Developing guidelines for riverfront developments for Malaysia

Abstract

Rivers and water are important resources for human life, the environment and national development. In Malaysia, the importance of rivers as the focal point of cities was established from the early times of civilisation and will remain so. Population growth, economic growth, urbanisation and increased technology have transformed many Malaysian river systems from water industries into non water industries. Due to these changes, the functions of riverfront areas have also changed and the current pattern of riverfront development in Malaysia now focuses more on mixed-use development and recreation. To date, numbers of riverfront development projects are being developed in Malaysia for recreation, residential and mixed-use. Unfortunately, in most cases, the developments identified are not successful, having cost effects more than their economic value. Example are increases in water pollution indexes and rates of juvenile problems. The focus of this study was to identify the attributes of riverfront development, in order to develop guidelines for riverfront development for Malaysia. The findings of this study were based on interviews conducted with Government officers, Property developers, and the Waterfront community from three case study areas (qualitative phase), and from questionnaires mailed and e-mailed to property development companies listed under Bursa Malaysia (quantitative phase). The findings identified 18 attributes to be used in assisting developers when undertaking riverfront projects in the future. The attributes identified were then recommended to be used as guidelines of best practices of riverfront development in Malaysia.