Hulu Langat Research Articles

Spatio-Temporal Model to Forecast COVID-19 Confirmed Cases in High-Density Areas of Malaysia

The coronavirus 2019 disease has spread across the world. The number of coronaviruses 2019 (COVID-19) cases throughout Malaysia is high in the densely populated state of Selangor. In assisting the early preventive measures, this study utilises time series methods to model and forecast the number of daily positive cases in three Selangor districts: Petaling, Hulu Langat, and Klang. Specifically, the study compares the effectiveness of the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA), a univariate model and the Generalized Space-Time autoregressive integrated (GSTARI), a multivariate model. For the GSTARI model, uniform and inverse distance weights represent the relationship between locations. The analysed data are from January to August 2021, and the lowest root mean square error (RMSE) is chosen as the best model. The results show GSTARI (1,1) with both spatial weights outperformed ARIMA (0,1,1) in Petaling and Klang but not in Hulu Langat. However, the average RMSE values show that the most accurate and effective for forecasting the number of daily confirmed positive cases in Selangor is using GSTARI. In conclusion, by utilising advanced time series methods such as spatial analysis, this study provides important insights into forecasting trends of infectious diseases like COVID-19 and can help in early preventive measures.

Multi-hazard, multidimensional disaster risk validation in selangor’s three urban districts, Malaysia

Considering the increasing impact of natural hazard-related disasters in Malaysia, understanding and evaluating integrated disaster risk must consider multi-hazard and multidimensional vulnerability at the local level, particularly in developing industrial nations like Malaysia. Therefore, this study proposes an improved methodology for conducting an integrated disaster risk assessment index (IDRI) mapping to measure disaster risk within local administrative boundaries in Malaysia. In this study, multi-hazard spatial overlapping combined two common hazards in Malaysia, which are floods and landslides. This study used multidimensional vulnerability, which encompasses six dimensions, 16 subdimensions, and 54 indicators. Researchers applied this approach in three urban districts of Selangor, Malaysia: Sepang, Kuala Langat, and Hulu Langat, which are located within the Langat River catchment and consist of 17 subdistricts. Overall, 32.9% of the total study area was found to be at risk, with 4.3% in the very high-risk area. In comparison with the latest flood events in 2021, the IDRI components were highly correlated with disaster impact. In conclusion, the contribution of this study provides a novel perspective on disaster risk assessment by addressing several types of hazards and multidimensional vulnerability, as compared to the previous methodology focusing on a single hazard and a physical vulnerability factor.

The introduction of Geo Wild System (GWS) as a novel wildlife reporting, monitoring, and analyzing system in Malaysia

In Malaysia, escalating human-wildlife conflicts pose significant risks to both human populations and wildlife species, highlighting the need for advanced systems for effective conflict management. This study introduces the Geo Wild System (GWS), a novel Progressive Web Application (PWA) specifically tailored for Malaysian contexts. GWS integrates data from diverse sources, including citizen reports, park rangers, and licensed hunters, and employs Geographic Information System (GIS) tools to enhance data visualization and identify conflict hotspots. During the study period from January to June 2024, GWS recorded and facilitated the deployment of 117 traps across six districts: Shah Alam, Hulu Selangor, Sungai Besar, Hulu Langat, Georgetown, and Seberang Prai. These deployments, based on reported conflict data, resulted in the capture of 88 wildlife individuals, including 85 long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis), two wild boars (Sus scrofa), and one Asian palm civets (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus), demonstrating the system's operational effectiveness. GWS supports a comprehensive reporting, monitoring, and analysis system, utilizing GIS-based Kernel Density Estimation (KDE) to pinpoint critical conflict hotspots, particularly in rapidly urbanizing areas. User feedback was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the system’s user-friendliness and robust data integration. Despite initial deployment challenges and geodetic constraints, GWS has proven to be a valuable tool for mitigating wildlife conflicts, enabling informed, timely management responses, and offering a promising approach to adaptive wildlife management in Malaysia.

Customer Intention on The Usage of Online Food Delivery Application in Klang Valley, Malaysia

Online food delivery applications (OFDA) allow customers to purchase meals online and delivered to their doors. These services have grown rapidly in Malaysia, aligning with consumer demands. This study aims to determine factors influencing customer intention to use OFDAs in Klang Valley, examine the relationships between social influence, price-saving orientation, information quality, and time-saving orientation, and identify the most popular OFDAs among customers. An online survey was distributed via Google Forms to 384 residents of Klang Valley, including Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur, Gombak, Hulu Langat, Petaling Jaya, Klang, and Sepang. Respondents ranged from 18 to 55 years and above, with the survey targeting both experienced users and potential new users of OFDAs. Data analyses were conducted using SPSS, including descriptive, correlation, and regression analyses. The results showed that all variables (social influence, information quality, price-saving orientation, and time-saving orientation) were statistically significant and positively correlated. Information quality emerged as the most influential factor, providing accurate information on food, charges, and delivery times. The findings of this research can help food service and restaurant owners improve their operations and remain competitive by understanding the key factors that drive customer intentions to use OFDAs in Klang Valley.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in blood serum of adults living in high and low-traffic volume areas in Malaysia: A comparative cross-sectional study

Ambient polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) originate predominantly from fuel combustion of motor vehicles and have the potential to affect human health. However, there is insufficient knowledge regarding serum PAHs health risks among the Malaysian population. This study aims to compare PAH concentrations, distributions, correlations, and health risks in 202 blood serum samples drawn from residents living in high-traffic volume areas (Kuala Lumpur) and low-traffic volume areas (Hulu Langat) in Malaysia. Solid phase extraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were employed to extract and analyze blood serum samples. Questionnaires were distributed to obtain sociodemographic and contributing factors of serum PAHs. The mean total PAHs concentration in serum of the Kuala Lumpur group was 54.44 ng g−1 lipids, double the Hulu Langat group's concentration (25.7 ng g−1 lipids). Indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene (IcP) and acenaphthene (ACP) feature the most and least abundant compounds in both study groups. The mean concentrations of IcP and ACP in the Kuala Lumpur and Hulu Langat groups were 26.8 vs 12.68 and 0.27 vs 0.14 ng g−1 lipids, respectively. High-molecular-weight PAHs (HMW-PAHs) composed 85% of serum total PAHs in both groups. Significant correlations were found (i) between the individual serum PAH congeners (p < 0.01) and (ii) between serum PAHs and total lipids (p < 0.01). According to the questionnaire data, high traffic volume and outdoor hobbies were the only contributory factors that confirmed significant relationships with serum PAHs (p < 0.001). Health risk assessment was computed using benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) equivalent (BaPeq) and demonstrated that the Kuala Lumpur group has twofold greater carcinogenic risk than the Hulu Langat group (16.11 vs 7.76 ng g−1 lipids). Our study reveals that traffic volumes notably impact serum PAH levels and general health among the Malaysian population.

Knowledge of Sexually Transmitted Infections and Its Association With Condom Use Self-Efficacy (CUSES) Among People Living With HIV (PLHIV) in Public Health Clinics in Selangor, Malaysia.

Background Condom use self-efficacy is critical in preventing the spread of HIV among people living with HIV (PLHIV). Knowledge of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is a crucial factor in promoting safer sexual behaviors. However, there is scarce data on its association with condom use self-efficacy, particularly among PLHIV. Objectives This study aims to determine the association between knowledge of STIs and other demographic and behavioral factors with condom use self-efficacy among PLHIV in public health clinics at Hulu Langat, Selangor. Methods A cross-sectional study involved PLHIV attending public health clinics in Selangor, Malaysia. Participants were recruited using convenience sampling. Eligibility criteria included being 18 years or older, able to read and comprehend the Malay language, and having not been diagnosed with psychiatric illness or learning difficulties that may impede their ability to answer the questionnaire. Data were collected from December 2023 to March 2024 through self-administered questionnaires assessing demographic characteristics, sexual practice, clinical factors, knowledge of STIs, and condom use self-efficacy. Multiple linear regressions were performed to identify factors associated with condom use self-efficacy. Results The mean score for condom use self-efficacywas 77.72 ± 12.88, and the mean score for knowledge of STIs was 30.87 ± 5.50. The higher STI knowledge score was associated with higher condom use self-efficacy (B = 0.73, p < 0.001). Other significant factors were higher household income (B = 9.27, p < 0.001), recent sexual activity within the last three months (B = -4.34, p < 0.001), engaging in receptive anal sex (B = 7.06, p < 0.001), and not using a condom during the last sexual intercourse (B = -4.43, p < 0.001) wereassociated with condom use self-efficacy. Conclusion The study confirms that good STI knowledge increases condom use self-efficacy among PLHIV, therefore highlighting the need to educate those at risk with better knowledge of STIs. It also highlights the importance of conducting interventions for those at higher risk due to lower condom use self-efficacy and exploring their barriers towards the use of condoms.

Exploring community needs in combating aedes mosquitoes and dengue fever: a study with urban community in the recurrent hotspot area

BackgroundAedes mosquitoes are the main vector of dengue infection, a global health threat affecting millions of people annually. Conventional prevention and control methods against dengue outbreaks have only achieved marginal success. Recognizing the complex issue at hand, a multilevel participatory approach is crucial. Thus, alternative strategies that involve community engagement are increasingly being considered and attempted. While community-based vector control programs have been conducted, sustaining behavioral changes among the population remains a challenge. This study aimed to identify the specific community needs in combating Aedes mosquitoes and dengue fever as a basis to guide the development of community-driven initiatives and foster a deeper sense of ownership in the fight against dengue.MethodsBetween 1 August 2022 and 30 November 2022, we conducted a study in Hulu Langat district, Selangor, using a mixed-method design. All participants consented to the study, which comprised 27 participants (FGDs) and 15 participants (IDIs). The IDIs included two participants with a history of dengue fever, one community leader, one faith leader, seven local authorities, and four district health officers. Semi-structured interviews and discussions were performed among stakeholders and community members recruited via purposive and snowball sampling techniques. All interviews were audio-recorded before being analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsThese results derived from qualitative data explored the perspectives and needs of communities in combating Aedes mosquitoes and dengue fever. Interviews were conducted with various stakeholders, including community members, leaders, and health officers. The study identified the necessity of decisive actions by authorities to address the impact of the dengue epidemic, the importance of community engagement through partnerships and participatory approaches, the potential benefits of incentives and rewards to enhance community participation, and the need for sustained community engagement and education, especially via the involvement of young people in prevention efforts. These findings provide valuable insights into the design of effective strategies against Aedes mosquitoes and dengue fever.ConclusionsIn short, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive approach involving multiple stakeholders in the fight against Aedes mosquitoes and dengue fever. The approach should incorporate efforts to raise awareness, provide practical resources, and foster community responsibility. The active involvement of teenagers as volunteers can contribute to long-term prevention efforts. Collaboration, resource allocation, and community engagement are crucial for effective dengue control and a healthier environment.

Mediational role of risk perception in the relationship between vaccination knowledge and intention

BackgroundPrevious studies have shown that parents demand for information on vaccinations is universal. Nonetheless, parental knowledge demonstrated mixed results in vaccination intention, attitude, uptake, or confidence. In contrast, risk perception is a consistent predictor of vaccination-related outcomes. ObjectiveThis study aimed to establish risk perception as a mediator between vaccination knowledge and intention. MethodUsing a multistage random sampling technique, a cross-sectional survey was conducted with expectant mothers from maternity and child health clinics in the districts of Petaling, Klang, Gombak, and Hulu Langat. 416 respondents answered the self-administered questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS version 27 for descriptive statistics and Amos version 27 with bootstrapping procedure for mediation analysis. ResultsVaccination knowledge predicted risk perception [std β = 0.743, p = 0.036], risk perception predicted vaccination intention [std β = 0.934, p = 0.006], and risk perception fully mediate the relationship between vaccination knowledge and intention [std β = 0.694, p = 0.016]. The mediation model showed satisfactory fit indices: χ2/df (2.898), comparative fit index 0.946, Tucker-Lewis index 0.939, and root mean squared error of approximation 0.061. ConclusionThe goal of educational interventions is to increase vaccination intention by addressing vaccine information that influences both subjective and objective risk perception.

Awareness and Knowledge of Chikungunya Virus Infection Among Healthcare Workers in Hulu Langat District, Selangor, Malaysia.

As Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection continues to rise globally, including in Malaysia, it is essential for healthcare workers (HCWs) to have adequate knowledge about the disease for diagnostic accuracy and to improve public health surveillance systems. This study aimed to assess awareness and measure the level of knowledge of CHIKV infection among HCWs in the Hulu Langat district and explore associated sociodemographic and skill-related factors. This was a cross-sectional study in which the questionnaire was physically distributed to participants using the universal sampling method. All participants (100%) were aware of CHIKV infection, and most (80.1%) had knowledge of the disease. Furthermore, networks such as professional members, family, and friends (27.8%), followed by professional development programs (23.1%), were identified as the common platforms utilized by HCWs to access information regarding CHIKV infection. Ordinal logistic regression analysis further demonstrated that the level of education (odds ratio [OR] = 2.23,) and HCWs who attended Continuing Medical Education (CME)/courses on CHIKV infection (OR = 1.73,) and had experience in handling the case (OR = 3.23,) were significantly associated with awareness and knowledge of the disease. Implementing continuous education and training can enhance HCWs' understanding of CHIKV infection.

Tuberculosis Death and Associated Risk Factors in Hulu Langat District

Introduction: Addressing the challenge of mortality among tuberculosis (TB) patients undergoing treatment is a significant concern in Malaysia. It is essential to identify the factors linked to TB mortality to evaluate national TB control programs and identify high-risk individuals. The objective of this study was to assess the percentage of TB mortality among patients receiving treatment over a three-year duration and identify the associated factors in Hulu Langat District. Method: The study used secondary data collected from the national TB registry from 2019 to 2021, and all registered TB cases that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included. The data in the study were tested using regressions. Results: The results showed that 11.5% of total registered TB patients had died during their course of treatment, and multiple logistic regression identified several significant factors associated with TB mortality, including gender (aOR= 0.75, 95%CI: 0.58, 0.97; p=0.026), age (aOR= 16.94, 95%CI: 5.14, 55.81; p&lt;0.001), household income level (aOR= 1.56, (95%CI: 1.22, 1.99; p&lt;0.001), living area (aOR= 1.53, 95%CI: 1.00, 2.32; p=0.048) education level (aOR= 1.89, 95%CI: 1.06, 3.35; p=0.030), the severity of chest x-ray (aOR= 5.03, 95%CI: 2.95, 8.58; p&lt;0.001), and HIV status (aOR= 3.72, 95%CI: 2.71, 5.19; p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: TB mortality in the Hulu Langat district is a significant public health concern and interventions such as intensified case finding, home visits for elderly patients, and health promotion are needed to reduce TB mortality and achieve the WHO End TB strategy milestone.

Exploring community behaviours and stakeholder challenges in engaging communities with dengue prevention behaviour in Malaysia: implementation research for a qualitative study with a community-based participatory research design

ObjectivesTo use a community-based participatory research (CBPR) design to explore local community behaviours and stakeholders’ challenges in engaging communities in dengue prevention behaviours in Hulu Langat, Selangor, Malaysia.DesignThis CBPR design...

TEMPORAL ANALYSIS AND PREDICTIVE MODELING OF AMBIENT AIR QUALITY IN HULU LANGAT DISTRICT, SELANGOR, MALAYSIA: A CHEMOMETRIC APPROACH

One of the most important environmental problems facing the globe today is air pollution. The centre area for the local populace is the Hulu Langat district, which borders Kuala Lumpur, the capital. The purpose of this study is to look at how the ambient air quality varies in Hulu Langat, Selangor. The Air Quality Division of the Malaysian Department of Environment provided five years' worth of secondary data on the air quality at Hulu Langat. The database included five primary air pollutant characteristics sulphur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and particulate matter with a diameter of 10 microns or less (PM10), in addition to data from the Air Pollutant Index (API). Chemometric analysis was used to examine the results. According to the results, SO2, NO2 and PM10 had the greatest correlations with API readings. A statistical process known as statistical control (SPC) showed that certain PM10 values were over national recommendations and control limits. The artificial neural network method's air quality prediction model demonstrated good accuracy with real data (R2 = 0.9). The results of this investigation indicated a strong correlation between the Hulu Langat air quality data. In order to achieve sustainable environmental practices in the future, it is imperative to engage in extensive collaboration across environmental departments and relevant authorities and engage in continuous monitoring of air quality.

Risk factors for tuberculosis-related death among adults with drug-sensitive pulmonary tuberculosis in Selangor, Malaysia from 2013 to 2019: a retrospective cohort study using surveillance data

ObjectivesDue to the paucity of literature on risk factors for tuberculosis (TB)-related death, we determine the sociodemographic and clinical risk factors associated with TB-related deaths among adult pulmonary TB (PTB)...

A survey to investigate the heterogeneity of food date labelling and the consumer’s knowledge and practice on food date labelling in Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia

There are different types of food date labelling for different groups of food. However, many food retailers did not follow the regulation and make consumer confuse. Besides, consumers are also not aware of the food date labelling. This study aimed to investigate the heterogeneity of food date labelling and storage instruction in the hypermarket and to investigate the consumers’ knowledge and practices on food date labelling. In this study, the usage of the expiry date of refrigerated food products which were pre-packed fruits and vegetables, cheese, milk, juices, cream, dessert, ice cream, yogurt, smoked beef, salami, roasted beef and meat, and chicken loaf and salad dressing were analyzed. The frequency of the shelf life label was enumerated. There were 44.3% of refrigerated food products using the ‘best before’ date while 23.9% used ‘use by’ date. Besides, there were 53.4% of the refrigerated food products with storage instructions while 14.9% of it did not have any storage instructions. Questionnaires were used to study the knowledge and practice of consumers towards food date labelling from 385 respondents in Hulu Langat, Selangor. Findings showed that 45.97% of the respondents were not aware about food date labelling but 47.01% of the consumer use shelf life label to judge the edibility of food products. There were 33.77% of the respondent who did not know the difference of food date labelling. Consumers should understand the difference of food date labelling to reduce the number of food waste and food borne disease. The number of consumers who are confused and not aware of food date labelling are worrying. It is recommended for the retailer to use the standardized label for food.

Improving Emergency Response and Community Resilience in Flood Disasters: A Hulu Langat Case Study

Improving Emergency Response and Community Resilience in Flood Disasters: A Hulu Langat Case Study

Overview of Human Rights for Indonesian Migrant Worker Children to Receive An Education at The Hulu Langat Malaysia Guidance Studio

Human rights are fundamentally crucial to every individual, especially the right to education, which has been stipulated in the Indonesian constitution, not only Indonesia but international agreements have also stipulated that human rights apply to every individual by the implementation of this research. This aims to obtain information related to what causes the children of migrant laborers from Indonesia to have undocumented status and what problems are faced in obtaining Children of undocumented Indonesian migrant workers access to schooling, then what efforts and solutions can be made in obtaining education in Malaysia. Children of Indonesian migrant laborers who are undocumented. The researchers use qualitative methods and a systematic approach. Using methods for gathering data, such as interviews, observations, and documentation. Several reasons result in Malaysian migrant workers from Indonesia whose children lack proper documentation, including because they entered Malaysia illegally. Without having a valid work document, the validity period expires (overstaying), and getting married in Malaysia to another foreign citizen. There were problems with the rights of Malaysian migrant workers from Indonesia to send their kids to school, so the Hulu Langat guidance studio was established to overcome the problems, helping the kids of illegal Indonesian migrant laborers to help them get an education in Malaysia. With these causes resulting in their children having document status and with the establishment of the Hulu Langat guidance studio as a means of resolving the issues that Indonesian migrant workers' kids face, this has made a positive contribution to fulfilling the educational rights of the workers' children. Migrants from Indonesia in Malaysia, particularly young children, without proper documentation.

Assessment of 18 endocrine disrupting chemicals in tap water samples from Klang Valley, Malaysia.

Multiclass of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as nine perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), five bisphenols, and four parabens were analysed in tap water samples from Malaysia's Klang Valley region. All samples were analysed using liquid chromatography mass tandem spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) with limit of quantitation (LOQ) ranged between 0.015 and 5ng/mL. Fifteen of the 18 EDCs were tested positive in tap water samples, with total EDC concentrations ranging from 0.28 to 5516ng/L for all 61 sampling point locations. In a specific area of the Klang Valley, the total concentration of EDCs was found to be highest in Hulu Langat, followed by Sepang, Putrajaya, Petaling, Kuala Lumpur, Seremban, and Gombak/Klang. PFAS and paraben were the most found EDCs in all tap water samples. Meanwhile, ethyl paraben (EtP) exhibited the highest detection rate, with 90.2% of all locations showing its presence. Over 60% of the regions showed the presence of perfluoro-n-butanoic acid (PFBA), perfluoro-n-hexanoic acid (PFHXA), perfluoro-n-octanoic acid (PFOA), perfluoro-n-nonanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluoro-1-octanesulfonate (PFOS), whereas the frequency of detection for other compounds was less than 40%. The spatial distribution and mean concentrations of EDCs in the Klang Valley regions revealed that Hulu Langat, Petaling Jaya, and Putrajaya exhibited higher levels of bisphenol A (BPA). On the other hand, Kuala Lumpur and Sepang displayed the highest mean concentrations of PFBA. In the worst scenario, the estimated daily intake (EDI) and risk quotient of some EDCs in this study exceeded the acceptable daily limits recommended by international standards, particularly for BPA, PFOA, PFOS, and PFNA, where the risk quotient (RQ) was found to be greater than 1, indicating a high risk to human health. The increasing presence of EDCs in tap water is undoubtedly a cause for concern as these substances can have adverse health consequences. This highlights the necessity for a standardised approach to evaluating EDC exposure and its direct impact on human populations' health.

Flood Simulation Using HEC-HMS 4.8 for Ungauged Catchment During Extreme Events in Lui River, Hulu Langat

Flooding is a sort of natural disaster that can occur anywhere in the world. It is also happening more often now because of global warming and climate change. The Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) has designated certain sites along the Lui River in Hulu Langat as flood-prone. Therefore, this study presents a hydrological simulation of the Lui River utilising the flood management software on the Hydrologic Modelling System, HECHMS 4.8, which has been widely used in several studies of water management. The program replicates a river basin system's rainfall-runoff response to a precipitation input by modelling the whole river basin as an integrated system of hydrologic and hydraulic components, displaying the trends in the river's flow for 50 ARI and 100 ARI. The hydrograph of the Lui River may be determined by examining the rainfall-runoff relationship and comparing it to the peak discharge of observed data and the hydrograph for an unmeasured watershed from Hydrological Procedure No. 11. The hydrograph result must undergo model calibration to establish parameters that are validated for the model final value of peak discharge and the shape of the hydrograph. The finding shows that the optimal design hydrograph for the design stage is the model's hydrograph with the greatest peak as in HEC-HMS. Hence, the design storm with the largest output will serve as a guideline for any design matter, be valuable for future river flow research, and function as a future precaution.

Spatial multidimensional vulnerability assessment index in urban area- A case study Selangor, Malaysia

Rapid urbanization has increased the risks to and vulnerabilities of urban systems, society, and organizations. In recent years, urban areas have been exposed to multiple hazards such as floods, landslides, storms, and rising sea levels. To reduce exposed elements' risk of and vulnerability to natural hazards, the first requirement is a better understanding of the vulnerable elements as stated in Sendai Framework. Different concepts and approaches can be employed in vulnerability assessment, depending on the scope and context of the study. In this study, the vulnerability concept was based on six dimensions (social, economic, physical, institutional, environmental, and cultural) adapted from the Method for the Improvement of Vulnerability (MOVE) framework. This approach was applied to three industrial urban districts in Selangor, Malaysia: Sepang, Kuala Langat, and Hulu Langat. These are located in the Langat River catchment and consist of 17 mukim (subdistricts). A spatial vulnerability assessment was conducted to determine the areas of very high vulnerability in this study area. A map was subsequently produced that shows the areas classified into five vulnerability categories (very low, low, medium, high, and very high vulnerability). The findings from all the areas studied identified 5.7% in the very high class, 8.9% in the high class, 33.3% in the medium class, 21.6% in the low class, and 30.5% in the very low class. The multidimensional vulnerability assessment used scientific proof to provide information for better understanding to the government, disaster agencies, and local governments so that policy making, and local disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies can improve.

The Exploratory Study of Normalized Indicator of Heat Vulnerability Index (HVI) By Using Functional Relationship

Extreme urban heat, a major environmental stressor caused by urbanisation, poses a substantial hazard to human health and well-being. The environmental, demographic, and health-related risk factors for heat stress must be identified as the urban population grows. As a result, this study provides insight into city people’ heat susceptibility and its extent at the district level. This examination was carried out using a multivariate index that included evaluations of the exposure, sensitivity, and coping ability components. Using nine indicators for three different characteristics, this study examined data on the spatial distribution from diverse sources such as satellite imaging processing and quantitative analysis output. This study employed a normalised indicator method that used functional relationships to normalise all of the indicators in the unit or a scale-free method. The index’s value of each parameter is then processed using weightage formula. Kuala Lumpur district has been rated as the most vulnerable to heat, followed by Petaling and Hulu Langat, according to the heat vulnerability index produced. The findings demonstrated a regional pattern of heat vulnerability, with significant differences between individual spatial indexes. While exposure and adaptive capacities have a distinct regional pattern, sensitivity has a more complicated spatial pattern. All factors were statistically significant as markers in the development of the heat vulnerability index, according to this study. In a highly dynamic metropolitan region, these criteria can be used for both urban planning and suggesting special strategies to reduce heat dangers.