Factors Behind the Changes in Small Towns along the Selangor Northern Corridor Resulting from Spillover of The Klang-Langat Valley Metropolitan Region: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis Approach (CFA)

Abstract

This article aims to verify the key factors behind the changes in small towns due to the spillover of the Klang-Langat Valley using Exploration Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) approaches. This study is based on the responses of 355 stakeholders from Hulu Selangor, Selangor, selected via random sampling. Likert scale questionnaires ranging from 1 to 5 were used to obtain feedback. Overall, the questionnaire was reliable with an Alpha Cronbach value for each construct greater than 0.7. The obtained data were processed through EFA in order to group the constructs and items for the change factor of small towns. The CFA was undertaken in order to verify the accumulated constructs based on their respective groups. The findings reveal the creation of six constructs: access (5 items), environment (5 items), security (2 items), activity (4 items), neighbourhood (2 items) and infrastructure (2 items). It is thus hoped that the findings of this research can help in identifying factors behind the transformation of small town due to the spillover of the Klang-Langat Valley. Indeed, the transformation is driving both positive and negative impacts on both urban and rural areas through socioeconomic development and ultimately contributing to improved quality of life in line with contemporary globalisation.