Faktor Kemudahterancaman Multidimensi bagi Kumpulan B40 di Wilayah Kelantan Selatan

Vulnerability means a sense of insecurity resulting from exposure to the threat of the effects of social and environmental changes. The inability to adapt to such changes puts external environmental pressures and uncertain risks on households and communities. The purpose of this study is to identify the multidimensional vulnerability factors of B40 households in the southern region of Kelantan. The respondents consist of 385 heads of B40 households. Data collection was conducted face-to-face through questionnaires. Data were analysed using exploratory factor analysis. The results of the study found that B40 households face multidimensional vulnerability in terms of economic, social/physical and environmental vulnerabilities. The three components of economic vulnerability factors are (1) job and source of income loss, (2) rising prices and production costs, and (3) lack of capital and marketing. Meanwhile, social/physical and environmental vulnerabilities are explained by one component factor only. In conclusion, B40 households in the southern region of Kelantan need to diversify their income portfolio and not rely on one source of income only. They also need to take precautions against seasonal and environmental changes that will threaten and affect their daily activities. This study can be expanded by using other multidimensional aspects of vulnerability, such as health, market, politics, demographics and agricultural vulnerabilities. The study may also involve M40 and T20 households as respondents for future studies.