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Research on pedestrian crossing behaviour in urban areas is extensive and has contributed to very useful insights into the role of road, traffic and pedestrian characteristics on the crossing decisions of pedestrians, their compliance with traffic rules and the related safety. However, human factors are rarely incorporated in pedestrian crossing behaviour research. The objective of this research is to analyse the development of pedestrian crossing choice models on the basis of road traffic and human factors. For that purpose, a questionnaire was distributed to 663 respondents among pedestrians in the Shah Alam district. The respondents were asked to fill in a questionnaire about their travel motivations, ability characteristics, risk perceptions and preferences with respect to walking and road crossing, as well as their opinion on drivers, etc. From the modelling analysis, the results showed that there is a significant relationship between Human Factor and Crossing Behaviour; there were two components of Human Factor that influenced pedestrian crossing behaviour to emerge, namely a “risk-taker” and a “rule-follower”. Based on ‘path coefficient’ of Human Factor analysis, this study concludes that a ‘risk-taker’ component contributed more to Crossing Behaviour. The findings of this research can be used to evaluate the implementation of new pedestrian crossings and a redesign of existing pedestrian crossing environments.

The building plan approval involved with regulations, laws and guidelines to ensure systematic and orderly development. The growth in construction activities in Malaysia since the 1980’s has given rise to the need for more statutory controls in obtaining permissions from the relevant authorities to initiate and to construct a facility and upon its completion to occupy and use the completed facility. The understanding of building plan process is important to understand whether the development follows the building regulations. Thus, the construction failures can be limited. Nevertheless, little is known about the effectiveness of building plan process in the local authority though the enhancement of mechanism delivery system of the process known as One Stop Centre (OSC) has been established. The study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of building plan approval process in Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ). Forty-seven (47) questionnaires survey has been distributed to respondents from the MPSJ's internal technical departments. Most of the respondents felt that the ineffectiveness of the building plan approval process was due to the incomplete documents submitted to the OSC, lack of knowledge among the Principal Submitting Person (PSP) and the incapability of staffs in handling development applications. The findings present a synthesis of results for town planners, architects, developers and government agencies to have a better understanding of how the effective and efficient building plan process can rationalize the success of property development sector in Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Low Carbon City (LCC) concept has been introduced previously in Malaysian urban development and practice. Through the Low Carbon Cities Framework (LCCF), the Malaysian government has accordingly delineated local authorities' targets for achieving zero carbon status. However, to achieve smooth governance of LCC delivery, it is essential to ensure that institutional approaches are well-practised and administered. Nevertheless, what are the key elements that can be a guide for LCC governance in local government? Thus, this paper aims to establish the indicators applicable to LCC in governance and practice at local government. This study, therefore, employed a qualitative method with a purposive sampling approach, using the technique of in-depth interviews consisting of three (3) local authorities practising low carbon efforts, and also employed thematic analysis for secondary data. This study showed that LCC governance could be operative considering several important indicators for practice. The findings found that the LCC indicators are substantial for the local authority in delivering LCC initiatives, as well as the challenges faced by the local government in restructuring the institutional framework to achieve better governance practices. The study outcome, therefore, can be a reference to local government when implementing LCC initiatives through a better governance approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]