Abstract. The study on outdoor comfort is becoming popular due to the fact that the thermoregulatory model is seen as inadequate in explaining outdoor thermal comfort conditions. Hot-humid region can be said as experiencing a critical environmental condition because of its constantly high temperature and humidity throughout the year. Thus, this study focus on the assessment of thermal comfort of outdoor urban spaces in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (3° 9'N and 101° 44'E). Survey on human response towards outdoor thermal comfort in hot-humid climate of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia was carried out during day time between 0900h to 1800h along with measurement of environmental parameters such as air temperature (°C), wind velocity (m/s), radiant temperature (°C), relative humidity (%) and solar radiation (lux). A total of 123 samples were involved in this study which took place within four sites around Kuala Lumpur. Survey results were then correlated with the environmental parameters to further develop the comfort zone for hot-humid outdoor environment specifically for Kuala Lumpur and, generally, for hot-humid regions.

Most developing countries lay close to the equatorial line of tropical climates with their cities experiencing rapid urbanization, population growth and physical change. This accelerates the changes in their urban landscape, which results in, among others things, the urban heat island phenomenon (UHI). The global temperature increment also increases the cooling load and thus more energy is consumed. Attention is given to building design and its technological advancement in energy saving and conservation; not much research is being conducted on the Malaysia's microclimate and the outdoor thermal environment, although they affect the energy consumption of buildings. This paper discusses the approaches adopted in investigating the hot-humid outdoor environment of Malaysia towards understanding how landscape design is affecting the microclimate. Several cases of past research on how ground surfaces affect the adjacent thermal environment, the impact of landscape setting on the microclimate and the influence of the physical dimensions of trees in screening solar radiation are presented. These parameters seem to have a direct influence on the outdoor thermal performance. The findings suggested that the landscape settings influence the microclimate of outdoor spaces, where the high quantity of trees and large tree size seems to lower the ambient temperature. Turfed surfaces seem to lower the ambient temperature compared to tar-mac surfaces. Several recommendations through design initiatives to mitigate the UHI effects in urban areas are made.

Abstract. The success of every housing area is determined by its user satisfaction level, living there. The quality of the house, its spaces within the unit, housing neighbourhood and green open space can directly influence the quality of life. Limitation of space following high land cost in an urban area, evaluation of the housing environment as a whole including the green open space needs to be studied as it affects the residents' satisfaction level. This study concentrates on spaces within a housing area to evaluate the residents' level of satisfaction of the Taman Melati Mastika (TMM), Kuala Lumpur and to understand how they perceived their quality of life through the housing environment and the availability of green open space. Thus, this research was carried out through site observation and analysis, and selfadministered questionnaire survey. 247 questionnaire surveys were distributed to the residents of TMM and (n=62) responded. When focused on the housing unit, this study provides insight on the types of outdoor spaces (front yardfront lane and backyard-back lane) and their elements and utilization, and quality of housing spaces toward users' quality of life in TMM, Kuala Lumpur. On the green open space, the assessment of the quality of life is based on three factors that are the safety level of the neighbourhood and park, health issues related to housing environment and park as well as the satisfaction on the housing amenities and park facilities. The result of this study suggests that the residents are satisfied with the existing spaces within their compound and adjacent to it and this lead towards the overall satisfaction living in the area. The quality of space and good utilisation of housing areas can lead towards a better quality of life in the Terrace housing area is confirmed.

Masjid is an important institution to know Allah SWT, empower, and unite society. Early exposure of children to masjid is crucial as nurturing them to love masjid is a process towards loving the creator, strengthening their faith, and improving akhlaq (behaviour) towards becoming a good Muslim and eventually forming a stable society and nation. However, there have been some negative perceptions on the presence of young children in masjid among the jamaah (congregational members). This discourages families in engaging their young children with masjid as early as possible. Eventually, it would hinder them from learning high values of Islam that would strengthen their faith, shape good character, and akhlaq. This study aims to identify the perception of the parents or guardian that bring children to masjid as well as other jamaah on the presence of children at masjid through a structured questionnaire survey with random sampling approach. Eight masjids within the urban area of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor were involved with the target of fifty respondents each. 55.2% of the 400 respondents were parents/guardians that bring children to the masjid. The findings suggest that respondents welcome the presence of children at masjid asit is deemed suitable as a place for children's education and that masjid should provide educational programmes for them. Crying and playing children seem to distract the jamaah. Hence they feel designated spaces for children is deemed necessary.

Masjid is the symbol of the greatness of Islam. It is the focal point of the life of every muslim. As such, the administration of masjid acts as its backbone and plays a vital role in ensuring the purpose of the masjid is holistic and comprehensive in reaching the community, including the interest of children. Their needs must be fulfilled spiritually, physically, and socially. This study aims to identify the perceptions of the masjid's administrator on children at the masjid. Data were collected through a semi-structured interview. Nine representatives from nine masjids in the Peninsular Malaysia (7 in Kuala Lumpur, 1 in Selangor and 1 in Pahang) were interviewed. The NVivo software was used to analyse the in-depth interview data to explore and understand the issues and challenges of handling the masjid's community socially and physically when it comes to having children at the masjid, as well as initiatives taken by the masjid's administration in accommodating children at the masjid. The findings suggest that the masjid's administrators are optimistic towards the presence of children in the masjid but faced some challenges - physically and socially. Some of the masjids are in the process of realising the children-friendly masjid aspirations. They provide spaces and activities/programmes for children in the masjid. The perception of masjid’s administrator is important to be understood as these are the people responsible in managing and engaging the people with masjid.