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University staff and students typically spend most of their time indoors. This paper evaluates the thermal environment of an air-conditioned scientific laboratory in a tertiary educational institution in Malaysia using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). This computational technique has been used in analysing the indoor environments and has been found to be useful in aiding facilities management. A pilot survey was conducted to collect the required information such as indoor parameters and boundary conditions for the setting up of a CFD model of the laboratory. The model was then simulated based on the data obtained from field observations. Results indicate that the laboratory users sitting at different rows and work desks would experience different thermal sensations. The mean air temperature was below the recommended comfort zone specified in the local energy standard, but the air velocities were generally within the acceptable range. Based on the calculated predicted mean vote (PMV) and predicted percentage dissatisfied (PPD) indices, most of the users would be thermally uncomfortable, and a warmer environment was preferred. Recommendations were made to regulate the inlet air temperature of the laboratory to improve thermal comfort of laboratory users and for energy saving purposes.

Referring to the Malaysian National Security Council, disaster is defined as a catastrophic situation that claimed many lives and caused extensive damage to property and potentially endangers the public peace and security. In Malaysia, there were few natural disaster events that can be said to be among the worst ever in terms of the number of deaths and damages. However, these occurrences were not as severe as overseas. At the end of December 2014, there was a catastrophic flood called as the 'Bah Kuning' was hitting the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It resulted in almost 85% of the total Kuala Krai area inundated by flood water. One of the elements in post-disaster recovery is rebuilding shelter for victims. Regardless, it is important to research on residents’ satisfaction as it will affect the well-being directly or indirectly. Thus, a study was carried out to evaluate the satisfaction of residents (victims) on the “New Permanent Houses” (Rumah Kekal Baharu, RKB) that they received from the redevelopment project. A questionnaire survey was carried out to collect and understand respondents’ satisfaction on the redevelopment of their housing area, in specific, the quality of their newly reconstructed houses and the supporting facilities or infrastructure in their area. From the analysis, it was found that majority of the respondents were satisfied with their newly redeveloped houses and the infrastructure. The satisfaction level was associated with the locational and land ownership factors.