Evaluating the Living Environment in Residential Areas at Taman Melati, Kuala Lumpur

Abstract

This paper investigates the living environment in a residential area at Taman Melati in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Traffic volume, NO2 emissions, noise level and streetlight illuminance were variables selected to measure the living environment. A questionnaire was also used to evaluate residents′ perceptions regarding their living environment. A high average traffic volume of about 7,800 vehicles per hour, especially along the arterial road (major road) was reported. Generally, a noise level in the range of 50-70 dB was measured in the residential area, and the average LAeq near the arterial road was about 76 dB. NO2 concentration in the residential area varied widely, between 0.01 ppm and 0.04 ppm; the average NO2 concentration was 0.018 ppm. The horizontal streetlight illuminance was measured under all streetlights and at every 5 m interval. The illuminance near the streetlights was high, but was low between them. Traffic noise proved to be a major limitation concerning a healthy living environment according to the residents of the study area. Even so, more than half the residents in the study area expressed satisfaction with the present living environment.