Assessment of urban quality of life for selected cities in Malaysia

Abstract

The main purpose of this study is to assess the quality of life in selected cities in Malaysia. The quality of life is very often used to evaluate the acceptance of development and the comfort and welfare of the community affected by the development. The Malaysian Urban Indicators Network program (MURNInet) used to assess the sustainability of local authorities in Malaysia is the basis for the study. The focus of the study is on aspects of community environment. A total of 11 components related to community environment from the MURNInet program were studied. Each of the 11 components was given a weight ranging from 1 to 11 by the respondents. Quota sampling was used to identify the sample size. Individuals who are internet users and meet the set criteria of gender and age (above 18 years old) are respondents. Thurstone scaling was used to analyze the responses. Ninety six percent of respondents aged 40 years and below indicated that the Environmental component is the main component that influences their quality of life, whilst respondents aged 40 years and above indicated that the Housing component is the main component that influences their quality of life. The study ranked Shah Alam, Johor Bahru and Melaka as cities with high quality of life whilst the remaining cities of George Town, Alor Star, Ipoh and Kuala Terengganu were ranked as cities with low quality of life. The ranking of the cities were based on responses from respondents. The city of Shah Alam is identified as the preferred city to live in followed by Melaka. This is consistent with findings of the study which had indicated that these two cities had a high quality of life. A comparison of the analysis of the study with that of MURNInet program had indicated that results of the study is better, more detailed and dynamic. This study is envisaged to assist various agencies especially the local authorities in the planning and management of areas within their jurisdiction.