Microcredit is an influential intervention used to alleviate poverty and improve social well-being in rural communities in Sabah, Malaysia. This study examined the effects of a microcredit scheme, Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM), on the well-being of these communities. Using a survey method, a pre-tested interview schedule was administered to 277 AIM recipients in Sabah, Malaysia. Social well-being was examined based on the three indicators of Midgley's social development approach: the management of problems, the fulfillment of basic needs, and social opportunities provided. AIM microcredit schemes were successful in improving the well-being of AIM recipients, although the recipients faced a number of problems, including unemployment, lack of education, and access to public services and healthcare facilities. The findings of this study represent a useful guideline to the AIM authority, development practitioners, policymakers, and governmental organization and non-governmental organization workers.

中文翻译：

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农村扶贫和社会福利的小额信贷：马来西亚沙巴的研究

小额信贷是一项有影响力的干预措施，用于减轻马来西亚沙巴农村社区的贫困和改善社会福祉。本研究考察了小额信贷计划 Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM) 对这些社区福祉的影响。使用调查方法，对马来西亚沙巴的 277 名 AIM 接受者进行了预先测试的访谈时间表。社会福利是根据 Midgley 社会发展方法的三个指标进行检查的：问题的管理、基本需求的满足和所提供的社会机会。AIM 小额信贷计划成功地改善了 AIM 受助人的福祉，尽管受助人面临许多问题，包括失业、缺乏教育以及无法获得公共服务和医疗设施。