Analisis kebahagiaan dalam kalangan isi rumah miskin di negeri kedah: pendekatan indeks kebahagiaan negara kasar (GNHI)

Malaysia has made a significant progress in economic development over the last few decades. However, there are still poor households that are far from development and modernization. This study focuses on the perspective of happiness in overcoming poverty. Happiness is defined as an attempt to overcome problems and improve the quality of human life including physical, social and psychological. Happiness is necessary for each individual regardless of the socioeconomic level; poor, middle-income or
high-income. The study involved 1,103 respondents from 12 districts in Kedah. The method used in this study is based on Gross National Happiness Index (GNHI) and multiple linear regression analysis. The findings showed that only poor households in Langkawi and Baling districts were found to be in the happiest category. Other districts are in unhappy category (Kota Setar, Kuala Muda, Kubang Pasu, Kulim, Yan, Bandar Bahrau, Padang Terap, Pendang, Pokok Sena, Sik). Studies also found that poor households in Kedah continue to suffer from poverty. There are three main factors that cause poverty to continue - lazy attitude, feeling good about their life and expecting government assistance. However, poor households still aware that poverty can be overcome by doing business and focusing on children's education. Therefore, this study proposes that poverty eradication plans focus on three key perspectives to increase happiness: heads of household (KIR), household members (AIR) and government. Moreover, this comprehensive perspective of happiness provides an alternative measurement to the policymakers in measuring poverty.