This study examines strategic human development within the zakat institution of the Islamic Religious Council and Perak Malay Customs (Majlis Agama Islam dan Adat Melayu Perak – MAIPk) in strengthening institutional performance and socio-economic impact. Human development in zakat administration extends beyond operational efficiency and encompasses the cultivation of competent, ethical, and visionary personnel capable of fulfilling the broader mandate of MAIPk in community empowerment. Using a qualitative research design, this study analyses institutional documents, policy frameworks, and semi-structured interviews with key officers of MAIPk to identify the strategic dimensions of human development practices within the organisation. The findings indicate three key strategies: (1) aligning staff competencies with the values of Islamic governance, (2) strengthening leadership and managerial capabilities to support organisational transformation, and (3) integrating professional development training with spiritual and ethical reinforcement. These strategies collectively enhance institutional resilience, promote innovation in zakat distribution, and strengthen public trust in zakat governance. The study proposes that a comprehensive human development model that encompasses spiritual, intellectual, and professional dimensions is essential for sustaining institutional effectiveness in zakat institutions. The findings contribute to the literature on institutional planning and governance by highlighting human development as a strategic driver for organisational effectiveness in zakat institutions in Malaysia.

Streets are vital public spaces that shape the identity and character of towns, especially in historically significant areas like Kuala Kangsar, the royal town of Perak, Malaysia. Yet, modern architecture, unregulated renovations, and vehicular encroachment have altered traditional streetscapes, threatening their cultural and architectural heritage. This study aims to establish physical design parameters to define and preserve street character within Kuala Kangsar’s historic urban fabric. Focusing on Istana, Laksamana, and Shahbandar Streets, it employs a mixed-methods approach: qualitative data from in-depth interviews (n=21), field observations, and archival analysis, and quantitative data from structured questionnaires (n=330). Triangulated analysis identifies two key dimensions shaping street character, appearance and function with buildings and landscape as primary influences. Basic statistical analysis of the survey responses, including descriptive frequency analysis and correlation assessment between building appearance attributes and public perception, was conducted to support the qualitative findings. This paper emphasizes building appearance, highlighting its role through attributes like attractiveness, visibility, and human scale. Findings, validated via expert focus group discussions (n=6), inform nine key design guidelines. The study contributes to urban design theory and policy by promoting heritage-sensitive street development in historic towns.

Road accidents can have a profound and often life-altering impact on the victims involved. Reducing severity due to road accidents is crucial even when the absolute numbers are relatively low. The problem at hand revolves around the need to ascertain the degree of accident severity at locations identified as hotspots, thus requiring focused interventions to improve road safety. This study aims to identify road accidents hotspots of an inter-urban expressway in Malaysia, and to determine the level of accident severity at locations identified as hotspots. This involves visualizing and analyzing the spatial distribution of road accident data to identify the hotspot locations of road accidents along the expressway. The study employed ArcGIS as a platform for data visualization and analysis. The evaluation of accident hotspots by accident severity level was conducted using Kernel Density Estimation (KDE). Learning from each incident and implementing changes can help prevent future accidents. Targeted safety measures and interventions to mitigate the risks associated with specific locations is crucial in reducing the likelihood and severity of accidents.

The rise in Malaysia's ageing population has increased the need for housing environments that can support both ageing in place and multi-generational living. This study aims to assess the reliability of a newly developed framework that focuses on the features of housing environments which contribute to the quality of life for the active ageing community. A pilot study was conducted to assess the internal consistency of the survey instrument, which was developed based on physical and social housing features identified through an in-depth literature review. A total of 31 respondents from different generational groups in Shah Alam participated in the study. The findings showed strong internal reliability across most sub-features, including Accessibility and Walkability, Communal Areas, Assisted Technology Integration, Community Engagement, and Health and Well-Being. However, the Personal Privacy sub-features revealed a lower reliability score. Overall, the results demonstrate the instrument’s potential to guide a better housing design, policy making, and further research in creating inclusive, age-friendly environments that support intergenerational connection and support active ageing.

Traffic activities from a high volume of automobiles are the main cause of urban air quality deterioration that affects public health. This study focuses on the link between socioeconomic status and their perception of the causes of urban traffic pollution from motor vehicles and traffic activities in the equatorial city of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Several statistical techniques, including chi-square and exploratory factor analysis, analyzed the survey data of 200 residents. The results showed more than half of the respondents perceived a basic knowledge of traffic pollution and over 70% were aware of the negative impact of air pollution on human health. However, only 58% of the residents positively identified the technical processes of the sources of traffic pollution. Instead of emissions from motor vehicles, most of the respondents perceived that environmental factors are significant contributors to urban pollution. Furthermore, the residents’ awareness and attitudes towards vehicular traffic pollution are influenced by socioeconomic aspects, such as the level of education, gender, and age. Understanding the impact of socioeconomic status differences among the residents is crucial in addressing the issue of deteriorating urban air quality and reducing the negative impacts faced by vulnerable urban low-income communities.

The Malaysian government has committed unequivocally to achieve zero net carbon emissions by 2050. Construction sector consequently faces challenges in embracing sustainable development with ESG disclosure becomes critical to investors and other stakeholders in making investment decisions to prevent imminent risk. This study analyses the ESG disclosures of 52 construction firms listed on Bursa Malaysia from year 2020 to 2022 by employing a content analysis approach. Utilising a binary scoring system, the analysis assesses the firms' adherence to the three pillars of ESG. The findings reveal a strong emphasis on the social pillar, with health and safety receiving significant weight. Environmental concerns, particularly pollution and resource disclosure are the highest due to strict regulatory oversight. Meanwhile, the governance pillar, anti-corruption emerged as a primary focus reflecting a commitment to maintaining business integrity. These findings assist regulators, investors, and stakeholders in fostering sustainable business practices within Malaysian construction sector.

With the rapid advancement of urbanisation, the digital age’s demands on historic heritage buildings have put pressure on and created challenges for Guangzhou (China)’s historic heritage buildings. This study investigates the adaptive reuse of three key Guangzhou heritage sites, Chen’s Lineage Hall, Sai Kwan Mansion, and Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, to understand their contribution to urban sustainable development and future trends. We evaluate their new uses in modern cities and their comprehensive environmental, economic, and social impacts. Findings indicate that while Guangzhou has progressed in heritage protection and reuse, adaptive adjustments are necessary to meet contemporary demands. The current reuse process, though diverse, lacks international perspectives. This paper recommends policy improvements, drawing lessons from successful international cases like the Tate Modern Museum, and addressing digital age requirements to foster sustainable development of historic heritage buildings. Through strategic planning, Guangzhou’s historic heritage buildings can preserve their historical value, enhance their role in urban development and socio-cultural activities, and boost their social status. Protecting and innovating cultural values will further economically benefit, aiding Guangzhou and other cities in revitalising cultural heritage within a global context, promoting harmonious economic, social, and cultural growth.

The integration of shopping centres with rapid transit stations is a growing trend in urban development. This study examines how proximity to rapid transit affects shopping centre attractiveness in Klang Valley, Malaysia. A mixed-methods approach was adopted. Firstly, spatial analysis was conducted using Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS) to measure distances between rapid transit stations and nearby shopping centres. The analysis identified 54 shopping centres within walking distance of rapid transit stations, with a maximum distance of 636 metres. Secondly, customer satisfaction and preferences were assessed through a structured questionnaire survey, yielding 258 valid responses. Findings indicate that proximity to rapid transit enhances customer satisfaction and influences shopping centre choice. Younger respondents (18–29 years) valued rapid transit mainly for avoiding traffic congestion and parking difficulties, while female respondents placed greater emphasis on transit availability when selecting shopping centres. Cost savings were important across all demographic groups, although carrying purchases remained a key limitation. This study contributes to the literature by offering new insights into how rapid transit proximity shapes shopping centre attractiveness in Malaysian urban context. The findings provide valuable insights for property valuers, shopping centre managers, and leasing professionals, indicating that shopping centres located closer to rapid transit stations benefit from enhanced customer perceptions and overall attractiveness.

The article is devoted to the analysis of sacred spatial planning in early medieval Southern Kazakhstan using the example of the Merke sanctuary complex. The influence of the Tengrian worldview on the architectural organization of ritual spaces reflecting the cosmological principles and social structures of nomadic societies is considered. The research methodology is based on the interpretation of archaeological, topographic, and symbolic data, as well as on the systematization of monuments by architectural features (shape, size, orientation, material). Particular attention is paid to the concept of sacred landscape, the axial and hierarchical organization of objects, as well as their symbolic content. The importance of further study of the Merke complex as a unique element of cultural heritage on the Great Silk Road and a potential UNESCO World Heritage Site is emphasized. In the context of the reviving national identity and priorities voiced in the messages of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, this study actualizes the need to rethink cultural space as a key factor in historical identity.

The built environment sector is highly vulnerable to corruption due to its complex processes, multiple stakeholders, and large financial flows. This study examines the factors and impacts of corruption from the perspective of registered members of professional bodies in the built environment sector in Malaysia. It adopts a quantitative approach where an online survey was distributed among members of the professional bodies, yielding 417 valid responses. Relative Importance Index analyses revealed that the main factors driving corruption are the need “To obtain approval quickly” and “Low ethics and integrity.” Respondents also agreed that “Poor reputation of professional bodies/the sector” and “Non-compliance with standards” as the most significant impacts of corruption. The results also suggest that corruption is less about external pressures and more linked to systemic weaknesses and individual ethical failings. Hence, the study recommends the professional bodies to undertake rigorous awareness campaigns and continuous training for both new and long-serving members, and to adopt Organisation Anti-Corruption Plan as a platform to embed anti-corruption initiatives and integrity values in their organisational culture as well as among members. The study also suggests for a more streamlined and simplified project approval process to reduce corruption risks.