TOWARDS SAFER CITIES: UNRAVELLING SAFETY PERCEPTIONS IN MALAYSIAN COMMUNITIES ACROSS 46 LOCAL AUTHORITIES

Authors

  • Siti Rasidah MD Sakip Department of Built Environment & Technology, College of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Seri Iskandar Campus, 32610, MALAYSIA
  • Norizan Mt Akhir Department of Built Environment & Technology, College of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Seri Iskandar Campus, 32610, MALAYSIA
  • Nor Eeda Hj Ali Department of Built Environment & Technology, College of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Seri Iskandar Campus, 32610, MALAYSIA
  • Mazlina Che Mustapa Institut Keselamatan Awam Malaysia, Aras 7, Blok D1 Kompleks D, Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan, 62546, Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya, MALAYSIA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21837/pm.v23i39.1926

Keywords:

Safe Cities, Safety Perception, Fear of Crime, Crime, Public Safety

Abstract

Urbanization has significantly impacted public safety, making it a major concern in Malaysia. To address this, the Safe City Program was introduced in 2004, playing a vital role in reducing crime and enhancing community security. Over the past 20 years, Malaysia’s crime index has declined by 3.0%, reflecting the program’s effectiveness. This study evaluates the program’s impact on Malaysians’ perceived safety through a demographic survey. A total of 10,076 respondents from 46 Local Authority areas across 13 states and three Federal Territories participated. ANOVA and post-hoc analysis revealed that individuals who are married, earn over RM10,000, are in their 40s, Malay or Muslim, highly educated, and residing in Terengganu, Kelantan, Putrajaya, or bungalow-style homes feel the safest. The findings highlight the Safe City Program’s success in fostering security and well-being among Malaysians.

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Published

2025-12-28

How to Cite

MD Sakip, S. R., Mt Akhir, N., Hj Ali, N. E., & Che Mustapa, M. (2025). TOWARDS SAFER CITIES: UNRAVELLING SAFETY PERCEPTIONS IN MALAYSIAN COMMUNITIES ACROSS 46 LOCAL AUTHORITIES . PLANNING MALAYSIA, 23(39). https://doi.org/10.21837/pm.v23i39.1926

Issue

Vol. 23 (2025): PLANNING MALAYSIA JOURNAL : Volume 23, Issue 6, 2025

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Article

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