Influence of Environmental Factors and Heat Island Intensity on Outdoor Thermal Comfort Among Residents in Section 7, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia 10.32526/ennrj/24/20250150
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Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of meteorological factors and urban heat island intensity (UHII) on outdoor thermal stress among residents in Section 7, Shah Alam, Selangor. Meteorological data, including temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed, were collected for Shah Alam from April to September 2024. The UHII was determined by subtracting the surrounding rural temperature from the urban temperature. The physiological equivalent temperature (PET) was calculated using RayMan software, and statistical analyses were conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 28. The UHII in Shah Alam ranged from 0°C to 3.7°C, with a mean of 0.743±0.687°C. The PET analysis indicated that 57.9% of the respondents reported warm perception of their environment (moderate heat stress), with PET values among respondents ranging from 25.90 to 32.00 and a mean of 29.121±1.235. A strong positive correlation was observed between temperature and PET (r=0.835, p=<0.001), as well as a moderate positive correlation between UHII and PET (r=0.404, p=<0.001), while a negative relationship was found between relative humidity and PET (r=-0.579, p=<0.001). Temperature (B=1.160, p=<0.001) and wind speed (B=-0.911, p=<0.001) were significant predictors of PET among residents in Shah Alam. In conclusion, temperature and wind speed significantly influence outdoor thermal comfort in Section 7, Shah Alam. Local authorities should implement mitigation measures such as integrated urban planning, expanded green spaces and infrastructure, and sustainable land use, which can be effective solutions to reduce UHII and air temperature while enhancing wind flow and outdoor thermal comfort in urban areas.
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