Values, social problems and balanced development in Malaysia

Balanced development can only be achieved if growth is accompanied by an improvement in the quality of life, which includes a reduction in social problems. This study investigates whether this is true for Malaysia and whether a person's values are related to his social behavior. It is found that the incidence of social problems increases with higher income levels and that involvement in social problems is negatively related to good values. Hence, in order to improve social well being, in particular to reduce the incidence of social problems, it is proposed that the focus be directed at inculcating good values.