Investigating residents` perception of quality of urban life in Taman Tun Dr. Ismail, Kuala Lumpur

Abstract

Where we live influences our lives and, thus, our quality of lives. Therefore, urban environments should be designed as places with the best quality of life – those with the least preventable daily obstructions. This study utilised subjective approach as the direct effects of objective social dimensions on subjective assessments of social environment have been found to be weak. The study utilised seven life domains that contribute to the residents’ quality of life (QOL). Sixteen hypotheses have been tested to investigate which life domains contribute the most and the least to residents’ satisfactions with their quality of urban life (QOUL), and which domains and indicators are significantly related to one another. The assessment was collected via questionnaire survey with a sample of 260 respondents living in TTDI. The secondary data were obtained from desktop research, books, and KLCH. The frequency analysis found that the mean for overall QOUL in the neighbourhood is “slightly good.” The mean for all life domains are “slightly satisfactory.” Spiritual life has the highest mean, while economic ability has the lowest mean. However, when the analysis distinguishes QOL from conventional QOUL domains, i.e. health and spiritual life are excluded; domain with the highest mean is home features, while the lowest mean is still economic ability. Similarly, correlation analysis found that spiritual life contributes the most to their overall QOUL, while the least is economic ability. However, when spiritual life and health are excluded from correlation analysis, domain that contributes the most to overall QOUL is social involvement and community participation. Multiple regression analysis found that all domains contribute significantly to the prediction of overall QOUL in the neighbourhood, except economic ability and safety in the neighbourhood. Recommendations were made based on the findings – to improve safety through CPTED measures; to solve insufficient home parking by improving public transport system; and improving residents’ home privacy through quality soundproof wall. Suggestions for further research have been made to improve similar type of study in the future.