Social Impact Assessment of Rural Transformation Projects on Rural Communities: A Case Study in the N43 Daro Constituency, Sarawak

Ahmad, Safiee (2025) Social Impact Assessment of Rural Transformation Projects on Rural Communities: A Case Study in the N43 Daro Constituency, Sarawak. Doctoral thesis, Asia e University, Malaysia.

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Abstract

This study examines the social impacts of Rural Transformation Projects (RTPs) implemented in Sarawak's N43 Daro Constituency from 2015 to 2024. Although these projects have greatly improved infrastructure in rural areas, no systematic Social Impact Assessment (SIA) has been conducted to measure their overall impact on community well-being. This study examines the social outcomes of RTPs in four key areas: livelihood, culture, physical infrastructure, and health. The study, based on the Capability Approach and Vanclay's Social Impact Assessment model, employs a cross-sectional, explanatory quantitative design. A structured questionnaire was provided to 369 respondents from six polling districts. The sample was directed using Krejcie and Morgan's algorithm and Raosoft's calculator to ensure statistical sufficiency. Cronbach's Alpha, KMO, and Bartlett's tests confirmed the reliability and validity of the data. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and descriptive statistics were used to investigate differences in perception between demographic groups. Research findings show that RTPs have had a significant positive impact in all four categories. Participants reported improved financial prospects, stronger cultural unity, greater access to infrastructure, and better health and sanitation outcomes. The observed data returned strong evidence against the null hypothesis, with 95% certainty that the RTPs were significantly impactful on the studied aspects. These data demonstrate the effectiveness of RTPs in improving the quality of life in rural areas. The study conceptualizes the operationalisation of Social Impact Assessment in a rural Malaysian context and broadens the application of the Capability Approach to state-driven development endeavors. It offers policymakers a validated framework for future rural planning. It methodologically proposes a structured Social Impact Assessment instrument appropriate for similar rural areas. Recommendations include incorporating Social Impact Assessment into project development, increasing the hospital workforce, and implementing youth-focused livelihood programs. The study concludes that incorporating Social Impact Assessment into rural development policy is crucial for achieving inclusive and sustainable outcomes. The findings show the positive effects of RTPs in rural Sarawak while highlighting the lack of crucial formal Social Impact Assessment mechanisms, the findings can be used as a guideline for future research within the same subject matter in other rural communities within and beyond Sarawak.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Social impact assessment, rural transformation projects, livelihood impacts, cultural impacts, physical impacts, health impact
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform
Divisions:	School of Management
Depositing User:	Muhamad Aizat Nazmi Mohd Nor Hamin
Date Deposited:	10 Apr 2026 02:04
Last Modified:	10 Apr 2026 02:04
URI:	http://ur.aeu.edu.my/id/eprint/1468

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