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

摘要

This paper investigates the living environment in a residential area at Taman Melati in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Traffic volume, NO_2 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 L_(Aeq) near the arterial road was about 76 dB. NO_2 concentration in the residential area varied widely, between 0.01 ppm and 0.04 ppm; the average NO_2 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.