Abstract

Malaysia’s rapid urbanisation has transformed its socio-economic landscape, with internal migration, encompassing both rural-to-urban and urban-to-urban movement, becoming a prominent trend. This article examines the factors influencing migration, evaluates Malaysia’s urban system effectiveness in accommodating migrants, and discusses the implications for human development. Drawing on theories such as Lee’s push-pull model, Zelinsky’s mobility transition, and the Harris-Todaro framework, the paper contextualises migration within Malaysia’s historical and contemporary realities. Although cities like Kuala Lumpur offer higher wages and better access to services, increasing living costs, informal employment, and housing insecurity contribute to economic disillusionment among migrants. Using Kuala Lumpur as a benchmark, the study evaluates three dimensions—employability, cost of living, and essential services—and highlights structural challenges that restrict migrants’ capabilities despite the city’s urban advantages. The paper argues for recommendations that integrate urban planning with human development principles, including skills-matching initiatives, regulation of the gig economy, and regional economic decentralisation. Ultimately, migration in Malaysia is neither a guaranteed path to advancement nor entirely futile; its success depends on systemic reforms that emphasise inclusive growth and capability.