Ahmad 1

Rahimah Ahmad

Khairin Khalid

ASM452

16 October, 2019

SOCIAL ISSUES IN MALAYSIA

1.0 Definition of Social Issues

Social issues can be seen from two major perspectives which are the subjective and the

objective (Hazizan Md. Noon)1. Social problems or issues could be defined as the

activities of individual or groups making averment of grudge in order to gain respect and

acknowledgment (Kitsuse)2. Normally, the objective perception of social problem is

based on observation and empirical investigation but most of the objective theorists do

not have specific definition of social problem. However, social problem can be referred as

a situation affecting some people in ways seemed unfavourable (P. Horton and G.

Leslie)3.

2.0 Causes of Social Issues in Malaysia

There are many causes of social issues in Malaysia. One of the causes of this issues is

modern influences such as music, film, novels and social media that contain inappropriate

content (New Straits Times)4. Plus, peer pressure also the cause of social issues as they

need validation from their surroundings by practicing some inappropriate activities.

1
Hazizan states that social problems are normally seen from two main perspectives-the subjective and the
objective.
2
Kitsuse defines social problems as the activities of individuals or group making assertion of grievance.
3
P. Horton defines social problems as the condition affecting a significant number of people in ways
considered undesirable.
4
NST states that songs, movies and books with inappropriate content are indulged inappropriately by the
young.
 Ahmad 2

3.0 Effects of Social Issues

When the social issues are uncontrollable, this might give negative impacts towards

stability and peacefulness of the country. This also will affect country’s economic as well

as politics. Apart from that, this also will build bad image of the country and will affect

the diplomatic relationship with other countries.

4.0 Solution the social issues

The solution to the social issues still questionable (Kerbo). While the possible solution to

social problems are seldom recognized, they are equally, if not more, shaped by power

and influence of society. So, everyone in the society is responsible to overcome these

problems, especially the government.5

5
Kerbo stated that with an examination of what are considered “solutions” to social problems.
 Ahmad 3

Bibliography
Hazizan Md. Noon, Mohamed Aslam Mohamed Haneef, Selamah Abdullah Yusoff, Ruzita Mohd
Amin. "Religiosity and Social Problems in Malaysia." Intellectual Discourse2, (2003): 81-82.

Kerbo, Harold and Coleman, James. "Social Problems." Social Sciences (2006): 368.

Kitsuse, M. Spector and. "Constructing Social Problems." California: Benjamin/Cummings Publishing,

1977. 75.

New Straits Times. https://www.nst.com.my/news/2015/11/modern-influences-cause-teenage-

social-problems. 7 November 2015. 16 October 2019.

P. Horton and G. Leslie. "The Sociology of Social Problems." New Jersey: Prentice-Hall Inc., 1978. 4.