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Urban heat islands (UHIs) are negatively impacting the quality of the urban environment and outdoor thermal comfort (OTC) levels, which have raised concerns regarding their impact on urban health and well-being. Understanding of OTC level is crucial, particularly in tropical cities with year-round high temperatures and humidity. A study was conducted in Kuala Lumpur (KL), Malaysia, to determine the OTC level in a selected urban area through microclimate measurements and questionnaire surveys with 1157 respondents. Over half of the urban dwellers reported thermal discomfort, with a high perceived OTC level, indicating strong thermal adaptive behaviours among the urban dwellers despite the physiological stress. Confounding factors such as urban morphology, land cover and human activity patterns also influence the OTC level in the tropical city. The findings emphasize the need for interventions to improve the urban environment and promote better outdoor thermal comfort for city dwellers through measures such as green infrastructure, UHI mitigation and increasing public awareness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to provide evidence regarding the health effects of urban heat island (UHI) in Kuala Lumpur city, as well as its associated contributing factors. A total of 1050 working community in Kuala Lumpur responded to the survey. Rating the total adverse health experiences with scores ranging from 0 to 14, the median rating was 11 [interquartile range (IQR) 5–11]. Multivariate analysis revealed significantly higher odds of total adverse health experience score (Odds Ratio [OR] = 18.297; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 11.627–28.794) were reported among participants with scores for measures to reduce UHI of 0–13 than for those with scores of 14–23. Duration of working in the city, and being in high-rise and high-density buildings were among other significant factors that also contribute to adverse health experiences. The study found a lack of shaded lanes in active transport promotion, green vegetation, and lack used of appropriate building materials to reduce UHI. There is a strong association between adverse health effects of UHI and low measures to reduce UHI effects. Our study contributes useful empirical insights of the importance of undertaking UHI control measures and introducing vegetation in cities, which should be included in the strategic plan to address urban heat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To explore university students' understanding on sexual abuse and their perceptions on sexual abuse victims. Methods A total of 14 focus group discussions were conducted and stratified into three different ethnic groups (Malay, Chinese and Indian). Participants were female undergraduate students ( n  = 75) from a public university in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Results Findings revealed ethnic variations in the understanding of sexual abuse. Although many considered sexual abuse to necessarily involve sexual intercourse, Chinese and Indians had a better understanding and were more broad minded towards what constituted sexual abuse. Malay participants were more conservative and emphasized on relifious ways to define sexual abuse. Majority of participants considered that females and children are more likely to be victim of sexual abuse. A person's improper dress code, being too attractive in appearance, mixing with the opposite sex, lack of awareness, disabilities, environmental and family factors predisposes a person to sexual abuse. Conclusion There were ethnic disparities in understanding the meaning of sexual abuse and perception of sexual abuse victim. Malays held more conservative opinions compared to Chinese and Indians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]