THE "LEPAK" SUB-CULTURE AMONGST MALAY FEMALE YOUTHS

Abstract

The "lepak" or loafing culture has been identified as an unhealthy social phenomenon in Malaysia. It interferes with its development plan, "Wawasan 2020", as it diverts an important resource, the people - in particular the youths. This sub-culture also brings along with it moral decadence, a parasite that disintegrates society. In Singapore, the "lepak" phenomenon has not yet received much attention, but it does exist and it also exists among Malay female youths. The aim of this research is to give a profile of the less documented "lepak" habits of the Malay female loafers. It also documents their acts, influences and aspirations. Finally, the results of this survey would be compared with that of a similar survey done in Malaysia.