The Impact of the Group Settlement Areas on Local Development in Kemaman, Terengganu

Access to land and housing is a basic human need for improved living conditions. However, various constraints and challenges hinder land ownership and the construction of residences, despite numerous policies implemented by the government since 1976. Even when residents can acquire land, many still struggle to develop it into a residence. Some landowners under the Group Settlement Areas have also been unable to build homes due to various obstacles. This study aims to examine the impact of the GSA ownership policy on providing housing for the community, particularly in the state of Terengganu. A case study of GSA Gong Chengal Kemasik, located in Kemaman District, Terengganu, was selected for this quantitative research, which involved a questionnaire survey of 125 respondents, all GSA landowners. Descriptive analysis and mean score values were used to assess the factors influencing land development and evaluate the GSA ownership policy's positive and negative impacts on participants and the surrounding area. The study’s findings indicate that economic and financial factors significantly influence respondents' decisions to develop their land, followed by social, physical, and administrative factors. The findings from this analysis will offer valuable insights for researchers and policymakers to formulate targeted strategies aimed at enhancing the habitability of GSA areas by addressing key challenges and ensuring that they are equipped with essential facilities to support sustainable residential development.