UTAR NEW VILLAGE COMMUNITY PROJECT

REPORT

NAME OF NEW VILLAGE:

SUNGAI UDANG

MELAKA

Project carried out by:

Name of student Student ID Course Year/Semester

1. Chai Ban Lam 10ABB01833 Accounting Y2S3

2. Pang Khang Chyi 10ABB00338 Accounting Y2S3

3. Leonard Chang Vui Hiung 10ABB01908 Accounting Y2S3

DATE OF COMPLETION:

NOVEMBER 2011

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ABSTRACT

Kampung Baru Sungai Udang is located in Melaka state. There are approximately 30

households in the new village while the current population is around 50 due to the

out-migration of younger generation to the cities. The main economic activity of

Sungai Udang Village is agriculture and fishing is mainly for their own consumption.

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HISTORY OR BACKGROUND OF THE VILLAGE

This project concerns Kampung Baru Sungai Udang which is located in

Melaka state. This village was established in 1953 when it had a population of

approximately 100. This village is known for its prawns which are from the river,

Sungai Udang, which runs through the village.

The road signage of the Sungai Udang New Village (Kampung Baru Sungai Udang)

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SETTLEMENT CHARACTERISTICS

In the early days, villagers had to travel via an old logging road or the river.

Road access improved overtime. During Dato‟ Seri Ong Ka Ting‟s presidency of the

Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) the village developed a main road and a

smaller road.

The village is located only 15km away from Melaka town. There are three

army camps and a big prison are located around the village.

The small road and old shop near the new village.

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DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

Currently, there are approximately 30 households in the new village. Its

population has declined from the initial 100 during its establishment to the current 50

odd residents. This decline is the result of out-migration of the younger population to

the cities in search of employment opportunities.

All residents of Sungai Udang New Village are Chinese Buddhists. There are

a Chinese temple and a “Na Du Gong” temple in the village. An Malaysian Chinese

Association (MCA) office is also located here.

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The old style new village housing at Sungai Udang New Village

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The Sungai Udang new village houses after renovation.

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Two elder villagers of Sungai Udang New Village; Mr. Chong Ah Kee (left) and Mr. Yap(right).

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VILLAGE INFRASTRUCTURE

Infrastructures and amenities which villagers have access to has improved

overtime. The villagers now have access to piped water from the river through works

carried out by JKR. During its establishment, villagers used oil lamps. Today,

villagers have electricity supply from TNB. Flush toilets are now used for sewage

disposal.

Recreational facilities in the new village include a basketball court, a

playground, a small playing field and a community hall. There are two shops and a

few small stalls. There was a wet market when the village was established but this is

no longer operating. Most villagers travel by foot or by bicycle.

Villagers have access to a post office which is located close to the village.

Medical services are available at a local clinic which is run by a medical assistant and

2 nurses. There is a police station at Sungai Udang town which is close to the new

village. A fire station is located inside one of the army camps nearby.

The police station at Sungai Udang.

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.

The basketball court inside the new village

The playground

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The nearby mosque located in front of the Sungai Udang army camp.

The well known “ba xian gong” temple located in front of the Sungai Udang New Village

.

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The “Na Du Gong” temple located inside the Sungai Udang New Village.

Interview with the Manager of Sungai Udang Post Office, HJ. Hashim Bin Ayob.

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The Sungai Udang Post Office.

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The only shop lot in front of the Sungai Udang New Village.

Old shop lot near New Village.

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EDUCATION

A kindergarten is located in Kampung Baru Sungai Udang. Besides that,

there are primary and secondary schools located near the new village.

KINDERGARTEN

Kindergarten of the Sungai Udang new Village.

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Taman Tadika Sungai Udang Melaka is the only kindergarten that is located

in this new village. It was established around the year 1981. Initially, there were

only 1 teacher and 26 students. However, in 2011, this number increased to 78

students and 3 teachers. The kindergarten building has not been renovated or

extended since its inception.

The inside looks of the kindergarten.

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PRIMARY SCHOOL

The front view of SJK (C) Sungai Udang

SJK (C) Sungai Udang is located in Sungai Udang town through the concerted

efforts of the village heads and villagers, a one-acre piece of land was allocated for

the establishment of the school in 1953. The school began with only 70 students and

3 teachers (inclusive of the principal). There was only 1 class for each level/grade of

studies. The school is supported by the villagers and subsidized by government.

The number of students increased as time passed. In 1964, the Ministry of

Education allocated funds to increase the number of classrooms and washrooms.

Other than that, 2 new teachers were brought in by the Ministry.

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In February 2003, a four-storey building was constructed to accommodate

growing number of students. It consists of a laboratory, an art class, an equipment

storeroom, teachers‟ office, a meeting room, a computer lab, classrooms and a music

room. In 2007, SJK (C) Sungai Udang was awarded the „Anugerah Sekolah

Cemerlang‟.

Today, there are 2 classes for each level. The number of students has

increased to 305 and the number of teachers has increased to 26. The school aims to

be one of the best schools in Melaka (state) before 2013.

The old look and the new look of the primary school.

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ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES

The main economic activity of Sungai Udang Village is agriculture. Many

villagers engage in farming activities mainly for their own consumption. Any surplus

would be sold in the market.

Another economy activity is fishing. Again, this is mainly for the

consumption by the villagers themselves.

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PROBLEMS

Several problems are encountered by residents of Sungai Udang Village.

Villagers do not have access to a secondary school nearby. This means that

secondary school students have to spend a few hours a day travelling to and from

school.

Although there is a primary school nearby, villagers have to bear the cost of

school fees which often proves a burden to the low-income earners. Financial

problems have caused several students to drop out of school.

Many villagers engage in subsistence farming. There are complaints that

there are no street lights and this proves a burden when travelling at night.

Another problem faced by villagers is the lack of maintenance of drains.

Many drains are not cleaned and this poses a threat to the health of villagers. Besides,

the stench from the drains makes the food sold at local stalls seem unappetizing.

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RECOMMENDATIONS

It is recommended that the government starts a secondary school close to

Sungai Udang. This can reduce the burden of transportation faced by villagers

besides improving access to higher education for its youth.

The authorities need to look into complaints on access to government

subsidies. There is a need for street lights and for proper maintenance and cleaning of

drains.

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BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

Currently, there are limited business opportunities in Sungai Udang New

Village. About 80% of the population is old folks and the rest are children and

teenagers. Many working adults have migrated to the cities to seek better

employment opportunities.

DISCLAIMER:

Information contained in this report was compiled by the University‟s students on voluntary basis.

Although every effort has been made to check the accuracy of the report, the University accepts no

responsibility whatsoever for any errors or omissions, if any, the University reserves the right to make

changes on the information at any time without prior notice.

Should there be any queries regarding contents of the report, please contact:

Department of Soft Skills Competency

Tel: 03-78582628 ext 8274, 8656, 8269 (Klang Valley Campus)

05- 4688888 ext 2297/2299/2300 (Perak Campus)