By Nur Maizura Nazli
GOMBAK, 12 December 2014: Kampong Ulu Kenderong, once a remote village in Gerik, Perak, now has all the signs of being sub-urban with all amenities, including a good transport and new media facilities, according to a recent study.
A group of Communication students presented their findings based on a research conducted recently on social mobility and media use in a rural community of Ulu Kenderong. The study found the development of infrastructure and the rapid use of new media among the residents of the village.
The field work research that took place for two days, starting from Saturday, 15 November 2014, was a follow-up of a similar study carried out back in 1975 by Wan Hashim Wan Teh, then a professor of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.
Three bus loads of students and lecturers participated in the research to examine the development in terms of social mobility and media use since the first study was done in the same area 39 years ago.
Kampong Ulu Kenderong, once a rural area, has seen its young residents migrating to the cities to seek better education and job opportunities. In 1975, the Kampong hardly had any TV coverage but today nearly all the homes have at least one TV set. Modern roads have replaced the muddy pathways in the Kampong areas. Electricity has brightened up the houses at night.
The paddy fields have dwindled in areas as villagers find employment with government agencies. Formerly the household income was around RM300 to RM500 per month, but now they are blessed with a higher income of nearly RM2000 to RM3000, with their grandchildren going to schools, an elderly Mak Chik told the student researchers. Some resident households are earning RM5000 to RM10,000 monthly.
With modernisation comes also individualism. The young are immersed in their computers and the use of smartphones. The son now seldom talks to the parents, said a second generation resident of Ulu Kenderong.
Following the research, a seminar was conducted on 12 December, and all the students presented their research findings. The seminar was attended by the Dean of Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences (IRKHS), Prof Dr Ibrahim Zein, the Deputy Dean of Research, Prof Hassan Ibrahim, and the research project leader who is also the former IIUM Rector, Prof. Dato Seri Dr. Syed Arabi Idid.
Prof. Syed Arabi Idid in his introductory speech explained the background of the research to the invited guests and participants. The seminar was led by students of COMM 4420 who presented on how the public opinion was formed through the usage of media and also social mobility.
This was followed by a presentation by COMM 3110 students on the theories of media modernisation. Students of both classes also elaborated on their research findings.
The purpose of the programme was to suggest activities of Communication Department – doing research for the betterment of the ummah.
The research was conducted in Bahasa Melayu, the only medium well understood by the villagers. The students were divided into groups, comprising local and international students. Open-ended and close-ended questions were handed to each group to interview the respondents.
The students were all awed at the reception they received from the villagers, the Penghulu, Haji Rashid and the local RELA Commandant, Azaman. They had lunch and dinner cooked for them and served at the Assembly Hall.
It was a wonderful experience for the students, especially the international students, as they got to experience the Malay culture and hospitality.
It is proposed that there will be more researches conducted in the future as it is a good way to educate and provide the necessary skills of doing research for the students. It also cultivates the interest of students in doing research.***