A framework of institutional analysis toward an effective inter-state border delimitation and demarcation in Peninsular Malaysia

Abstract

The determination of the inter-state border in Peninsular Malaysia is done through the process of allocation, delimitation, demarcation, and documentation. This process was organized by the Joint Boundary Committee (JBC) with the involvement of several agencies from the state and federal governments, coordinated by the Ministry, starting in 1993. This study analyzes the interaction of JBCs in decision-making and the effectiveness of rules-in-use of JBC formation. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, participant observations, and document reviews and then analysed using the Institutional Analysis and Development Framework (IAD) based on content analysis. The rules-in-use in the establishment of the JBC include position rules, boundary rules, choice rules, aggregation rules, scope rules, information rules, and pay-off rules that cannot direct interaction effectively. For enhancement, a configuration of seven types of rules can be used because the analysis results show that seven types of rules have found significant weaknesses in establishing existing JBCs. Therefore, the implementation of the IAD will effectively coordinate the management and administration of the JBC in making decisions to expedite the inter-state border delimitation and demarcation in Peninsular Malaysia in line with the 16th goal of the Sustainable Development Goals. Keywords: Demarcation, institutional analysis, inter-state border, Joint Border Committee, Peninsular Malaysia, rules-in-use