DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL AND STRUCTURAL

ENGINEERING
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND BUILT
ENVIRONMENT

TASK 9: PROPOSED KAJANG LOCAL PLAN

FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
For Sustainable Urban Development (KKKH 4284)
Lecturers:
Dr. Muhamad Nazri Bin Borhan
Prof. Dato Ir. Dr. Riza Atiq Abdullah Bin O.K Rahmat

GROUP MEMBERS:
KHAIRUSSAADAH BINTI MISNAN
(A137116)
NURHANIS NABILAH BINTI MOHAMAD HALIM
(A141576)
NUR ASILAH BINTI ZAKARIA
(A141479)
FAZIRAH NURHA BINTI MOHAMAD SAAD
(A141464)

PROPOSED KAJANG LOCAL PLAN FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The plan shall address four broad sustainable development objectives:
1. Maintenance of high and stable levels of economic growth and employment
2. Social progress which recognises the needs of everyone
3. Effective protection of the environment
4. Prudent use of natural resources
The plan shall include the Sustainable Development Principles as follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Quality of Development
Integrating Transport and Development
Minimum environmental impact due to surge in travel demands
Development Access: Pedestrians, disabled people, cyclists, public transport, private
transport
5. Parking
6. Urban Design Principles
7. Context: compatible with existing landforms and natural features, retain, and where
possible enhance important existing urban spaces, townscape, parkland, natural or
historical features; respect the existing layout of buildings within the street space,
integrate into the local community
8. Safety and Security
9. Landscape and Biodiversity
10. Renewable Energy
11. Air Quality
12. Water Quality and Drainage
You are encouraged to use drawings, sketches and pictures and video links to enhance your
report.

QUALITY OF DEVELOPMENT
Studying development is about measuring how developed one country is compared to other
countries, or to the same country in the past. Development measures how economically, socially,
culturally or technologically advanced a country is. The two most important ways of measuring
development are economic development and social development. Economic development is a
measure of a country's wealth and how it is generated (for example agriculture base or industrial
base). Social development measures the access the population has to wealth, jobs, education,
nutrition, health, leisure and safety as well as political and cultural freedom. Material elements,
such as wealth and nutrition, are described as the standard of living. Health and leisure are often
referred to as quality of life. Government continued to implement measures and programmes to
increase income levels and improve the provision of and access to social services.
Establish more public service like health,education and food. The steady rise in income was
accompanied by a corresponding decrease in the incidence of poverty as well as continued
enhancement in health, education, transport and communications, working and family life as
well as public safety. The improvements were also made in the area of working life with
reductions in the unemployment rate, provide more vacancies of job for community number of
industrial accidents as well as the number of work days lost due to industrial actions. The decline
in the industrial accident rate can be attributed to the effective enforcement of the Factories and
Machinery Act1967 and the Occupational Safety and Health Act, 1994. Education also improved
with increases in the literacy rate, participation rates at pre-school and tertiary levels and the
teacher student ratio.
The participation rate in secondary schools registered a mixed performance while the tertiary
level showed an improvement. These improvements were made possible with the construction of
additional classrooms, which improved the class-classroom ratio and implementation of
educational support programmes such as scholarships, textbook-on-loans and financial
assistance. Implementation of the centralised school system, which facilitated the provision of
adequate teaching and learning facilities. The expansion of existing universities, the setting up of
new universities and the provision of financial assistance through the National Higher Education
Fund, enabled a larger number of qualified students from low-income families to gain access to
higher education, and further increased student intake and enrolment in the public universities.
Also, save living environment, provide a clean, pleasant to access to high quality will be
included in the quality of development.
Health promotion and disease prevention programmes continued to be accorded high priority.
The programmes took into account the increasing affluence of society and its sedentary and
stress-filled lifestyles and emphasised the promotion of a healthy lifestyle, better nutrition,
immunisation, safe drinking water supply as well as food quality and safety. As part of the
preventive and promotive health programme, the thematic lifestyle campaign focused on the
practice of healthy behaviour and food safety. The coverage and scope of the childhood
immunization programme was further improved. The National Food Safety Policy and a Plan of
Action were formulated to ensure the quality and safety of locally produced and imported food.

The environmental health programme was also strengthened to ensure a safe and healthy
environment.
Different types of public transport also can be considered to have a better development such as
BRT system and cycling. Equitable access to health and educational facilities depends on their
location. Major hospitals should locate as close as possible to regional centres with a railway
station or similar mass transit node, on public transport corridors servicing those centres from
more than one direction. Smaller medical facilities should be clustered along streets containing
public transport routes rather than in locations that are only accessible by car. Where major
hospitals are less accessible, the proposed development should show a net community benefit.
Best practice is achieved when new and upgraded arterial and orbital roads are designed to
provide for trunk public transport services between centres. This includes providing for stops and
interchange with feeder services.
New public transport routes link two or more primary attractors such as railway stations and
town centres with secondary attractors such as schools, hospitals, post offices and
leisure/entertainment centres located along the route. A mix of trip purposes at nodes or stops
such as shops, childcare centres, post offices and homes provides two way passenger loads on
public transport services, maximising asset utilisation and reducing empty return trips. Priority is
given to improving services to major centres containing employment opportunities and
community facilities. A balance is achieved between fast, direct services to major centres and
frequent stopping services that provide local access. Bus stops are located to maximise the
patronage catchment and to consider personal safety, lighting and traffic management.
Innovative servicing strategies are provided, such as hail and ride/demand responsive bus
services, which best meet local needs.

INTEGRATING TRANSPORT AND DEVELOPMENT

The community is increasingly aware of the social, environmental and economic costs of
growing car use in urban areas. Traffic congestion is increasing, air quality is under threat, and
time, land and money are being consumed at ever increasing rates as people carry out their daily
activities predominantly via car trips. Roads play a critical role in meeting the transport needs of
NSW residents and the states economy. However, urban areas dominated by road infrastructure
to accommodate high car usage generally suffer poor amenity and congestion. Allowing high
dependency on private cars for travel often reduces accessibility and significantly impacts on the
environment.
More sustainable modes walking, cycling and public transport can be more effective and
efficient ways of moving people in urban areas, especially when all costs are considered. For
example, public transport can make more efficient use of space and energy, and be more cost
effective than private cars. It also provides mobility for a wider range of people, including young
and older people without cars. To improve transport choice, we need to create an environment
that is friendly to pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users, including people with
disabilities. We need to make land use and development decisions that encourage people to use
sustainable modes of transport for one or more trips per day. We must also ensure that people
can reduce their travel needs by allowing several purposes to be served by one trip.
Concentrate on Centre
When employment, housing, retail and leisure activities and services are concentrated in
accessible centres, there is much more use of public transport than in areas where these facilities
and activities are dispersed. Within and close to these centres, people are more likely to walk or
cycle for short trips and to use public transport for longer journeys. Concentrating activities lets
people make a single trip for a range of purposes. Walking or public transport become more
attractive options and reduce distances travelled by car.
Mix Uses in Centre
Activities need to be located to meet the needs of the economy and peoples lifestyle choices.
Compatible uses should be mixed vertically within the same building or horizontally on adjacent
sites, and be within walking distance of each other. If a mix of uses is not appropriate, buildings
can be designed for easy conversion to alternative uses in the future (e.g. warehouse to
residential use or vice versa). The co-location of many compatible uses will reduce car travel and
increase walking, cycling and public transport use. Locally, traffic congestion will be reduced,
air quality improved and accessibility maximised. Vibrant centres will attract more business and
employment, along with leisure, recreational and entertainment facilities. A widerange of uses
will support the better provision of services, such as 24hour public transport. Duplication can be
avoided if, for example, one public transport service can cater to two markets, such as daytime
commuters and people undertaking evening leisure pursuits.

Align Centres within Corridors

Centres should include major and neighbourhood centres on railway and transit way stations and
key bus stops. Major public transport corridors should include heavy and light rail links, transit
ways and trunk bus routes. Ensuring that centres and other concentrations of activities locate
along major public transport corridors will support high frequency public transport services and
further boost the effectiveness of centres and corridors. Encourage more origins and destinations
within the corridors. Make transport services more attractive to operators and users.
Link Public Transport with Land use Strategies
Correct location and design of new transport infrastructure road, rail, transit ways, bus and other
forms of transit, walkways and cycle ways should help achieve the goals of maximising transport
choice and managing travel demand by minimising the need for, and distance of, travel. Planning
for new infrastructure should be integrated into corridor and regional land use strategies. These
will influence housing and employment location, densities and other factors that maximise the
infrastructure catchment. Similarly, planning for new public transport services, on new and
existing infrastructure, should be closely aligned with land use planning, corridor development
and new development projects. In particular, services should facilitate access to transport nodes
and centres in major corridors.
Connect Streets
An interconnected street system provides pedestrians and cyclists with more direct and safer
links to public transport stops and nodes. It is also more legible (i.e. more easily understood)
permeable(i.e. allows for a choice of routes) and flexible, allowing for maximum choice of land
use and future movement options. An interconnected street network is easier to provide with
frequent bus services. Conventional suburban development is often characterised bycircuitous
roads, many culsdesac and few footpaths. These require more dead running for buses, are often
too narrow, add to trip times, and increase walking distances.
More interconnected streets can be opened or closed over time to manage traffic, unlike a
culdesac that cannot be reconnected to the surrounding street network without considerable cost.
A closed street in a connected street network provides the same level of safety for children and
property as culdesac. Bus only links can be provided between neighbourhoods where through
traffic isdiscouraged. Care should be exercised in planning the number of access points to major
arterial roads. Every access point reduces the efficiency of the arterial road and may adversely
affect public transport operations on that road.
The increase in the number of vehicles contributed to traffic congestion, particularly in highly
urbanized areas. Integrated transport planning is concerned with the development of broad plans
that address all aspects of the transportation system including benefits and impacts from
transport and impacts within the community. This plan sets the broad policy agenda required to
establish continuous improvement towards a sustainable transport system. To address the
congestion, measures were taken to continuously improve the transport system, with an emphasis
on making the system more integrated, efficient and reliable. Besides, the school authorities

should provide a traffic guard in front of the school during peak hour to make sure the safety of
the school children.
If possible, the town council of Kajang should provide a bus station in the city so that the bus
would have a proper bus station and the level of services would be increased. Proper bus station
should be constructed along the way from out of Kajang to the city especially from Bangi
because there are a lot of potential visitors from here due to existing of educational institution
such as UKM. Furthermore, we have planned to provide the exclusive lanes for public transport
which the buses or taxi will be separate with private cars. Then, we will give the better
information for all transport users, the pedestrians in public or private transportation, to allow
them to make the better judgements. Traffic flows can be smooth and congestion will be reduced
with better information.

Proper bus station along the way

Bicycle lane

URBAN DESIGN PRINCIPLE

Urban design occurs across all parts of a city, from the inner city to the suburbs and outer
metropolitan fringe. Urban design is relevant to developments, whatever their nature and size.
City-wide transport and infrastructure networks, urban infill projects, regional towns, new
suburban developments, shopping malls, streets, office blocks, university campuses and hospitals
are all the result of urban design. High quality urban design becomes even more important as we
increase the density of our cities and cater for a growing and changing population. It requires
excellent planning, design and management of our built environment and the supporting social
and economic infrastructure.
Car-Free Street
Pedestrian zones (also known as auto-free zones and car-free zones, and as pedestrian precincts
in British English) are areas of a city or town reserved for pedestrian-only use and in which some
or all automobile traffic may be prohibited. They are instituted by communities who feel that it is
desirable to have pedestrian-only areas. Pedestrian zones have a great variety of attitudes or rules
towards human-powered vehicles such as bicycles, inline skates, skateboards and kick scooters.
Some have a total ban on anything with wheels, others ban certain categories, others segregate
the human-powered wheels from foot traffic, and others still have no rules at all. Many of Middle
Eastern casbas have no wheeled traffic, but use donkey-driven or hand-driven carts for freight
transport.
Car-free developments are residential or mixed use developments which normally provide a
traffic free immediate environment, offer no parking or limited parking separated from the
residence and designed to enable residents to live without owning a car. Urban design principles
combine aspects of architecture, landscape architecture. Public works, transportation system and
public arts to create dynamic urban environment. However with increasing activities of these
disciplines, it is better to conceptualized as a design practice that intersects all of the aspects.
The design principles seek to foster good development without inhibiting design creativity and
flexibility. The basic principles of the designs are contextual sitting, the importance of pedestrian
environment, architectural sensitivity, and respect for historic structures and durability of
building materials. These design principles should guides architects and developers and should
serve as a basis to design review committees. Urban Design is the practice of shaping the
physical features and to make high-quality connections between places and buildings for the
enjoyable and safe activity of people. While creating places for people, urban design must
respect and enhance the natural environment and use resources efficiently.

The public space should be the great as the living room of the city which is the place where
people come together to enjoy the city and each other. Public spaces make high quality life in the
city possible. Public spaces ranges from grand central plazas and squares, to small and local
neighborhood parks. The parks design and management should take into account recreational
requirements of all target age-groups. Different age-groups have different motives to visit the
park and different interests in activities that they are going to undertake.
Besides, our Kajang city should provide street which is the connections between spaces and
places, as well as being spaces themselves. We defined the streets by their physical dimension
and character as well as the size, scale and character buildings that line them. The pattern of our
street network is part of what defines a city and makes city unique.

Proposed Public Space and Street

Landscaping and Installation

The landscape or others installation must be provide like fountains, sculptures, water gardens
and special lighting to developed the best city or green part of the city that weaves throughout in
the form of urban parks, street trees, plants, flowers, and water in many forms. The landscape
helps define the character and beauty of a city and creates soft, contrasting spaces and elements
and also created an aesthetical value. The best city also must be provided with a high quality of
street lighting.

Landscape Installation

MINIMUM ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT DUE TO SURGE IN TRAVEL DEMANDS

Kajang already face many problems related to unmanaged urbanization such as pollution, weak
sewerage infrastructure, inadequate water supply, waste disposal, high crime rates, traffic
congestion and others We have to balance the development and environment when we develop
our city to make it sustain, healthy and safe. Travel demands in the city are related to transport.
Transport has significant effects on the built and natural environment, and then effects on
humans lives. The environmental aspects of transport sustainability are concerned with the
atmospheric and noice pollution, resource use, effects of waste disposal on the natural
environment and effects on human, flora also fauna.
Technology: New fuels and vehicles
The use of new technology is often as a way to continue our current travel demands while
reducing environmental impact. The focus is on to move from a system based on fossil fuels to
one based on hydrogen or fuel cells. The development of new generation of propulsion systems
for all vehicles and modes involves the introduction of better materials and better understanding
of combustion and flow phenomena. This can result in lower emissions and less fuel
consumption, as well as less vibration and external noise.
Therefore, electric bicycles and scooters can be proposed and used in the urban transport,
whether from users, general public or local authorities. It can be developed in Kajang town since
it gives less environmental impacts. Besides, the fully-automated personal rapid transit and
cybernetic transport systems offer significant direct energy savings and reduction of
environmental pollution. They can emit very low noice and vibration and no local emissions, in
addition of reducing the cars and conventional public transport.

Electric Bicycle

Bus with Hybrid Technology

Changing Behavior: Supportive Measures

Continued use of integrated land-use and transport planning is required in order to encourage
development in a way that is most amenable to the use of public transport, walking and cycling.
Car sharing or car-pooling are amongst the most attractive options for better vehicle utilisation.
Car sharing is helping to reduce the number of cars on the road. This means fewer CO2
emissions are polluting the air, and youre reducing your personal carbon footprint. Car sharing

also helps people make greener transportation choices, since being a member means you dont
have to keep a car in your driveway.
Car sharing is popular in cities around the world because it is cost-effective for members and it
benefits our environment. Sharing cars reduces demand for new cars and encourages more
sustainable travel patterns, as members use public transport and walk and cycle more than people
who don't share a car. Car share users are charged by time and distance, at a rate set by each
operator. Costs associated with fuel, vehicle maintenance and insurance are usually included in
the operator's hire fees. Car booking can be done through call or online system .Various mobile
points are available where the booked car can be collected from the nearest station.
It is important to improve access to public transport, provide enhanced safety and security,
introduce attractive integrated fares and ticketing systems and to create bus lanes, park and ride
facilities and improved multimodal nodes in order to improve public transport use. In addition,
public transport service quality must be constantly monitored and maintained. Information
offices, real-time public transport information systems and trip-planning tools on the web can all
help boost patronage, and marketing activities have been shown to be an effective way of
changing peoples behaviour and encouraging them to choose public transport.

Integrated Ticketing System

Kajang Local Plan will introduce initiatives to make cycling an attractive alternative even over
longer distances, by marketing cycling, extending their cycling networks and equipping tram and
bus stops and metro stations with bike and ride facilities. Internet-based walking and cycling
route finders can be made available. Kajang Local Plan also includes implementation car-free
zones at the main area of Kajang which also encourage walking and cycling. There is considered
to be great potential for transfer of lessons learnt and best practice in many other cities.

Car-Free-Zone
Recommendations of Kajang Local Plan include better cycle parking and security and insurance
arrangements and better promotion of walking and cycling, including the focusing of marketing
efforts on major employers and large establishments such as schools, colleges frequented by
younger people whose travel habits can be influenced for the longer term. Appointment of a
pedestrian and cycling officer is a useful way of advocating and promoting change, and
incentives such as Car-Free Days can be adopted. It may also be necessary to enforce reduced
car speed limits to encourage walking and cycling. Car sharing also can be used as a tool for
sustainable and energy efficient urban development. It is environmentally friendly modes of
transportation.

Car Sharing(Using one instead of owning one)

DEVELOPMENT ACCESS: PEDESTRIANS, DISABLED PEOPLE, CYLISTS, PUBLIC

TRANSPORT, PRIVATE TRANSPORT
Collective Transport (Public Transport)
Easy interchange between different Public Transport modes

Buses
Bicycle
Taxi

a) Cycling Individual Transport Modes

The bicycle is the ultimate zero-emission-vehicle

cycle streets with priority for cyclists

Provides layers, well defined signs for people with a visual impairment

Infrastructure

Cycle parking with good bicycle racks (decentralised~ 2500 racks inner city

On-street bike racks

PARKING
Interlock concrete paver parking
An interlocking concrete paver is a type of paver. This special type of paver, also known as a
segmental paver, has emerged over the last couple of decades in the United States as a very
popular alternative to brick, clay or concrete.
Superior physical properties of pavers provide longer pavement life, reduced maintenance costs
and extend the replacement cycle while conserving the use of raw materials. Concrete pavers
improve the quality of life for an environment and its users and it provide sustainable ecological
solutions proven to last.
It also provides to effectively store and treat storm water runoff. The structure of a permeable
pavement system provides a base and sub base to store runoff. They effectively trap suspended
solids, process nutrients and oils and can immobilize heavy metals.

Interlock Concrete Paver Parking

Advantages of interlock parking

A large variety of paving styles

Multitude of color possibilities

Create your own design

Low cost, low maintenance

30 year + life expectancy

No cracking

3 times stronger than poured concrete

Pavers move with soil conditions

Bike Parking
Bicycle parking involves the infrastructure and equipment (bike racks, bicycle locks etc.) to
enable secure and convenient parking of bicycles. Arrangements for this include lockers, racks,
manned or unmanned bicycle parking stations including automated facilities, roofs for
weatherproofing, as well as specific legal arrangements for ad hoc parking alongside railings and
other street furniture.
Bicycle parking is an important part of cycling infrastructure and as such is studied in the
discipline of Bicycle transportation engineering. In most of the United States, bicycle parking
facilities are scarce, or are so inadequate that nearby trees or parking meters are used. The
Netherlands, where bicycles are much in use, has two-tiered bicycle racks giving high density
(the handlebars overlap, often causing damage) and security (the bicycle is held well and is easy
to lock).

Sections of existing car parks can often be retrofitted as cycle parking, offering
advantages of location, cover and security and parking for more people.

Town planning policies and regulations are increasingly requiring provision for bicycle
parking in new developments, in addition to car parking.

Secure bicycle parking is argued to be a key factor influencing the decision to cycle. To
be considered secure, the parking must be of a suitable design: allowing the bicycle to be
locked via the frame (see bicycle parking rack).

Storage rooms or bicycle lockers may also be provided. In some cases large
concentrations of bike parking may be more appropriate, sometimes being supervised and
sometimes charging a fee.

Bicycle Parking

Solar Parking
Solar parking canopies are setting the standard for elevated solar power systems. Ideal for
parking lots or open areas adjacent to facilities, these solar PV parking structures generate on-site
solar electric power, reduce energy costs and provide premium shading with protection from the
weather. This product is adaptable by design, accommodating unique property lines and differing
topography contours. Each system is individually engineered to optimize energy output in
available space, thereby maximizing your return on investment.

Automated multi-level parking

A multi-storey car park (also called a parking garage, parking structure, parking ramp, parkade,
parking building, parking deck or indoor parking) is a building designed for car parking and
where there are a number of floors or levels on which parking takes place. It is essentially a
stacked car park.
Advantages of multi-level parking

Optimal utilization of space

Lower maintenance and operational cost

Lower construction cost

Minimal land use

Secure and environmental-friendly nature

OVERALL DESIGN CONTEXT

Relocation of Metro Kajang
In accordance to the old town concept, it was proposed that the existing metro Kajang shopping
mall to be relocated to the inner city and the original location is to be transformed into a
recreational park. The location is fairly strategic as welcoming gateway to Kajang. Furthermore,
the park will be facing the Langat River and can be integrated to the proposed riverfront project
Transforming the Kajang Old Town
The plan is aimed to transform the dull Kajang Old Twon into more livable and cultural town. In
achieving that, few steps are proposed in the following section.
Transportation
The future Kajang old town aims to have limited number of transportation mode that only will
include mainly public transportation (busses) and bicycle with a small number of private vehicle
such as motorcycle and cars. To encourage public in using bus as main mode of transportation to
and within the old town Kajang, a new plan of routes that provide best accessibility will be
introduced.
Naked Street concept
The practical application of a naked street involves the removal of all hard safety measures,
including safety barriers, traffic lights, warning signs, speed humps, pedestrian crossings and
road markings. These are all replaced with road surfaces that do not clearly distinguish between
vehicle and pedestrian space, ambiguity in defining traffic rules, and a street environment that
fosters eye contact and human interaction. This concept has proven to reduce traffic congestion
and increase its safety. The replacement of existing asphalt pavement to permeable interlocking
pavers will in turn benefit the city in term of flood mitigation measures as well as increasing the
citys aesthetical values.

Naked Street shared space concept application in London

Landscape
In addition to the proposed park to replace the existing Metro Kajang, the overall look of the city
needs to be improved by planting more trees especially along the street to provide shade and
cools down the ambience to provide public comfort and at the same time encourage public to
travel by foot within the city.

Use of shading trees in Serbia

Riverfront Project
Kajang Old Town is strategically located facing the Langat River and that allow an increment in
the aesthetics value by including the river in its landscape. For that a riverfront enhancement is
proposed including construction of parks along the riverside ranging from location A to B (from
Figure 3). Some of its designated function is to provide a space for leisure activities as well as
connector of both locations. This project is believed to bring many other potential benefits to
come including improve in economical and tourism activities
Masjid Centered Concept
It was proposed that Masjid Jamek Kajang to be developed to cover wider range of activities.
The new proposed mosque shall serves as a place where Muslims can come together for prayer
as well as a centre for information, education and dispute settlement. Masjid Jamek Kajang will
be surrounded with new business center and planned residential areas so that it will stimulate a
more effective economic growth. Preserving its original architecture as it represent the identity of
Kajang, addition of water feature facing the mosque is proposed to increase its aesthetical values.
Centre of Trading and Economic Activities
Any future development involving office building, convention centers and modern facilities will
be located at this site. As the location offers wider available land, it can accommodate the growth
rate of the city without causing trouble to the existing activities going on in the city.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Promote natural surveillance
In promoting natural surveillance, it is crucial to provide surroundings that facilitate the activity
to actually take place. For that the plan will include more open space and reduce as much private
or secluded area that allow unwanted event to happen. As for night time, most area will be
provided with proper street lighting and authorities will be responsible in maintaining the natural
surveillance-friendly atmosphere.
Safety Patrolling
Safety patrolling will include patrolling by police, authorities and the local (Rukun Tetangga).
The patrolling activity was intended to provide public soundness and reduce crime rate in the
city.
CCTV Installation at Crime-Prone Area
CCTV installation is one of the popular measure in increasing safety level in a particular place.
As step to ensure the public safety, CCTVs will be installed in general and especially in areas
that are hard to be seen. A special set of rule of CCTV installation in premises according to its
situations will also be introduced.

LANDSCAPE AND BIODIVERSITY

Muller et al. (2010) defines the urban biodiversity as the variety and richness of living
organisms including genetic variation and habitat diversity found in and on the edge of human
settlements.
Nonetheless, urbanization can bring negative ecological impact on environment such as
fragmentation of open and natural areas, degradation of water resources, loss of free natural
services (Benedict & Macmahon 2002), alteration of habitat, loss and dismemberment of natural
vegetation and the creation of novel habitat types (Tratalos et al. 2007). These rapid changes
cause concerns about the future of life in Kajang city. Therefore, sustainable approach towards
use of the earths natural resources and biodiversity in urban area become vital to ensure the next
generations life.
A landscape design for future Kajang is proposed to be implemented in a proper sequence
namely; (1) select land cover data and decide which land cover classes constitute unaltered or
altered land covers; (2) list the constraints on land use planning (e.g., economic, social) that exist
for the landscape; (3) maximize the total amount and diversity of unaltered land cover, especially
near water; (4) minimize human disturbance within altered land cover, especially near water; and
(5) aggregate altered land covers associated with high-intensity land uses, especially away from
water.
Aimed to achieve the goals mentioned above, the following approach is taken into
consideration:

Rising awareness of environmental issues and importance of urban biodiversity

Publics cooperation plays important role in achieving the goal of protecting the urban
biodiversity. Therefore awareness campaign will be a part of the actions to be taken in
order to ensure every member of the society is well-educated about the problem and how
big the role they play in protecting the environment.
Natural areas protection and management

An example of waterways in urban areas as

opportunity for promoting biodiversity

The Langat rivers and other waterways as natural corridors in Kajang city are another
opportunities for promoting biodiversity. A special management scheme will be
implemented as it possess high potential to bring an improvement in biodiversity not only
in the habitats beside the land but also can have positive effects on the proliferation of
aquatic species.In addition to urban corridors, urban landscape consists of natural areas
covered by local species of plants. These plants constitute habitats for many other animal
species. Therefore, protecting these natural areas inside the cities, results many benefits
especially those influencing biodiversity. They also help preservation of local habitats
and species that are in peril of extinction. Beyond supporting a variety of species and
habitats, other advantages of protecting natural areas in cities are contributing the
essential services including water filtration and absorption, nutrient cycling, air filtration
that can improve biodiversity indirectly.
Increase number of green open public areas
Open public areas inside the cities have potential for improving biodiversity as well by
providing life habitats for many plant and animal species. These areas includes; parks and
public gardens, outdoor sports activity areas, playground, squares, hobby gardens and
urban farms are well-designed and managed.
Design a green garden for each residential area
According to Savard (1978), well vegetated residential areas can establish aerial corridors
through their tree canopy. These areas are beneficial for migrating birds which use them
extensively as they provide food and protection against aerial predators. Apart from
preserving and linking of existing green spaces, creating new green spaces inside the
cities is essential to complete green network and sustainable urban development (Hagen
& Stiles, 2010).

Green garden in residential area

Utilize unused land and brownfields sites within Kajang

Unused land and brownfield sites are the other parts of urban landscape structure that can
have significant role on rehabilitating the urban natural biodiversity. One example for
unused land within Kajang city is its railways. Railway sidings with vegetation can
connect different green spaces within Kajang city and play as a network enhancing

habitat for biodiversity as well as improving its capacity to provide ecosystem services.
They also can connect Kajang city to the surroundings area and facilitate the movement
of different species of insects and animals depending to the plant species.
An example for brownfield is unused industrial areas. Therefore, identifying these areas
and investigating their potential for improving urban green space will have significant
role in increasing urban biodiversity (Haas & Schetke 2010). These areas can be turned to
man-made parks that have positive impact on urban biodiversity as well as natural
vegetation.

Example of industrial area transformation in

Duisburg, Germany

Make use of the citys constructional elements

Constructional elements in cities can provide opportunities for promoting urban
biodiversity. The identified constructional elements that can be utilized for this purpose
are:
o Walls are one of these noticeable constructional elements in cities that can support
biodiversity and provide other environmental benefits as well. As a result of
population growth and decrease in land area available for urbanization, the
vertical dimension in urban areas expanded. In general three types of walls in
urban area can be observed; free standing (boundary) walls, buildings walls and
retaining walls. Different vascular plant species have the ability to grow on these
types of walls. Most of the studies on walls vegetation have focused on old walls
maintaining an interesting flora, sufficient to attract some initial botanical
attention. As a result, some walls are identified as worthy of conservation because
they have some biodiversity value as well as historical and cultural value
(Darlington, 1981; Gilbert, 1992; Jim and Chen, 2010; Francis 2010).
o Roofs can be utilized for this purpose by implementing the Green Roof concept.
Green roofs can sustain a variety of plants and invertebrates, and provide a habitat
for various bird species. By acting as a stepping stone habitat for migrating
species they can link species together that would otherwise be fragmented. Green

roofs can also help reduce the distribution of dust and particulate matter
throughout the city, as well as the production of smog. This can play a role in
reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting Kajang urban areas to the
increasing effect of climate change.

Green wall and roof

Green wall and roof

The positive impact of the measures are:

Moderation of Urban Heat Island Effect

Through the daily dew and evaporation cycle, plants on vertical and horizontal surfaces
are able to cool Kajang city during the days and reduce the Urban Heat Island (UHI)
effect. The light absorbed by vegetation would otherwise be converted into heat energy.
Increased Biodiversity
Increasing biodiversity can positively affect three realms:
o Ecosystem: Diverse ecosystems are better able to maintain high levels of
productivity during periods of environmental variation than those with fewer
species.
o Economic: Stabilized ecosystems ensure the delivery of ecological goods (e.g.
food, construction materials, and medicinal plants) and services (e.g. maintain
hydrological cycles, cleanse water and air, and store and cycle nutrients).
o Social: Visual and environmental diversity can have positive impacts on
community and psychological well-being

RENEWABLE ENERGY
Renewable energy is energy which can be obtained from natural resources that can be constantly
replenished. Renewable energy generated from natural resources such as wind, sunlight, rain and
geothermal heat. In 2006, about only 18% of global find energy consumption comes from
renewable. Of course the new development of Kajang brings re-construct of a commercial and
residential buildings. The construction of the new buildings and houses in new Kajang city will
use the energy efficiency concept as in EU practices:

Large windows to let in sufficient daylight, high ceiling for better air circulation and
optimized layout to make the best use of available space.
Situate the house to take advantage of prevailing breezes. Not only these breezes valuable
for cross-ventilation in the house, but they can make screened-in rooms and porches more
comfortable.
Installation of solar panel in every new building constructed.

Example of large windows to let natural sunlight that can be implemented in residential houses.

Solar Energy will be installed at new commercial and residential buildings.

Sustainable buildings improve lives by providing healthier environments to the use of energy
efficient mechanical systems. The construction of these buildings should also practice
sustainable working environment that minimize the effects of construction to the public.
Strategies include by using the materials and systems that simplify and reduce maintenance
requirements, require less water and energy, power saving energy bulb, minimal or toxic free,
cost-effective and reduce life-cycle costs.
For example we can use compact fluorescent lamp (CFLs) to replace the lamp for entire
building. CFLs use roughly 1/4 as much energy as incandescent bulbs. This means that you can
light a 60 watt fixture using as little as 13 watts of electricity. Lighting accounts for about 15%
of total residential energy consumption, and 23% of commercial consumption, so making some
updates can really reduce your energy consumption in a meaningful way. Roughly, 70% of
electricity is generated using fossil fuels (natural gas, coal, petroleum). Only 7% is generated
from renewable sources such as hydroelectric, wind, and solar. This means that your decision to
reduce consumption in your home or business has a real impact on the environment. It only takes
one CFL in each Kajang household to save enough energy to light more than 50 thousands
homes for a year, save about $700 million in annual energy costs, and prevent 9 billion pounds
of greenhouse gas emissions per year, equivalent to the emissions of about 800,000 cars.

Example of CFLs

AIR QUALITY
The term "air quality means the state of the air around us. Good air quality refers to clean, clear,
unpolluted air. Clean air is essential to maintaining the delicate balance of life on this planet. Not
just for humans, but wildlife, vegetation, water and soil. Poor air quality is a result of a number
of factors, including emissions from various sources, both natural and human-caused. Poor air
quality occurs when pollutants reach high enough concentrations to endanger human health
and/or the environment. Our everyday choices, such as driving cars and burning wood, can have
a significant impact on air quality. Reducing air pollution will improve the quality of life for
everyone. Reducing air pollution often means using less fuel and energy which indirectly save
money. The main source of pollution in the Kajang city centre is from road traffic. By using
public transportations, sustainable house system and providing more green areas, it could help in
improving the state of air quality in Kajang city centre.

Cycling in the town

Contrary to popular belief, indoor air quality can actually be more polluted than outdoors.
Pollutants range from toxins, such as asbestos and formaldehyde found in building materials to
allergens such as mold, mildew, fungus, bacteria, and dust mites. The negative effects of these
pollutants may cause health problems upon initial exposure or even many years later. However,
there are several measures that can be taken to improve the indoor air quality:

Choose ventilation system that removes dirt, dust, moisture, humidity, and pollutants.
Select materials, such as those without formaldehyde, limit off-gassing, have minimal or
no toxic properties and do not shed dust or fibre.
Use the exhaust fan over the stove to remove gases like carbon monoxide.
Use fans in the bathroom to remove water vapours that can cause molds to grow.

Planting more trees around houses

WATER QUALITY AND DRAINAGE

Storm water runoff is excess precipitation that flows into water bodies and local storm sewer
systems largely due to the prevalence of hard surfaces, such as impervious concrete. It is a large
quantity of water that would ordinarily be absorbed into the ground in the natural environment.
Storm water runoff collects pollutants, chemicals and debris as it flows over paved surfaces and
into water bodies. It also causes erosion, decreases groundwater recharge and alters aquatic
environments. By practicing rain water harvesting system for every house and offices, the storm
water can be used for flushing toilets and watering plant.

Integrate the infrastructure with green environment to reduce storm water run off

There will be no open channelled drainage in the proposed development. For landscaping
purposes, swale or Mulden Rigolen system will be used throughout the new development of
Kajang where the rainwater is channelled into the grassed-over hollow as in figure 17 and 18.
The water seeps into the gravel-filled underground storage basin beneath. Furthermore, rain
garden is also proposed to be constructed at the intersection of every swale. A rain garden is a
garden which takes advantage of rainfall and storm water runoff in its design with selected types
of plants. Usually, it is a small garden which is designed to withstand the extremes of moisture
and concentrations of nutrients, particularly Nitrogen and Phosphorus that are usually found in
storm water runoff. Most of the examples of rain gardens that are available to review are
populated with either herbaceous perennials, woody shrubs or trees. This does not mean that
annuals are not a possible choice for such gardens rather it means that the gardens constructed
have been designed for habitat and low maintenance goals rather than purely seasonal aesthetics
and colour effects. Some annuals are good candidates for a higher maintenance version of a rain
garden

CONCLUSION
In conclusion, in order for Kajang to be developed in a sustainable manner, there are many
factors should be taken into consideration. This include financial, national policies, environmenta
impacts, and last but most importantly, sensitivity of the local resident of Kajang. A
redevelopment of a city could be an extremely challenging process as a whole. But with adequate
measures and cooperation from each members of the community ranging from the residents to
the local government accompanied with positive thinking, a whole new Kajang that is liveable
and sustainable is merely an impossible idea.