Selangor was ranked fourth in the Development Composite Index (DCI) introduced by the government in the 9th Malaysia Plan. The index measures the overall development between the states.

The index will provide indicators for the government in its efforts to reduce disparities between regions and states as well as between rural and urban areas.

The 8th Malaysia Plan managed to improve the economic growth and monthly household income as well as quality of life.

However, development gaps between states and rural-urban disparities widened during the period. The rural-urban income disparity widened from 1:1.81 in 1999 to 1:2.11 in 2004.

Central region - most developed

The 9MP predicts that after the implementation of new strategies through promoting rural growth centres as well as enhancing human capital development, the rural-urban income disparity will be narrowed to 1:2.0 in 2010.

The DCI index is based on 16 indicators and there are two main categories - economic index and social index.

As expected the central region - comprising Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory - was the most developed region in 2005.

While Sabah and the states in the eastern region - comprises Kelantan, Pahang and Terengganu - were the least developed regions.

Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory ranked the highest in the DCI followed by Penang, Melaka and Selangor.

Poor social index score

Selangor's ranking came as a surprise since its menteri besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo had proclaimed it as a developed state last year.

Although Selangor ranked second highest in the economic index, its social index was the lowest in the central region.

This meant the state had much to improve on matters such as crime, environment and quality of life.

The 9MP will focus on development in trans-border areas involving two or three states. Emphasis will be given to states that are categorised below the national average in terms of DCI.

Six states, predominantly in the eastern region, Sabah and Sarawak, scored below the national average.

Several major projects will be implemented in the northern region to spur development.

This includes the Trans-Eastern Kedah Hinterland Highway, construction of the Pulau Pinang Outer Ring Road, second bridge as well as the construction of a national food terminal in Ipoh.

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