Putri Haryati Binti Ibrahim (Presenter) The Implementation of an Open Space Policy by the States in Peninsular Malaysia: The Need for a Uniform Policy? Prepared by; Putri Haryati Binti Ibrahim (Presenter) Melasutra Binti Md Dali Safiah @ Yusmah Binti Muhammad Yusoff

Presentation Outline Introduction. Overview Of Open Space Policy In Malaysia. Implementation Of Open Space Policy At State Level. Research Approach. Research Findings & Discussion. Conclusion.

Introduction Green space is gradually decreased in urban area (Girling and Helphand,1994) . Urban population will increase up to 70% by the year 2020 (Department of Statistics Malaysia, 2000). Developments in cities are being designed solely to emphasize commercial values and profits (Luqman, Yusoff Mohd, et al., 1999). Open space protection is the main issue of sustainable development (Bengston, Fletcher et al., 2004).

Overview Of Open Space Policy In Malaysia. The Town and Country Planning Act 1976 (Act 172) is important with regards to open spaces. Act 172 define ‘open space.’ The provisions in the Act serves as the basis of reference in defining the true meaning of open spaces in the Malaysian context.

Overview Of Open Space Policy In Malaysia (cont.) Malaysia comprises of 14 states. 11 states in Peninsular Malaysia are bounded by the Act 172. The Town and Country Planning Act 1976 (Act 172) was passed - to coordinate matters relating to the laws and town and country planning in all the states of Peninsular Malaysia.

Implementation Of Open Space Policy At State Level Planning Standard Guidelines for Open Spaces and Recreation (JBPD 7/2000) guideline – issued by Federal Department of Town and Country Planning, Peninsular Malaysia (FDTCP). Objective of JBPD 7/2000 guideline – to assist State governments through LAs to achieve the vision “Garden Nation”.

Implementation Of Open Space Policy At State Level (cont) FDTCP has set a policy of 10 % for open spaces for each development application in the JBPD 7/2000 guideline. The states bound by Act 172 have options of implementing the open spaces policy in their respective states. 5 types of open space policy approaches: General, Ergonomics space, Land ownership, Number of housing units, and Size of the development area.

Research Approach Questionnaire survey – Mailed. Respondents: 1. Town Planning Officers. 2. Technical Assistants. 98 LAs in Peninsular Malaysia that govern by Act 172. Table 1: Statistics Of Local Authorities According To Status State City Council Municipal Council District Council TOTAL 1. KELANTAN 1 11 12 2. NEGERI SEMBILAN 3 5 8 3. PULAU PINANG 2 4. TERENGGANU 4 7 5. KEDAH 6. PERLIS 7. PAHANG 8. MELAKA 9. PERAK 10 15 10. JOHOR 6 11. SELANGOR 34 57 98 Local Government Department, Ministry of Housing and Local Government (2011) Response rate; 52.6% (n = 240).

Research Findings Demographic background: 1. Gender: Male 59.6%; Female 40.4% 2. Age: 35 (average) 3. Position held: Planning officers (57.5% ) Technical assistants (42.5%) 4. Council Status: City Council (13.0% ) Municipal Council (43.9%) District Council (43.1%)

Research Findings (cont.) 1) Different application of open space policy by LAs. 220 91.7% 13 5.4% 5 2.1% 6 2.5% 68 28.2% 162 67.5% Bar Graph 1: Showing awareness of different guideline application among LAs. Bar Graph 2: Showing different guideline application – to suit with development.

Research Findings (cont.) 2) Different guideline approaches implemented by the state governments. Perak Selangor Melaka Johor Table 2: JBPD 7/2000 Guideline Application N Percent of Cases 1. General 43 19.5% 2. Ergonomic Space 4 1.8% 3. Land Ownership 14 6.4% 4. Total of Housing Unit 47 21.4% 5. Size of Development Area 112 50.9% Total 220 100.0% Size of Development Area – (50.9%) Four states (Melaka, Selangor, Perak and Johor) adopted this approach to determine provision of open spaces to be provided by developers.

Research Findings (cont.) 2)Different guideline approaches implemented by the state governments (cont). Perlis Kedah Pahang Number of Housing Unit – (21.4%) Perlis: 10% more than 4 units. Pahang: 10% more than 30 units Kedah: 326.7 Sq Ft for each house in housing development of 0.25 acres or more. Kelantan Negeri Sembilan General Approach – (19.5%) Negeri Sembilan and Kelantan opted the general approach. Basic 10 % provision of open spaces for all types of residential development.

Research Findings (cont.) 2) Different guideline approaches implemented by the state governments (cont). Land Ownership – (6.4%) Implemented in Terengganu. State owned land; (10% O.S) Private owned land; (5% O.S) Pulau Pinang Terengganu Ergonomic Space – (1.8%) Implemented in Pulau Pinang. Measured requirements for an individual to feel comfortable. An area of 2m x 2m for each individual to move freely in carrying out activities in open spaces.

Research Findings (cont.) 3) Effectiveness of the JBPD 7/2000 guideline. 128 53.3% 45 18.8% 66 27.5% Bar Graph 3: Showing the importance of JBPD 7/2000 guideline. 235 49.2% 68 28.3% 49 20.4% Bar Graph 4: Showing JBPD 7/2000 guideline is an important planning tool.

Research Findings (cont.) 107 44.6% 71 29.6% 59 24.6% Bar Graph 5: Showing usage of JBPD 7/2000 guideline. 3) Effectiveness of the JBPD 7/2000 guideline (cont). Table 3:One-way ANOVA for Usage of JBPD 7/2000 Guideline by Council Status. N Mean Std. Deviation F / df / p Comparison City Council 31 3.77 1.765 F = 6.855 City Council & Municipal Council 103 4.83 1.700 df = 2,233 District Council 102 4.99 1.486 p = 0.001 (p = .007) (p =.001) Total 236 4.76 1.660

Discussion High awareness level among respondents. JBPD 7/2000 guideline has been productively helping Local Authorities planning professionals. Open space policy adopted are different and independent.

Discussion Councils located in urban areas is predicted to use JBPD 7/2000 guideline more frequent. A uniform guideline focus on various types of development rate. Avoid un-serious open space policy implementation.

Conclusion The issuance of the JBPD 7/2000 guideline is a prudent move. The Town and Country Planning Act 1976 (Act 172) should be expended. The improvement in policy formulated must be responsive to growth pressures.