Community interaction & interpersonal trust in low cost residential setting: case study: Bandar Baru Samariang, Kuching, Sarawak

Abstract

Low cost housing in Malaysia has been in the Government's agenda since Independence. The primary objective of Malaysia's housing policy is to ensure that every citizen, in particular those from the low income groups, has access to decent and adequate shelter. The residents of low cost residential areas normally comprise of people from similar economic background but differing socio-cultural and ethnic backgrounds. This paper aims to examine the social interaction among the residents in low cost residential areas, with special reference to Bandar Baru Samariang in Kuching, Sarawak as case study. It intends to (1) analyse the level of socialisation amongst the residents in the case study area, (2) identify the factors that influences social interaction in a neighbourhood with similar economic status but different socio- cultural backgrounds; (3) highlight the obstacles which could hinder socialisation in a community, and (4) if possible, suggests ways to overcome or minimise these obstacles.