PLANNING MALAYSIA

GIS-BASED SPATIAL MODELLING TO ENHANCE TOURISM RESILIENCE AND CONSERVATION FOR SUSTAINABLE LEADERSHIP IN COASTAL COMMUNITIES

2025-02-05T00:38:19-07:00

This study aims to create a spatial model for sustainable leadership in coastal communities to improve both tourism resilience and conservation efforts in those areas. The idea of this study stemmed from the need to better understand the importance of sustainable leadership in developing coastal communities and tourism. 366 respondents from the coastal areas in Kuala Terengganu and Marang answered the questionnaire. The statistical tool and geographical information system (GIS) were used to analyse the data. The findings show that critical thinking abilities, ethical and moral skills, and community involvement in tourism development have significant positive effects on sustainable leadership, making them vital elements in driving sustainable leadership forward. Cluster analysis groups the five sustainable leadership practices into three categories. Apart from certain domains like critical thinking, ethical and moral concerns, and sustainable leadership, the spatial analysis results show that sustainable leadership practices are typically strong in Kuala Terengganu and Marang. GIS analysis reveals a high density of sustainable leadership practices in coastal communities across different scales. The application of statistical analysis coupled with GIS can effectively identify the sustainable leadership that leaders in coastal areas adhere to.

AGROPOLITAN PLANNING AS A STRATEGY FOR PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE LIVING AMONG RURAL POOR COMMUNITIES: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE

2025-02-05T00:38:17-07:00

Although Malaysia's poverty rate has decreased, there are still people who suffer from extreme poverty, especially in rural areas. The agropolitan project aims to eradicate extreme poverty and accelerate development in rural areas. The achievements of agropolitan projects are evaluated through the extent to which they help participants to get out of extreme poverty and are measured using Poverty Line Income (PLI). A study using the Sustainable Livelihood Framework (SLF) was conducted at the Gahai Agropolitan Project, Lipis, Pahang, and involved 45 participants. Research data was obtained through the distribution of questionnaires and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 software and Microsoft Excel. Studies indicate that the Gahai Agropolitan Project can eradicate poverty and contribute to sustainable livelihoods. From the aspect of sustainable living, the study results show that the participants of the Gahai Agropolitan Project experience high vulnerability. Moreover, asset ownership analysis reveals that the Gahai Agropolitan Project participants have good asset ownership.

EXAMINING MALAYSIA'S LOW-INCOME HOUSING ENVIRONMENT: A QUANTITATIVE STUDY OF THE LOW-INCOME HOUSING ENVIRONMENT'S IMPACT ON RESIDENTS' ATTITUDES AND QUALITY OF LIFE

2025-02-05T00:38:15-07:00

In Malaysia, the burgeoning population has increased the demand for affordable housing, leading to the establishment of Low-Income Housing Programs (PPR) to assist the B40 income group. Despite the noble intentions, PPR communities face challenges, especially with residents' behaviours such as improper waste disposal, which exacerbate cleanliness and safety issues. These behaviours negatively affect living conditions and contribute to an increase in crime rates within these areas. Numerous studies have investigated how the PPR environment impacts residents' quality of life, highlighting the prevalence of detrimental living conditions. Although extensive research has been conducted on the structural and operational aspects of PPR housing, more studies are needed to explore the direct impact of residents' attitudes on their quality of life. This study aims to bridge this gap by examining the intermediary role of residents' attitudes towards their environment and its subsequent effect on their quality of life. Utilizing data from a survey conducted in five states with PPR residents and employing the Partial Least Squares (PLS) method, the study found significant correlations between the PPR environment, residents' attitudes, and their quality of life, underscoring the crucial role of attitude in shaping the living experiences of PPR inhabitants.

BEHAVOURIAL ASPECTS IN PLACEMAKING WITHIN TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT

2025-02-05T00:38:13-07:00

Transit-oriented development (TOD) has attracted significant attention globally for its effective role in promoting pedestrian-friendly environments. Recent implementations have focused on urban redevelopment, with the goal of enhancing walkability and TOD placemaking. The significance of TOD is evidenced by public behaviours within the TOD area. Hence, this research aimed to comprehend the significance of the behavioural aspects in building sense of place within public space in relation to TOD. The study evaluates literature spanning from 1993 to 2021, drawing from various disciplines such as architecture, urban design, environmental geography, psychology, and sociology. The studies incorporate multiple sources including reviews, case studies, and theoretical works. The findings of this study suggest that people’s behaviour and daily routines are influenced by their needs. Understanding the psychological patterns and needs of the public is crucial to effective placemaking in TOD neighbourhoods.

ANTICIPATING LOCAL ACCEPTANCE OF SOLAR FARM DEVELOPMENT IN BATANG KALI, SELANGOR, MALAYSIA: ASSESSING POTENTIAL IMPACTS

2025-02-05T00:38:11-07:00

To restructure the country's economy towards a high-value economy, the government has placed the transition to a green economy as one of the main targets of its economic restructuring efforts. This transition will create a significant positive impact on every level of society, in addition to guaranteeing the continuity of the country's energy. Nonetheless, every planned development must minimise its impacts on the communities that it will affect. The main objective of this study is to explore the impact of solar farm development on a local community in the dimension of sustainability. This study employed a quantitative research methodology to evaluate the level of impact that the community may experience. The study's primary findings revealed that the community involved in the proposed development project would be significantly affected, both positively and negatively, across social, environmental, and economic dimensions. The community anticipated that the solar renewable energy generation would have a significant positive impact, and the establishment of a solar-based community would improve the quality of life. The implications of this study will facilitate policy makers, decision makers and practitioners in developing solar farms in a sustainable manner while safeguarding the interests of local communities.

THE DELAY OF PLANNING PERMISSION APPLICATION OF TAHFIZ INSTITUTION IN SELANGOR

2025-02-05T00:38:08-07:00

This paper investigates the delays in planning permission applications for Tahfiz institutions in Selangor. Malaysia experiences a significant number of illegal constructions that are built without the required planning licences, primarily due to insufficient monitoring and enforcement by local authorities. The absence of supervision results in unapproved constructions that can potentially endanger safety and hinder urban planning initiatives, and this includes the illegal construction of Tahfiz Institutions. There is no proper regulation on the development of Tahfiz Institution in terms of its Planning Permission until the year 2020. In 2021, the Selangor state has established a guideline on the Legalisation of Private Religious Schools (Tahfiz Institution) after the wake of the tragic incident of a deadly fire at Tahfiz Darul Quran Ittifaqiyah in September 2017. A purposive sampling method is chosen for expert interviews. Through interviews with two professional town planners responsible for preparing submissions, two town planning officers from the local authority involved in evaluating planning permissions, and an owner of a Tahfiz institution who has experienced the submission process, as well as a review of secondary data, several key factors were identified: regulatory complexity, a lack of awareness and understanding of technical requirements, inefficiencies in government initiatives, resource constraints, and extended timelines due to technical requirements. The study highlights the significant implications of these findings for the development and operation of Tahfiz institutions. Simplifying regulatory processes, enhancing awareness and educational efforts, improving implemented guidelines, providing financial support, and strengthening coordination among agencies are recommended to address these challenges. Correspondingly, the study acknowledges its limitations, including its focus on the planning permission process. By addressing the identified factors, policymakers can create a more supportive environment for the growth and sustainability of Tahfiz institutions in Malaysia.

DIGITAL TWIN APPLICATION IN CONSTRUCTION COST MANAGEMENT

2025-02-05T00:38:06-07:00

In line with the current construction revolution, it is time for the construction industry to embrace innovation and technology. This is corresponding with the National Construction Policy 2030 (NCP 2030) that comes out with the aim to digitalize the entire construction industry towards the IR 4.0. The focus is to boost the nation's construction industry's competitiveness and recognition worldwide. The construction industry has undergone a significant transformation in recent years such as BIM, IoT including Digital Twin due to the incorporation of digital technologies. A digital twin is a virtual representation of a physical asset. It is still a relatively new concept in the construction industry, but it offers an innovative method for improving cost management strategies in construction projects. Applications of the digital twin in construction cost management have the potential to revolutionize conventional methods. Therefore, this study seeks to determine the level of understanding of construction industry players on the concept of digital twin applications in construction cost management by providing the concept and to explore the challenges and strategies in implementing the digital twin applications in construction cost management. This research employed a mixed-method approach by means of questionnaire survey and interview for data collection. 35 samples that consist of construction industry players from different organizations participated in this study. The data collected from the survey and interview are analyses through descriptive and content analysis. Overall, the findings find out the understanding of digital twin applications with its challenges and strategies to overcome it. This research contributes to the body of knowledge regarding digital twin applications and construction cost management.

RESERVOIR SEDIMENTATION MANAGEMENT: A SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGE IN THE KENYIR LAKE BASIN, MALAYSIA

2025-02-05T00:38:04-07:00

Reservoir sedimentation poses a significant challenge to the sustainable development of water resources, with profound implications for ecosystem health and water management. These lead to cause changes and challenges for rivers, such as floods, river erosion, sedimentation processes, and anthropogenic interference, which contribute to problems for humans and specifically for river basin ecosystems. This research examined the issue of sedimentation, a critical water body for the region's hydrology and socio-economic activities and proposed a multi-faceted management strategy that integrates sediment control measures, regular monitoring, and community involvement to enhance the sustainability of reservoir operations and safeguards the ecological integrity of the Kenyir Lake Basin. Through a combination of field surveys and sedimentation problem analysis, we assessed the current state of sediment accumulation and its impact on reservoir capacity, water quality, and downstream ecosystems. There are several aspects of processes such as erosion, sedimentation and the overflow of the river that have been found. The sedimentation problem in the Kenyir Lake Basin is caused not only by the flow rate of water but the land use activities also contribute to the increasing sediment levela. The implementation of recommendations should be carried out more specifically for reservoir sedimentation problems to avoid and minimise various other problems.

PLANNING FOR COMMUNITY ADAPTATION TO THE RISK OF FOREIGN SHIP TRAFFIC ON INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING LANES IN THE INDONESIAN ARCHIPELAGO SEA ROUTE

2025-02-05T00:38:02-07:00

The International Convention Law on the Sea, which was adopted by the United Nations in 1982, granted foreign-flagged ships the right to pass safely and smoothly through the Indonesian Archipelago Sea Route/Alur Laur Kepulauan Indonesia (ALKI). The density of the shipping lanes has triggered risks such as accidents and environmental pollution caused by ship exhaust carbon emissions. Therefore, this qualitative research aimed to determine the possibilities of coastal communities to adapt to the risk in accordance with the policy of ship traffic regulation with international shipping lanes through the Traffic Separation Scheme. There is still limited research on the community’s adaptation due to ship exhaust carbon emissions and the lack of adaptation actions taken in response to environmental pollution from foreign ship exhaust emissions. Adaptation efforts recommended include the preparation of collaborative measures and strategies to ensure the carbon management has a net zero emission value on foreign ship traffic in ALKI. The result showed that adaptation effort can be used to ensure Indonesians Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) can prevent global temperature rise from the shipping sector through carbon management, decarbonization, and energy transition programs.

GREEN SPACE EVALUATION OF SHAH ALAM LOW CARBON CITY, SELANGOR, MALAYSIA

2025-02-05T00:38:00-07:00

This study examines Shah Alam's progress towards achieving its 2030 low-carbon city goal, focusing on the balance between rapid development, population growth, and carbon emissions. It emphasizes the necessity of a holistic approach to sustainable urban development that integrates societal needs with environmental concerns. The study aims to identify (i) the defining characteristics of green spaces in Shah Alam and (ii) the effectiveness of stakeholders' development strategies related to these green spaces. A qualitative methodology was adopted, utilizing six expert interviews conducted both face-to-face and online. Thematic analysis of these interviews revealed detailed insights into the interplay between green spaces and low-carbon urban development. A strong correlation was found between the attributes of green spaces and their carbon absorption capacity, influenced by factors such as area size, plant diversity, and absorption rates. Initiatives like the "Tree for Life" campaign have notably advanced the low-carbon city goals through strategic green space development. These collective efforts underscore the growing trend towards sustainable urban environments and highlight the critical role of comprehensive programs in enhancing green spaces to achieve low-carbon, sustainable cities.

SUSTAINING THE ENVIRONMENT THROUGH E-WASTE RECYCLING

2025-02-05T00:37:59-07:00

Millions of electrical and electronic devices are thrown away annually due to items breaking or needing to be updated. These discarded electronics are referred to as e-waste. Using an online survey with a quantitative approach, this study examined the interrelationships among knowledge of hazards of e-waste, attitude towards e-waste recycling, pro-environmental intention, and e-waste recycling behaviour among households in Kelantan, Malaysia (n=300). Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to examine the relationships between the variables. The findings of this study reveal a favourable relationship between knowledge of the hazards of e-waste and attitude towards e-waste recycling with pro-environmental intentions. Furthermore, an appropriate relationship was discovered between the intention to e-waste recycling behaviour. The study provides theoretical insights and practical suggestions relevant to regulators and practitioners, focusing on encouraging e-waste recycling to support environmental sustainability.

ENFORCEMENTS INFRASTRUCTURE RESILIENCE INDEX OF THE WATER AND SANITATION SECTORS TO CLIMATE CHANGE IN COASTAL CITIES

2025-02-05T00:37:57-07:00

Climate change (CC) is a significant global environmental issue that poses severe consequences, particularly on agricultural productivity, lifestyle, infrastructure, and overall population well-being. These impacts are projected to vary among different countries. The primary concern of this research is that infrastructure networks, which both contribute to the causes of climate change and are essential for its resilience, would be more susceptible to its physical impacts, notably in the water and drainage sector. The research aims to develop a model for measuring the climate change resilience index for the water and drainage sector in coastal cities. Through an inductive approach to study climate change and its risks and the resilient infrastructure to climate change and its principles, then analysing structural and administrative adaptation measures, extracting structural, administrative, and emergency plans, then assessing the extent of adopting the principles of planning and confronting climate change, developing a measurement index, then applying it to New York, Melbourne, and Thessaloniki, and finally extracting the conclusions.

ASSESSING RAINFALL PATTERNS AND TREND DISTRIBUTION IN THE KELANTAN AND KLANG RIVER BASIN, MALAYSIA

2025-02-05T00:37:55-07:00

This study examined rainfall patterns and trends in the Kelantan and Klang River Basin in Malaysia over a ten-year period from 2010 to 2020. The analysis revealed that the Kelantan River Basin experienced an upward trend in rainfall during the Southwest Monsoon season, indicating a gradual increase in precipitation levels over the years. On the other hand, the Klang River Basin showed a relatively stable rainfall pattern without a significant trend observed. The study employed an independent t-test to compare the mean yearly rainfall between the two basins, with the findings showing no significant difference in overall precipitation levels (t(22) = -0.8, p = 0.07). However, the timing and duration of rainy seasons varied between the two basins. The Kelantan River Basin experienced a rainfall pattern that is aligned with the regular monsoon season. In contrast, the Klang River Basin displayed a notable gap in rainfall during a later month in the monsoon season. Moreover, the analysis considered the spatial variability of precipitation patterns within each basin. Specific stations in the Kelantan River Basin showed a positive trend in rainfall during the monsoon seasons (March, p = 0.013), whereas stations along the Klang River exhibited a declining trend (August, p = 0.119). These findings emphasize the influence of geographical locations, local climate conditions, and topographical features on rainfall distribution within the same country. In conclusion, this research highlights the need for further investigation into the factors driving these patterns, emphasizing the importance of effective water resource management and climate adaptation strategies in these basins to mitigate the impact of climate change.

THE IMPACT OF THE SURFACE RUNOFF COEFFICIENT (C) ON LAND UTILIZATION

2025-02-05T00:37:53-07:00

Transformations in land use from undeveloped to built-up land can increase large surface runoff. This research aims to assess runoff coefficient (C) on changes in land utilization over various periods and times. The method used in this research involves analyzing changes in land use to determine the area of each type of land use over a specific period and then analyze the C value due to land changes. The results reveal that land use in the Way Pubian sub-watershed consists of pond, forest, open land, settlements, plantations, and rice fields area. In certain periods, land use changes, so that different C total value results are obtained in 2012, 2017 and 2022 periods. The C value is significantly affected by the type of land use, because the type of particular land use has different surface runoff coefficient values. The C value obtained from the 2012, 2017 and 2022 periods are close to 0, indicating that all rainwater that falls in the sub-watershed area are infiltrating the soil properly and therefore, land use is classified as good. It can be concluded that the value of the surface runoff coefficient (C) affects the magnitude of changes in land use within a certain period of time.

CHARACTERISTICS AND STRATEGIC IMPLEMENTATION OF LOW-CARBON INITIATIVES IN SHAH ALAM, SELANGOR, MALAYSIA: INSIGHTS FROM KEY STAKEHOLDERS

2025-02-05T00:37:51-07:00

This study highlights the critical challenges faced by Shah Alam, such as rapid population growth driven by urbanization and economic development. This surge has intensified traffic congestion, reflecting the city’s burgeoning economic prominence through the expansion of its industrial areas. Addressing these issues necessitates sustainable urban planning strategies to mitigate environmental impacts and ensure the well-being of residents amid continued growth. The study aims to (i) determine the characteristics of a Low Carbon City in Shah Alam and (ii) explore the strategic initiatives required to achieve impactful low-carbon urban development. The study utilized a qualitative methodology, focusing on expert interviews to investigate characteristics and initiatives related to low-carbon cities. Six key informants, chosen for their expertise in low-carbon city projects, participated in both face-to-face and online interviews to address the study objectives effectively. Thematic analysis of the interviews provided detailed insights into the characteristics and initiatives of Shah Alam's Low Carbon City. Findings reveal that the characteristics of low-carbon cities are based on five main elements: energy, water, waste, mobility, and greenery. These elements were measured to determine whether an area has achieved carbon and greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions. The Low Carbon City (LCC) initiative in Section 14, Section 1, and Section 5 of Shah Alam has led to a reduction in GHG emissions since the baseline years of 2015 and 2017. Additionally, community cooperation was found to be crucial in advancing low-carbon city efforts. The research concludes that Shah Alam continues to make efforts to reduce carbon emissions, evidenced by the reductions achieved during the implementation of the LCC initiative.

SIMULATION MODEL OF GREEN OPEN SPACE ON MICROCLIMATE PERFORMANCE IN TROPICAL COASTAL AREA

2025-02-05T00:37:48-07:00

This research aimed to simulate scenario of green open space to mitigate heating within microclimate performance. It also optimized the composition of the built environment's surface to reduce urban heating. A numerical model was simulated using ENVI-met, and spatial analysis was conducted with ArcGIS software. Three different scenarios were established to propose solutions for heating reduction. Simulation showed that a balanced composition between buildings and vegetation resulted in air temperature decrease of 2.45°C to 3.31°C compared to no-greenery simulation. Meanwhile, when compared to the existing situation, hybrid greenery achieved a 3.50°C air temperature decrease. This research offered valuable insights into the urban environment by prioritizing landscape design, focusing on buildings and the composition of green open space in surrounding areas

GIS ANALYSIS OF NEIGHBOURHOOD ENVIRONMENT DETERMINANTS THAT INFLUENCE WALKABILITY IN PENANG, MALAYSIA

2025-02-05T00:37:46-07:00

Understanding the relationship between urban design and physical activities is crucial. Studies have identified three key neighbourhood environment indices that enhance walkability. This research investigates the influences of these indices on residents’ walkability to community facilities in two neighbourhoods in Penang Island, Malaysia. Using geographic information system (GIS) technology, we analyse the effect of the built environment on walkability through buffering and thematic map analyses. Pulau Tikus features medium- and low-density housing with enriched community facilities, whilst Tanjung Tokong has a higher residential density, more road intersections and more diverse housing options. Findings indicate that Pulau Tikus offers better amenity accessibility, whilst Tanjung Tokong’s high-rise residential buildings and diverse housing types enhance walkability. This study highlights the relationship amongst residential density, road intersections, mixed land use and walkability in two residential neighbourhoods. Higher residential density and more road intersections increase walking activity, whilst mixed land use further influences resident mobility patterns. These insights can aid urban planners in designing more walkable, liveable and sustainable neighbourhoods.

LANDSLIDE SUSCEPTIBILITY USING REMOTE SENSING AND GIS: A CASE STUDY IN HULU LANGAT, SELANGOR, MALAYSIA

2025-02-05T00:37:44-07:00

Landslides pose significant hazards globally, especially in expanding populations in unstable areas. This study uses geospatial analysis for landslide susceptibility in Hulu Langat, Selangor, Malaysia. The primary objectives are to understand landslide factors, analyse susceptibility, and recommend mitigation strategies. The methodology involves the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) evaluating nine parameters: elevation, slope terrain, slope aspect, lithology, soil types, distance from rivers, land cover, precipitation, and distance from faults. Key findings show lower elevations, specific soils, acid intrusive lithology, and proximity to rivers and faults are particularly susceptible to landslides. Findings show that Landslide Concern Zone (LCZ) are mainly dispersed along the vicinity of Sungai Langat and Sungai Semenyih. The study emphasizes tailored mitigation, proactive land-use planning, and integration of disaster management with urban planning to enhance resilience and inform policy.

ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACTS OF COASTAL DEVELOPMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE ON FISHING COMMUNITIES IN KUALA TERENGGANU, MALAYSIA

2025-02-05T00:37:42-07:00

Fishing communities face numerous challenges affected by rapid coastal development and climate change. These issues have threatened the sustainability and livelihoods of their community. The objective of this study was to investigate the impacts of coastal development and climate change on fishing communities in Kuala Terengganu. This research was carried out with 125 members of fishing communities in Kuala Terengganu's coastal areas. The data were collected through questionnaires and analysed using XLSTAT software. The findings from this study showed that the type of climate change did not affect the impacts of climate change towards the fishing community. Moreover, the level of social functionality of the fishing community in Kuala Terengganu remains unaffected by the ongoing development. In conclusion, fishing communities in Kuala Terengganu have successfully managed to preserve their social functionality and resilience despite the challenges posed by coastal development and climate change. Thus, to ensure the long-term resilience and prosperity of these communities in the midst of continuous environmental changes, it is essential to implement sustainable planning and adaptation measures.

COMMUNITY, CULTURE AND CONSERVATION: MAPPING THE BIOCULTURAL LANDSCAPE RESOURCES OF SUNGAI TEMBUS, SEBERANG PERAI FOR TOURISM

2025-02-05T00:37:40-07:00

Integrating biocultural resources into tourism development is vital to promote sustainable practices that benefit the local community and the environment. Biocultural landscape resources include biodiversity and cultural heritage, where natural and cultural attributes are interconnected and can affect the sustainability of one another. Hence, examining biocultural resources as a connected network between nature and culture is integral. This paper investigates the biocultural landscape resources of Sungai Tembus, Seberang Perai, as unique opportunities to leverage the ecological features of the area and the local cultural practices. Through a mixed-method approach, the study gathered on-ground data through semi-structured interviews with local community members to gather their insights and experiences, which were complemented by mapping the resources using Geographic Information System (GIS) and photographic documentation. The result of the study shows that the local community's livelihood and tourism activities depend on biocultural resources. The findings reveal that the cultural heritage is shaped by the ecological features, highlighting the importance of community engagement in conservation efforts and tourism planning.

EXTRINSIC AND INTRINSIC MOTIVATION OF URBAN TOURISTS TO TRAVEL WITH PUBLIC TRANSPORT FOR LEISURE: ANALYSIS OF TRIPADVISOR REVIEWS

2025-02-05T00:37:38-07:00

Analysis of online reviews on tourism studies has been widely used among researchers. Transportation plays an important role and acts as a medium to connect tourists towards tourist destinations. There is still a lack of studies concerning their reasons for using public transport. Hence, this study addresses to investigates the extrinsic and intrinsic motivation of tourists to use public transport in Kuala Lumpur through TripAdvisor. This research analyses 3,345 reviews of Go KL City Bus, Light Rail Transit (LRT) Kelana Jaya Line, Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), Monorail and RapidKL Bus in Kuala Lumpur, manually using NVivo 12.0 to determine their reasons for using the bus service through content analysis. The findings indicate that the majority of the tourists’ motivation to ride public transport is for sightseeing and exploring the city for free. Understanding tourists’ motivation to use public transport could assist tourism agencies in providing proper facilities for them to reach tourism destinations easily.

AN INVESTIGATION OF TOURIST SATISFACTION IN MALAYSIA CULTURAL MUSEUM: INDOOR SPACE EXPERIENCE

2025-02-05T00:37:36-07:00

Cultural tourism is an expanding sector of the global travel industry, with tourists seeking genuine and immersive experiences that connect them to the cultural heritage of the region. Malaysia’s cultural museums enable visitors to learn about the country’s diverse ethnic groups, religious practices, historical events, and artistic accomplishments. This proposed study aims to fill the existing research gap by conducting a comprehensive evaluation of tourist behavior in Malaysia’s cultural museums. The research employs a quantitative method by collecting data through surveys from 381 respondents. The statements in the survey embody various elements, including education, escape, aesthetics, and entertainment. The results indicate that the aesthetic element is the most valued by the respondents during their visit, while the escape element is the least valued. The majority of the respondents belong to a younger age group, which tends to appreciate aesthetics the most. Almost one-third of the respondents visited the museum for work-related reasons, which explains why the escape element was the least appreciated. Historically, museums have evolved over time, with the earliest known as “Cabinets of Curiosities” in the 1500s. Existing museums can begin to incorporate other attractions or offer more activities to make the visit more engaging and enjoyable for visitors.

HEDONIC PRICING MODEL (HPM) ON SOUTH TANGERANG RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY VALUE

2025-02-05T00:37:34-07:00

This study investigates the effects of location, structural, and environmental attributes on residential property values in South Tangerang City, Indonesia. The research employs the Hedonic Pricing Model (HPM), formulated mathematically using the multiple linear regression approach to determine the relative contribution given by these attributes. To achieve the objective, data were collected from information on residential properties in South Tangerang City which is accessible on various property buying and selling websites. The data collection was limited from July 2023 to January 2024. The results showed that some variables affected the value of residential properties, such as distances to KRL stations, public parks, top high schools, and the Central Business District (CBD), as well as building areas, land areas, and the number of rooms (bathrooms and bedrooms). However, other variables, such as distances to malls, hospitals, universities, and population density, had no partial effect on residential property values. If we look at the types of variables, the standardized coefficient beta test revealed that building areas were the most dominant variable affecting the property values in the region. This finding is different from other results, showing that property values are local. The influence of property attributes can vary across regions, so the impacts and relationships are different, too.

LATENT DEFECTS: NAVIGATING THE DEFECTS LIABILITY PERIOD AND LEGAL ACTION DEADLINES FOR HOMEBUYERS IN MALAYSIA

2025-02-05T00:37:32-07:00

This article provides a comprehensive understanding of latent defects in real property construction and a guide for homebuyers to navigate the defects liability period and legal action deadlines in Malaysia. Latent defects, hidden flaws that may emerge over time, pose significant risks to homebuyers. By uncovering the nature and implications of these defects, this article highlights the importance of recognising and addressing them within the defect liability period. It also explores the legal action deadlines set by the limitation legislation, emphasising the need to understand and adhere to these time limits for seeking remedies. This article serves as a valuable guide for homebuyers purchasing real properties from housing developers, ensuring they are equipped to identify and address latent defects, make effective use of the defect liability period, and initiate legal actions within the prescribed timelines.

THEMATIC EXPLORATION OF THE GASTRONOMY OF ORANG ASLI PAHANG

2025-02-05T00:37:30-07:00

The Orang Asli Pahang commemorate their cultural heritage with vibrant cultural gastronomies. These gastronomies, embodying the spirit of community, culture, and nature, are integral to preserving ancestral customs and fostering social cohesion. This study thematize the intricacies of the gastronomy to better understand the inspiration, interrelationships with other domains of cultural heritages and other specifics involved the gastronomy. Purpose: The primary objectives are (i) to document the cultural gastronomy of Orang Asli Pahang, and (ii) to assign themes to the cultural gastronomy widely applicable to all tribes of the Orang Asli in Pahang. Method: Qualitative research method is employed to explore, document and thematize the cultural gastronomies of Orang Asli Pahang. Such methods include content analysis, semi-structured interviews, and thematic analysis. Findings: There exists a rich tapestry of cultural gastronomy that interrelate with other domains of cultural heritage. Cultural gastronomy of the Orang Asli is often inspired by the immediate environment and its natural resources. Indigenous communities often base their cuisine on local plants, animals, and landscapes. This close connection to the environment affects ingredient selection and generations-old hunting, gathering, and preparation methods. Concerning all tribes of Orang Asli Pahang, the cultural gastronomy is thematized under foraging approaches, raw cooking ingredients and name of dish and dish preparation.

INVESTIGATING THE CORRELATION BETWEEN PROPERTY OVERHANG AND HOUSING SATISFACTION AMONG HOME BUYERS IN MALAYSIA

2025-02-05T00:37:28-07:00

The Malaysian real estate sector has flourished due to the rapid advancement of the global economy in recent years. Nevertheless, property overhang continues to threaten the nation’s economy. This study seeks to enhance developers’ comprehension of purchasers’ preferences by assessing the correlation between characteristics contributing to residential overhang along with variables affecting satisfaction levels with residential buildings. Questionnaire surveys were distributed to 157 developers and property agents, of which 110 were completed and returned. Similarly, 148 surveys were distributed to homebuyers, with 110 responses received. The data was evaluated using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.0, where Bivariate Correlation Analysis was performed. The study’s results indicated a positive correlation between the majority of the parameters, while a few exhibited a negative correlation with one another. Future research may examine the effects of property overhang on the nation and provide strategies to mitigate these effects, therefore raising awareness among developers, the real estate sector, and the construction sector.

THE IMPACT OF SHARING ECONOMY (AIRBNB) ON HIGH-RISE NEIGHBOURHOODS BASED ON STRA GUIDELINES: URBAN PLANNERS’ PERSPECTIVE

2025-02-05T00:37:27-07:00

This study examines the impact of Airbnb as part of the sharing economy, which has introduced various challenges in high-rise neighbourhoods. It explores how the implementation of Short-Term Residential Accommodation (STRA) guidelines can help regulate short-term rental activities and address emerging issues in high-rise residential areas. Specifically, the research aims to explore the impact of Airbnb from the perspective of urban planners, focussing on how this service affects neighbourhoods and cities. Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with key stakeholders, and the findings were analysed through thematic analysis. The results reveal both positive and negative implications of Airbnb. On the positive side, Airbnb stimulates the state's economy, particularly through the tourism sector, and provides an alternative source of income for residents. On the downside, the presence of short-term rentals can lead to increased property prices and raise concerns about neighbourhood safety. This research suggests that the STRA guidelines could play a key role in creating a balanced solution for the future of short-term rentals in Malaysia, ensuring that both residents and businesses can benefit from this evolving industry.

IMPACT OF POST-COVID 19 ECONOMIC CRISES ON AFFORDABILITY OF RENTAL HOUSING IN RAJSHAHI: AN ANALYSIS BASED ON RESIDUAL INCOME

2025-02-05T00:37:25-07:00

Housing has always been a consistent and globally recognized urban challenge that remains largely unresolved. Meanwhile, affordability lies at the heart of most housing issues. The post-COVID global economic uncertainty has further enhanced this problem, as the living costs continue to rise at an alarming rate. In countries like Bangladesh, the situation is even more complex due to its large population. As being the third-largest metropolitan city, Rajshahi faces severe challenges in addressing housing affordability. In most of the cases household incomes and living standards have remained constant, but rising inflation and other post-COVID economic pressures have increased the cost of living. This has a direct impact on the rental housing affordability in Rajshahi. After paying for the unavoidable non-housing costs, the remaining amount is insufficient for house rents or expenditures, leading to a significant housing cost burden for renters. This paper employs a residual income-based method to examine the effect of the economic crisis after COVID on rental affordability in Rajshahi, offering a comparative analysis of the pre-COVID situation. It is anticipated that this paper will broaden future research opportunities and contribute to the implementation of the required policies to address this issue.

IDENTIFYING THE DRIVERS OF HOUSEHOLD WATER USAGE EFFICIENCY IN TERENGGANU: THEORY OF PLANNED BEHAVIOR (TPB) APPROACH

2025-02-05T00:37:23-07:00

In the contemporary era, the issue of water scarcity has emerged as a critical concern on a global scale. Factors such as rapid population expansion, urbanization, and the uncertainties associated with climate change have exerted significant influence on water availability, particularly in the context of domestic consumption. Regions including Klang Valley, Selangor, Johor, Perlis, Melaka, and Negeri Sembilan are currently grappling with water shortages. Despite Malaysia's reputation for substantial rainfall, the nation is increasingly confronted with freshwater scarcity concerns. Consequently, the primary objectives encompass an examination of water consumption patterns and the identification of determinants driving water conservation within households. The study sample encompasses 271 households. Results indicate that both attitude and subjective norms are significantly correlated with water use efficiency, with corresponding p-values of 0.076 and 0.86, respectively. The insights gleaned from water usage patterns can serve as valuable tools for water operators in the management and educational efforts targeted at households, including campaigns promoting sustainable water usage and conservation practices.

THE IMPACT OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY ON THE WELLBEING OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

2025-02-05T00:37:20-07:00

Despite growing awareness of environmental issues and the increasing integration of sustainability into educational settings, the relationship between environmental responsibility and the well-being of university students remains insufficiently explored. Presently, environmental issues pose challenges for Malaysia, becoming a global concern that demands serious attention. While the general displays a high level of awareness regarding environmental issues, conservation and preservation efforts remain low. This study aims to examine environmental responsibility's impact on university students' well-being. The study was conducted on 309 students, and the obtained data were analysed using SPSS version 20. The findings demonstrate a moderate positive relationship for all variables, including environmental knowledge, emotions towards the environment, self-efficacy, motivation, intention, and environmental behaviour toward the well-being of university students. Regression analysis results reveal that two variables, namely self-efficacy and environmental behaviour, exhibit a significant and positive influence on the well-being of university students. It is crucial to foster environmental consciousness among Malaysians, especially students, because this generation plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the environment. Also, the Malaysian government must prioritise addressing environmental challenges, as they are progressively worsening and concerning.

SPATIAL AUTOCORRELATION ANALYSIS OF THE FISCAL IMPACTS OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON PHILIPPINE LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS: A STUDY OF LUZON ISLAND

2025-02-05T00:37:18-07:00

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted economic activities across Philippine Local Government Units (LGUs), resulting in significant fiscal implications. This study applied spatial autocorrelation analysis to a dataset covering around 15,480 data points from 645 LGUs (cities and municipalities) spanning 2009-2021, focusing on Locally-sourced Revenue (LSR) and Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) dependencies. It assessed the fiscal impact of the pandemic by comparing actual 2021 LSR and IRA dependencies with their predicted levels. Pre-pandemic analysis identified "high-high" and "low-low" areas, revealing pronounced clustering of local economic advantages and disadvantages. During the pandemic, the majority of LGUs experienced negligible (36%) or slightly negative (27%) impacts on LSR dependencies with no spatial pattern found (Global Moran's I=0.001). Conversely, severe positive (49%) and negative (46%) impacts occurred on IRA dependencies with clear spatial autocorrelation (Global Moran's I=0.319). To address these disparities, policymakers are urged to implement proactive measures, including (a) targeted resource allocation and investments, (b) incentives for marginalized districts, (c) establishment of growth poles in lagging regions, and (d) enhance economic interconnectivity among LGUs.

COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN URBAN AGRICULTURE (UA): DOES STAKEHOLDER COLLABORATION ENHANCE EMPOWERMENT?

2025-02-05T00:37:17-07:00

Urban agriculture (UA) is recognised as a solution to urban food insecurity and a driver of economic development. Success of UA initiatives largely depends on careful design, planning, and the active involvement of urban communities. Understanding the motivational values of UA for community participation is crucial for achieving UA’s broader social and economic goals. This study aims to investigate the values driving community participation in UA within the Klang Valley, Malaysia, and assess their contributions to social and economic empowerment. The study surveyed 180 participants involved in UA programmes using a multistage random sampling method. To examine the complex relationships among the variables affecting UA outcomes, Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was applied. A mediating effect analysis was also performed to identify indirect relationships, particularly the role of linking social capital between planning, implementation, and empowerment outcomes. In conclusion, the study highlights the crucial role of implementation and evaluation in urban agriculture (UA) programmes for social and economic empowerment. Evaluation processes revealed successes and potential drawbacks, emphasizing the need for improved methodologies. Linking social capital emerged as a key mediator that connects effective planning to empowerment outcomes, offering insights to enhance UA frameworks for sustainable and resilient communities.

INFLUENCE OF CENTRAL COURTYARD’S DAYLIGHTING ON VISUAL COMFORT AT TAMARIND SQUARE SELANGOR, MALAYSIA: A CASE STUDY

2025-02-05T00:37:15-07:00

Current commercial buildings are designed in a compact and massive form leading to an unhealthy environment. Courtyard is an effective daylight passive design strategy implemented in a building that can contribute to a healthier environment. Moreover, courtyards can also act as a multi-functional space that can enhance social activities. These two potentials make courtyards relevant in solving the issues which arise in current commercial building’s design. However, Malaysia is a tropical country with bright sky condition. To make use of the potential of daylight in courtyards in a tropical climate, a design strategy is needed to adapt with the over exposure of sunlight. To study the influence of daylight in courtyards and the strategies needed to counter the issues of visual discomfort, Tamarind Square was chosen as a case study, as the building is considered as one of the best design practices in Malaysia, based on the recognitions given by the Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) and other notable bodies. Daylight design strategies are examined to verify whether courtyards in Tamarind Square do meet the criteria for good visual comfort. Visual comfort is analysed based on visual comfort parameters that include: available amount of light, light uniformity, shading strategy, risk of glare, choice of material, access to view, and colours. There were three courtyards involved in this study: the North Court, the Centre Court and the South Court. Each of these courtyards has its own strategies in adapting to tropical climate and providing good visual comfort, while at the same time meeting its purpose as part of the commercial space in Tamarind Square.

BUILDING CONDITION ASSESSMENT FOR SCHOOL BUILDING

2025-02-05T00:37:13-07:00

This research explores the multifaceted domain of Building Maintenance Management (BMM), focusing on issues, challenges, and assessment methodologies. A comprehensive review of literature spanning various academic disciplines and professional fields was conducted to synthesize existing knowledge and identify gaps in understanding. The study investigates the impact of Building Condition Assessment (BCA) methodologies on sustainable asset management practices, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Key themes explored include Facilities Management (FM), and occupant satisfaction in the context of BMM. The research highlights the importance of strategic decision-making in allocating resources and implementing maintenance strategies to optimize building performance and ensure the well-being of occupants. Drawing on insights from diverse perspectives, this study contributes to advancing knowledge in the field of BMM and provides a foundation for future research endeavors and practical applications aimed at enhancing the sustainability and resilience of built environments.

AN EVALUATION OF THE ROLE OF PHYSICAL LAYOUT IN CAMPUS MASTERPLAN DESIGN TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABILITY

2025-02-05T00:37:11-07:00

Many of the current campus design development tends to be more ad-hoc and focus more on free-standing buildings in the landscape settings that do not respond to the environment of the local contexts. Those designs have been criticized for creating a high dependency on automobiles, sprawling and segregating campus outdoor spaces with roads and large parking lots that pose challenges to meet sustainability goals. This paper aims to evaluate the role of physical layout in the design of campus masterplan at Malaysian Public Universities (MPUs) to promote sustainability. Using a qualitative method of a multiple case study, a connection between physical layout and sustainability was evaluated based on document reviews, morphological studies, visual surveys, and semi-structured interview techniques. The finding reveals that the physical layout plays an important role in promoting a sustainable campus environment. It is recommended to emphasize the design of physical layout in the MPUs’ campus masterplan to ensure compactness and structured configurations, which enhance design sustainability. These are important attributes in the design approaches that should be taken by MPUs for it to be agents of sustainability.

LIFE CYCLE COST (LCC) OF UNIVERSITY BUILDING MAINTENANCE: A SYSTEMATISED REVIEW

2025-02-05T00:37:09-07:00

An effective maintenance management is predominantly important for university building, but commentators advocated it is more important for the maintenance strategies to be designed based on the efficient use of capital and resources. Commentators pointed out there has been a critical demand to improve the traditional building maintenance policy that based on annual budget availability to prevent unforeseen restriction that can hinder a comprehensive implementation of building maintenance works. To overcome this, the life cycle cost (LCC) economic assessment technique has been recommended as an ideal solution that can facilitate the university agencies in the decision making to determine the most optimum building maintenance cost and financial capability over the anticipated study life. However, there is a need to identify any establishment link between the LCC with university building maintenance. Therefore, this paper is prepared with the objective to present the outcome of systematised review on life cycle cost (LCC) with specific reference to university building maintenance. A comprehensive review was conducted by searching databases, titles and abstracts screen, full-text analysis and data extraction on the targeted articles that have discussed the university building maintenance or indicated any form of building maintenance management elements with specific reference to LCC. The articles were identified from Google Scholar, Emerald, SAGE Scopus, My Cite, SpringerLink, as well as other databases. The findings indicate that many studies focused on building maintenance, however, there has been no specified guidelines concentrated on the LCC analysis of university building maintenance, which can be deliberated for practical guidance of maintenance management by the university agencies to attain value for money and making the university buildings and teaching and learning facilities economically wise use over the long term.

THE SOCIO-TECHNICAL SYSTEM FRAMEWORK FOR MAINTAINING THE SMART HERITAGE OF CHENGDU’S HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL VILLAGES

2025-02-05T00:37:07-07:00

As the development of smart cities continues to advance, Smart Heritage has become an essential component of cultural preservation and inheritance. The cultural Heritage of Chengdu's historical and cultural villages possess significant cultural and social value and currently faces complex challenges in terms of conservation. Based on the actual situation of Chengdu's historical and cultural villages, employs qualitative research methodology, including semi-structured interviews with experts, to construct a socio-technical system framework supporting the implementation of smart Heritage in Chengdu's historical and cultural villages, aiming at effective management and conservation of Smart Heritage. The study first identifies the expertise areas and the number of experts involved. It is divided into three main parts: the socio-technical system's social, technological, and environmental dimensions. Based on the findings of this study, it is evident that the Smart Heritage of Chengdu's historical and cultural villages require interdisciplinary cooperation and coordination across various sectors. Additionally, there is a need for continually updated and improved technological support systems to adapt to changes in the era and demands. This framework is believed to provide valuable references and guidance for managing and conserving Smart Heritage in Chengdu's historical and cultural villages.

THE ENDURING LEGACY OF MASHRABIYA IN ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN

2025-02-05T00:37:05-07:00

This research investigates the multifaceted significance of Mashrabiya, a traditional architectural element found throughout the Islamic world. Employing a design typology approach, it delves into its historical, social, artistic, and environmental aspects. The core focus lies in the typology's impact on functionality, including solar control, ventilation, and humidity regulation. Cultural and social values embedded within the design and craftsmanship are also explored. The study emphasizes design strategies for incorporating Mashrabiya in both historical and contemporary buildings, analysing its use as a primary decorative element. A comparative analysis with traditional Malay house screening is included. six case studies, encompassing traditional and modern applications, will be examined alongside the element's historical background, installation methods, material usage, and modern adaptations in hotels and boutiques. Finally, the artistic representation and construction techniques, particularly its connection to abstract geometry, will be explored. This comprehensive investigation aims to highlight the rich history of Mashrabiya, establish it as a valuable source of inspiration for future designers, and bridge the knowledge gap between traditional and modern forms.

RETROFITTING GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE IN KUALA LUMPUR: A DOCUMENT ANALYSIS OF POLICY GAPS AND CLIMATE RESILIENCE

2025-02-05T00:37:03-07:00

Urban green spaces play a critical role in enhancing environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and the well-being of urban populations. However, the fragmentation of green spaces in Kuala Lumpur presents significant challenges to sustainable urban planning and climate adaptation efforts. This study examines the policy gaps that hinder the effective integration of green infrastructure into Kuala Lumpur’s urban planning framework. A qualitative document analysis is conducted to assess national policies, planning guidelines, and international best practices related to green infrastructure and climate resilience. The findings reveal that while Malaysia’s policies accentuate the provision of green spaces, they lack comprehensive enforcement mechanisms, leading to inconsistencies in green infrastructure implementation. Key challenges include policy fragmentation, decentralised governance, inadequate financial incentives, and the absence of explicit regulatory frameworks supporting green infrastructure retrofitting. By analysing international models, such as the United Kingdom’s Green Infrastructure Standards and Singapore’s Green Plan 2030, this study identifies policy strategies that could enhance Malaysia’s urban resilience. The study concludes that a systematic retrofitting framework is required to address the existing policy gaps and ensure the strategic integration of green infrastructure into urban development. It recommends adopting international best practices, strengthening regulatory enforcement, and fostering cross-sectoral collaboration to enhance climate adaptation and ecological connectivity. These measures are essential for improving urban sustainability and mitigating the adverse effects of rapid urbanisation and climate change in Kuala Lumpur.