LEVELS OF MALAY ETHNICITY IN OTHER ETHNICITY AND ITS INFLUENCE ON THE SOCIAL INTERACTION OF RESIDENTIAL TYPE OF APARTMENT

Social interaction is a challenge in creating a united society and forging a solid unity based on the principle of nation state. The level of trust and social interaction between the ethnic groups is one of the indicators for identifying the degree of social cohesion between the ethnic groups. The study was conducted to analyze the level of trust and its correlation with the social interactions taking place in the community. Social interactions that influence prejudice, stereotypical attitudes and discriminatory actions generate negative forms of interaction or relationships in society. The phenomenon of social interaction in society reflects the social condition of the society whether it has social cohesion or vice versa. Ethnic relations in Malaysia are at a disadvantage and in some cases can turn negative if there are issues involving ethnic sensitivity. The degree of inter-ethnic social cohesion at the micro level can be measured through relationships and neighborhood bonding. Neighborhood spirit refers to the warmth between neighbors and the activism of the community in local social organization. This study aimed to identify the social interactions of people living in apartment type homes and their relationship with their mutual trust. The study also looked at and interpreted the level of trust among the people, namely between the Malays and the Chinese and the Indians living in one place. This study uses quantitative approaches to obtain data and solve research problems. The results show that the level of trust between different ethnic groups is low. The majority of respondents were suspicious of other ethnic groups. These different levels of ethnic beliefs influenced the level of social interaction between the ethnic groups in the study community. Low levels of trust between ethnic groups will affect relationships and social distance in a community. This study explains that ethnic cohesion is important and needs attention from the authorities, notably in today s Malaysian economy.