Acceptable use of Chinese cemeteries in Kuala Lumpur as perceived by the city's residents
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
11-1-2020
Abstract
While cemeteries represent a part of any society's cultural heritage, their continued existence in urban areas has raised concerns, mainly due to the scarcity of urban land. Referring specifically to the Chinese cemeteries of Kuala Lumpur, this paper explored the perceptions among the local Chinese residents of the possible multidimensional uses of cemeteries for recreational purposes. This issue involves questions of city planning and future land use, urban green purposing and the potential contribution of such land to urban fabric enhancement. Specifically, the authors intended to identify the influence of demographic profile on perceptions in consideration of future planning of cemeteries for recreational purposes. A total of 403 questionnaire samples were collected for analysis. The analysis findings indicated that the possible use of cemeteries for educational purposes was favoured among the respondents in general, with a higher acceptance rate of multiple uses of cemeteries for recreational purposes among younger respondents. Physical design enhancing landscaping, avoiding conflicts overuse, appropriate safety measures and awareness campaigns are all vital if cemeteries are to be promoted for recreational purposes.
Keywords
Land scarcity, Chinese cemeteries, Demographic profile, Recreational purpose, Physical design
Divisions
BuiltEnvironment
Funders
University Malaya Research Grants (RP006D-13HNE),University Malaya Research Grants (RP032C-16HNE)
Publication Title
Urban Forestry & Urban Greening
Volume
55
Publisher
Elsevier GMBH
Publisher Location
HACKERBRUCKE 6, 80335 MUNICH, GERMANY