Determinant Factor for Quality Green Open Space Assessment in Malaysia

Abstract

Green open spaces (GOS) are an integral part of the green network in any urban areas which serve the benefits of cities and people’s well-being in a various form including physical, emotional and social health. Embrace the fact that the green open space is one of the key indicators to sustainable city planning; yet, many countries including Malaysia are facing underutilised parks issues due to various factors including the quality aspect of the parks. Before this, evidence suggests that sustainability and quality of city’s dwellers are measured by the quality and quantity aspects of parks and open spaces. Hence, this paper sought to explore further on the determinant factors of quality green open space (QGOS) assessment in Malaysia as part of an effort to overcome this shortcoming. This study adopts quantitative method through questionnaire survey to identify the most relevant factors which influence the quality of green open spaces in Malaysia. 1500 questionnaire survey was distributed within fifteen (15) Neighborhood Parks. The results generated from Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) had revealed eight most relevant factors of social sustainability, use pattern, place attachment, facilities, safety and security, nature preferences, activities and accessibility to achieve the quality of open spaces in Malaysia. Hence, it is hoped that the findings from this review would contribute to the improvement of Malaysian neighbourhood parks and plan as part of the support for the 11th Malaysian Plan (2016-2020).