Eradicating Squatters through Resettlement Programme: A Conceptual Paper

The existence of squatters had caused many issues including poverty, increasing social problems, drug addiction, criminal and low education level. Sadly, the State of Johor is still among a few other states in Peninsular Malaysia with the highest numbers of squatter families. These squatter settlements are not only inhabited by the local people, but consist of foreigners too. The environmental condition is not fitting, with poor sewage system and unplanned housing construction. Consequently, these issues had caused bad images and perception to the general public, as well as to the tourists. In Malaysia, Resettlement Programme is one of the most significant mechanisms in tackling squatters" settlements issue. Hence, the Johor State Government had taken various approaches in trying to eradicate the squatter settlements by relocating them to new locations with planned and better housing. This conceptual paper aims to examine the current literature and assess previous similar study in order to establish an understanding of the crucial provision of resettlement area in trying to eliminate squatters. It employs a qualitative design through assessment related literature and studies. The results confirmed for a further review of resettlement program. Findings from this study further suggest a comprehensive study of the issues revealed.