Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Landfills are often perceived as environmental hazards and eyesores within communities. However, as urban areas continue to expand and land becomes increasingly scarce, there is a growing interest in redeveloping these former landfill sites for alternative uses. This research project aims to explore the concept of ex-landfill redevelopment from a community perspective, focusing on assessing what communities have in mind for the future use of these spaces. The study will utilize a mixed-methods approach, combining surveys, interviews, and focus groups to gather data from residents living near ex-landfill sites. By engaging directly with the community members, the research seeks to understand their perceptions, preferences, and concerns regarding the redevelopment of these areas. The data collected will provide insights into the community's vision for ex-landfill sites and help identify potential uses that align with their needs and desires. Furthermore, the research will examine the factors that influence community preferences for ex-landfill redevelopment, such as environmental concerns, economic benefits, and social impacts. By analyzing these factors, the study aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of the community's priorities and considerations when planning for the future of former landfill sites. In addition, the research will assess the challenges and opportunities associated with ex-landfill redevelopment, including regulatory barriers, land remediation costs, and public acceptance. By identifying these obstacles, the study aims to propose strategies and recommendations to facilitate the successful redevelopment of ex-landfill sites in a way that meets the community's expectations and enhances the overall quality of life in the area. Overall, this research project will contribute to the existing literature on ex-landfill redevelopment by providing valuable insights into the community perspective. By understanding what communities have in mind for these spaces, policymakers, urban planners, and developers can make informed decisions that are responsive to the needs and aspirations of the residents. Ultimately, the goal is to promote sustainable and inclusive redevelopment practices that benefit both the community and the environment.

Thesis Overview

Malaysia, a fast growing developing country is now facing the issue of inadequate urban spaces for futuredevelopment, which leads to the need to redevelop the brownfield, particularly ex-landfills.

A total of 296ex-landfills have been planned to undergo redevelopment by the year 2020. Although there is a policy forex-landfill development, a question arises if the policy reflects the needs of the society as the end-recipient thatdetermines the success of the planned development.

Therefore, this study was carried out to assess what thecommunity has in mind as a way to identify the community needs in ensuring the success of the futuredevelopment of ex-landfill. Based on the objectives to identify the perceptions of the community on (i)ex-landfill issues, (ii) the appropriate type of re-development for the ex-landfills, and (iii) the function of thepublic park in ex-landfills, which have been the main priority of the development type considered by thegovernment, this study produced a priority ranking result that could assist the urban administrator or specificallythe Local Authorities in Malaysia to plan an effective and an acceptable development of the ex-landfill for thebenefits of current and future communities.