negative impact of globalization towards small community is on
ECONOMY. Firstly, sometimes, corporate market surrounding gives pressure to small
community business. The small businesses have to compete with giant market. In the regions
where industrial agriculture has been introduced through globalization, higher costs are making it
virtually impossible for small farmers to survive (Shiva, 2000). It severely impact agriculture
activity. Industrialization of agriculture (corporate agriculture) is supplanting family farming,
even when family farms “incorporate” and “get bigger” in an attempt to survive (Sarra, 2000).
Secondly, there is problem about privatization. “Public welfare activities become the property of
the private sector, such as public transportation, health care, social services, education. Supplies
of water, gas, and electricity have already been privatized in some areas. National minimum
wage rates are replaced by locally bargained (and lower) wage rates” (Merrill, 2006). In poor
community, privation in most of the basic services will pressure the poor community. For
example, in Somalia, education and health services become something exclusive in poor
community. Thirdly, another economic impact of corporate globalization involves changes in
employment and unemployment patterns, such as indentured, child and slave labor, flexible
employment, less agriculture activities, and increased unemployment. As consumption intensifies
in the global market, full-time, stable employment dwindles, while new forms of employment,
and unemployment, increase (Sumner, 2001). Nowadays, employment patterns change to full
employment at a living wage toward indentured, child, and slave labor (Green, 2007). Chuceru,

2011 stated that globalization when he study the small community in Romania; premature ageing
of the population and decrease of the work ability. Basically, it seems that child labour is legal as
we can see in big company like Mc. Donald and Nike, and Jeans. They imported low-cost labour
but selling the product at high level. This is driven by capitalism movement. Reddy (2007) stated
that globalization has big impacts on farming activities: in the case of agriculture, globalization
demands export oriented cash crop farming, free trade, and discouragement of subsidies. He
added that rural demographics are changing. ‘While men leave, women are forced to reduce
farming. As we notice often in the press despair has led more than 17,000 Indian farmers to
commit suicide in 2003 as was reported in New York Times on September 19, 2006. An Inter
Press Service story quotes that as many as 100,000 farmers committed suicide between 1993 and
2003”. Fourthly, there is restructuring changes in the structure of local economy (Merrill, 2006).
Basically, what she means is there is such as decrease in wages, decrease in fulltime work,
increase in part-time work, decrease in local tax base that lead to impoverishing small ranchers &
farmers, farm sales, and depopulation of rural areas. Azizi et. al, (2011) also stated when he
conducted study at Kermanshah Village Iran, he noticed that “the industrialization of agriculture
has resulted in extensive declines in the number of farms and in the number people employed in
agriculture. Green, (2010) stated in his study on Jamaican local community that “globalization
has impacts on small hillside Jamaica farmers to global competition in unparalleled ways, small
farmers find themselves constrained in effectively competing with the low priced imported
agricultural produce (legumes, condiments, vegetables, chicken parts powdered milk etc), and
resource restricted in diversifying their agricultural production”. This shows that some local
businesses are struggling to survive in modern agricultural activities. Fifthly, there would be
difficulty in achieving consistent growth. Merrill (2006) stated that small community face
difficulty in achieving consistent economic growth since their incorporation into the global
economy during second wave globalization; many developing countries continue to be suppliers
of agricultural products, raw materials and cheap labor. Shand (2001) later added that giant
transnational enterprises are gaining control over all aspects of commercial food, farming and
health services. Basically, globalization certainly will benefit the giant companies.

The third negative impact of globalization towards small community is on POLITICAL.
Politically speaking, globalization mostly will benefit the wealthy. Nation states exist to protect
the property & profits of the corporations, not the health & rights of individuals in small
community (Merrill, 2006). The giant companies are well-established and supported with good
lawyers, government link and inter-business connections. Small community or individual with
low impact to government sometimes does not supported by government. There is biasness.
The fourth negative impact of globalization towards small community is on
ENVIRONMENT aspect. Goldsmith, (1997) stated that “our forests are overlogged, our
agricultural lands overcropped, our grasslands overgrazed, our wetlands overdrained, our
groundwaters overtapped, our seas overfished, and just about the whole terrestrial and marine
environment overpolluted with chemical and radioactive poisons”. Globalization which is driven
by capitalism in industry will pollute small community’s water, air and noise. For an example, in
small community, there is factory mass producing furniture. As a result, the surrounding
community will experience health problem due to air pollution and haze; contamination of water
sources; and noise pollution as the factory is operated 24-hour a day. So, the detrimental effects
are more than the positive benefits to the community (Hellia, 2003).
In this last section of this assignment, I would like to discuss about the Globalization on
the Development of Small Communities and suggest techniques to improve them.
Basically, we cannot stop the globalization from happening and how it changes our local
community. This is because, globalization affect severely towards rural community and change it
to modern lifestyles. The impacts of corporate globalization reach far past the economic into the
socio-cultural lives of people in rural communities. Globalization, essentially, analyzed in
consideration of communicative instruments and many rurals have access to modern
communicative devices such as radio, television, media, and satellite technologies and so on.
Corporate globalization is a world-wide phenomenon that has rapidly come to affect the lives of
many people- rich and poor, women and men, black and white, urban and rural (Sumner,2001).
Globalization affects in all aspects of our lives and no one is excluded from experiencing the
impacts. Economy, political and cultural impacts of globalization are increasing on rural and
urban communities especially in the post- cold war world (Eftekhari, 2005). Effective action
must be taken to maximize the positive impacts and minimize negative impacts on small

community. The globalization has affected how the community thinks, behaves and conducts
business in their lives. The eco-friendly technique definitely must be implemented. It requires
comprehensive action from authority and the community itself. At the same time, the community
itself must assertively take initiative to improve themselves by participating in decision-making,
business opportunity, community building and etc.
In social aspects, community or society must be united and cooperated as to strengthen
the internal and external community. They must make sure that the bonding between them would
not erode because of globalization. Small community must have firm stand on particular issue.
They also should uphold their cultural value. Their history of community must not be forgotten
because if they forget, they tend to repeat it. The Malay should not influenced by hedonism value
of evil and destructive American. So, it is very important to the community leaders to take charge
in driving and leading their community. The leader should maintain good bonding between
societies so that they can tackle community issues peacefully such as cleanliness issues, crime
and etc. In addition, the intelligent people in community should educate and guide the others so
that everyone in the community has the knowledge and ability to participate in community and
promote education consciousness. Most importantly, everyone in small community must take
advantage of advanced technology to build good business and network with government, NGO,
private companies and other agencies. They must strive to make their village as livable and
vibrant so that economic growth can be boosted. In addition, nowadays, women are more
empowered. In Malaysia also, government has promoted women role in high government
position. This is to ensure that women also can become an asset to the nation; not just cooking
and taking care of children. Those jobs are now for Indon Ammah. At the same time, youngsters
in small community should respects their elders event though some elders are liability to the
community because unable to benefit the community. Hopefully, the community can solve their
internal and external problems such as slander, sabotage and others. When the community is
united and adheres to each other, nothing that cannot be achieved. Even crime issues also can be
solved, such as thief in residents. Basically, small community must be able to adapt to
globalization without diminishing positive value of the community.
In economy aspects, small community must grab the opportunity given by the
government such 1AZAM, BR1M, 1KOPERASI, internet aids and others. Small communities
must be able to cooperate among each business so that their business is becoming stronger,

bigger with great connections. Community is also encouraged to be more hardworking, more
creative, more innovative and more competitive. At the same time, in a challenging world, they
must learn how to use computer, internet, and modern machines to increase production of their
small community business. On the other hand, government must help the poor community and
narrow the poor-rich gap. It should be fair distribution of nation’s wealth; not just enriching the
cronies. Steps to reduce poverty must be implemented in policymaking to encounter rural
poverty as is one of the most important priorities in rural development (Taherkhani, 2005). Smart
moves must be taken so there are no impoverishing small ranchers and farmers, forcing them to
sell out, depopulating large chunks of rural America changing the way Americans get their food
(Sumner, 2001). Nowadays, there is erosion of the power of the nation-state transforms
institutions of the state from being protectors of the health and rights of people to protectors of
the property and profits of corporations (Sumner, 2001).
In physical aspects, urbanization caused by urbanization must be guided as to mitigate
bad impacts to small community. The community is reminded not to misuse and vandalise the
facilities provided by the authority. We must not be influenced by western culture. They must
work together to maintain the well-being and cleanliness of the infrastructure. At the same time,
small community must utilize the existing facilities to prevent wastage. For an example, in small
community, sometimes they neglect and don’t use the bus station provided. Instead, they tend to
use private transport.
In political aspects, community must abide by the law set by authority. Globalization has
given good impact on policy making as the government become matured enough. The question is
sometimes, the small community refused to abide by the rules because they tend to misbehave
according to globalization. For an example, people tend to vandalize facilities provided because
they think vandalism and breaking the rule is awesome thing. Next, small community should
unite even though they are differences in political party supported. Whether the person is PAS,
UMNO, DAP, PKR, they should unite in order to strengthen the community (Ibrahim, 2010).
They must be able to help each other and promote good neighborhood. In addition, community
must support the government to gain benefit from the government. The government tends to help
localities that vote for them. So, the ruling-party supporters will gain new business projects,
SME production, internet initiatives and others.

Lastly, in environment aspects, with the help of globalization and information
technology, small community are becoming aware of the environment. Their knowledge about
environmental preservations is also higher. The community is more open and volunteer to
participate in environmental activities. For an example, one of Shah Alam residents has
organized environmental awareness campaign. Besides, small community is more encouraged to
practice safe technology in their business life such as solar energy and others. As a result, they
can minimize the bad impact of globalization towards environment.
In a nutshell, the degradation of the natural environment has led to a drastic degradation
of the living environment of the population, in general and especially of the rural communities.
Thus, small community must be matured enough and only take the positive impacts of
globalization. In addition, it requires the cooperation between communities, local authority,
NGOs, stakeholders in order to build good small community. This is because, finding efficient
and right method to measure development and then to provide service supply in rural area is very
difficult. At the same time, the local authority must be flexible enough to fulfill the community
needs. In the end, it requires participation from all individuals. Hopefully, small community
could survive economically, physically, socially, politically, and environmentally in short-term
and long-term duration.

References:
Adrian, G., Luminița, G. P., Horatiu, G., & Mihai, C., (2011). The impact of globalization on the
development of rural communities from Romania.-Case study: The main social problems
generated by degradation of the environment in the rural communities from Gorj County.
University Constantin Brancusi production.
Brown, Stuart, S. (2006). “Can Remittances Spur Development?-A critical survey.” International
Studies Review, 8: 55-75.
Eftekhari, A. (2005). Globalization, challenges and insecurities. Published by College of
Strategic Studies.
Gideon, A., (2009). E-Organisation and Its Future Implication for Small and Medium-Sized
Enterprises. University of Sheffield, UK publication.
Jafar A., Seyed R. T., Abdolhamid P., & Mohammad S. A. (2010). The Impacts of Globalization
on Rural Communities of Kermanshah Township, Iran. Department of Agricultural Management,
College of Agriculture, Islamic Azad University.
Karina, O., (2010). Impact of globalization on socio-economic and political development of the
Central Asian countries. University of South Florida. Scholar Commons Production.
Merrill, M., (2006). Impact of Globalization on Rural Communities: Social & Economic
Impacts.
Mars, G. (2001) Workplace Sabotage,The International Library of Criminology, Criminal Justice
and Penology. Ashgate/Dartmouth Press, Aldershot UK, Burlington US.
International Monetary Fund (IMF). 2008.
Robinson and Green (2010). The Synergy of Globalization and Community Development. Online
Learning Modules.

Schmidt, Matthias, & Lira, S., (2008). “Migration past and present: changing patterns in
Kyrgyzstan”. Central Asian Survey.
Shiva, Vandana, (2000). Poverty and globalization. BBC Reith lectures no. 5.
Srinivas. B., (2009) National Aerospace Laboratories, India.
Sumner, Jennifer., (2005). Sustainability and the civil commons: rural communities in the age of
globalization. Toronto: University of Toronto Press.
Sumner, Jennifer (2001) Challenges to sustainability: the impacts of corporate globalization on
rural communities. Canadian Society of Extension: Issues in Rural Extension Conference.
UN. Annual Assessment of Farming Trends, (2006). Reported in The Guardian, International
page, July, 5th, 2007.

Online News & Websites:
Berita Harian Online.
Ibrahim, A., (2010) PERKASA press conference.
Local Agenda 21 Petaling Jaya.
The Star online.
Utusan Online Publication.

Lecture Notes:
Zin, (2013). Lecture Notes Week 2- Week 12. Online Learning Modules.