ASSESSING THE SOCIAL VALUES OF HISTORICAL WATERFRONT: A CASE STUDY OF SUNGAI PETANI, KEDAH, MALAYSIA

Abstract

Waterfronts are vibrant areas that are heavily utilised by people with activities in pre-industrial cities. Riverfronts and towns have a tight association during this time frame. As a result, industrial plants were shut down and modes of transportation were altered. In the face of rapid urbanisation and industrialisation in Sungai Petani, Kedah, there is a growing concern that the economic and environmental changes may negatively affect the social values among the community. Overall, this research aims to identify several key areas for the historical waterfront regeneration of Sungai Petani. A social impact assessment was conducted to analyse the social values of the existing waterfront to expand the aspects of social and culture to the planning of urban waterfront regeneration in Sungai Petani. Results of the questionnaire revealed that respondents showed their satisfaction and opinion upon the waterfront element. There are 61.6% proportion of the respondents who consider that the community cohesiveness is the greatest strength of the Sungai Petani’s waterfront. This is followed by cultural vibrancy (47.2%), beautiful streets (40.8%), streets in harmony with nature (28.8%), and beautiful river (12%). At the end of the study, solutions were suggested for the regeneration of historical waterfront and correcting mistakes in existing spaces in light of these determinations.