The Impact of the Road Network Development on the Economy in Peninsular Malaysia, 1963-1990

This article discusses the impact of the development of the road network on the economy in Malaysia from 1963 to 1990. Roads play an important role in the country's economic development by connecting urban to rural areas to ports and being able to reach various areas in Peninsular Malaysia. This study uses a historical approach in writing and the qualitative method is applied by analysing the main sources obtained from the National Archives of Malaysia such as official Public Works Department files, file 506/10, Intelligence Reports on Malaya Prior to Japanese Occupation, annual reports, newspapers and other secondary sources. The results of this study show the impact of road development on the country's economy through the aspects of trade, transportation services, tourism, employment opportunities, as well as land clearing. The development of road infrastructure has had a positive impact on economic development in Malaysia as exports and imports increase, increased vehicle ownership rates, increased tourist numbers, increased employment opportunities and wider land openings to help the less fortunate.