Infrastructure for development: pitfalls to avoid and pathways to success the Malaysian experience

Abstract

Malaysia comprises 13 States in two separate geographical areas of Southeast Asia. Eleven States on the Peninsular comprise 39.8% (51000 sq km) while two States Sabah and Sarawak on the northeastern part of the island of Borneo make up 60.2% (77000 sq km). The physical configuration of the Peninsular and Sabah and Sarawak dictates that shipping and air transport are the only modes of transport linking the Peninsular with other two states. A central mountain range divides Peninsular Malaysia and the west coast, which is protected by the mountains against severe monsoons and bordering on one of the world's most important shipping routes, has developed faster than the rest of the country. Two thirds of the total population live along the major urban and industrial centers along the west coast. Malaysia's population in 1989 is 17.3 million compared with 13.7 in 1980. Peninsular Malaysia accounts of 83.0% of the total population while Sabah and Sarawak represent 8.0% and 9.0% respectively. Of the total employed, about 267 thousand or 4.3% (1989) were engaged in the transport sector. Table I provides key economic data on Malaysia.