Question:

4 Malaysia once specialised in the production and export of natural rubber. The production of
natural rubber was very labour‐intensive. However, despite still being in the top 5 of natural rubber
exporters in the world, Malaysia has moved towards producing manufactured goods that use
natural rubber instead of just producing and exporting this primary product.
(a) Identify, other than natural rubber, two primary‐sector products. [2]
(b) Explain two reasons why a country may change its specialisation. [4]
(c) Analyse the economic benefits for a country in producing manufactured goods instead of
primary‐sector products. [6]
(d) Discuss whether or not labour‐intensive production will harm an economy. [8]

Sample Answers: