FINDINGS FROM DATA ANALYSIS

LAND USE 

The highest percentage of land use is residential and the lowest is infrastructure and utilities.

The residential areas are located near public facilities and commercial area. The houses are mostly in good condition.

The place making of the building is well connected to each other and in walking distance (This is for urban design sector).

Waste management is efficient and organized in managing the garbage collection and cleaning up the Kuah town. (This is for facilties & infrastructure sector).

Major point as a community facilities that are playing a role in Kuah town (Zone 1) that serves as the island's main ferry operator. Public facilities are easy to access because of their location. (This is for facilties & infrastructure sector)

The government buildings in Kuah are located near to the main road and near to the  residential, commercial and recreational area. (What's the significance of this?)

WHERE ARE THE REAL FINDINGS FOR LAND USE? 

such as any incompatible land use zoning? illegal uses? improper development growth trends etc etc..

ECONOMIC BASE 

GDP of Kedah is showing a steady increase every year with an average annual growth rate of 4.3%. 

It is found that the service sector is the main economic contributor of Kedah, contributing up to 55% of the economic income of the state.  This is followed by manufacturing, agriculture, construction, mining and quarrying.

Demand for accommodation such as hotels, resorts and homestays in Pekan Kuah is always on the rise due to tourism activities.

Various types of tourist attraction like eco-tourism, adventure tourism or duty-free shopping also are provided for a wide range of tourists. 

The labour force in Kedah is increasing every year with 950,000 workers in 2019.  Labour force in Pekan Kuah is more focus on the private sector and the tourism industries.

The majority of residents living in Pekah Kuah is in the B40 income group, earning below RM3,000 per month.

Unused or uninhabited perfectly good condition commercial building that hinders the flow of currency and economic growth (This is a land use issue)


TOURISM & RECREATION

The tourists and local people demand more attractive tourist destinations and recreation facilities especially along the beaches.

There are two main recreational areas for the local people i.e the CHOGM Park and the Legendary Park.  Eagle Square provides  passive recreational activities for tourists and local residents.

Local tourists arrival in Langkawi are high during the school holidays. Local tourists are more attracted to shopping at the duty-free shops while foreign tourists are more attracted to the beaches especially at Pantai Chenang.  The 2019 LIMA event has brought many tourists to Langkawi.

51.6% of tourists stayed in hotels as compared to apartment that only 1% .

TRANSPORTATION

Lack of public transportation services such as bus for tourists and local residents to travel around Langkawi Island.

There are two problematic junctions that could cause accidents i.e. at Persiaran Putera where the distance between the four roads at the intersections are too far and the junction of Jalan Padang Matsirat and Jalan Ayer Hangat 

The traffic volume in the town center is high, especially in the commercial area, Kuah Jetty and administrative area.  Traffic congestions often occurs along Jalan Dato Syed Omar, Persiaran Putra, Jalan Putra, Persiaran Mutiara, Jalan Ayer Hangat, Jalan Bunga Raya, Jalan Mutiara 2 and Jalan Padang Matsirat.

Parking spaces are not sufficient and there are people who park their cars at the restricted areas.  The lack of parking spaces at Kuah jetty often causes traffic congestion in the surrounding area.

Jalan Ayer Hangat recorded the highest number of accidents followed by Jalan Persiaran Putra, and Langkawi Highway.  Based on our observation and interview from local people, these three roads have the highest incidence because due to the violation the traffic signal, driving exceeding the speed limit and the the condition of the road including road alignment (winding at some sections) and poor road condition (potholes, uneven road surfaces and road cracks).

URBAN DESIGN

The movement pattern in study area are ??? 

Most buildings in Kuah town center has the modern façade and are in good condition. Few buildings along Jalan Mutiara are in poor condition.

There are traditional elements in ??? . The entrance to Pekan Kuah is defined by an archway. Distinct landmark in Pekan Kuah are ???

Softscape in the study area such as palm trees along Jalan ???? created a sense of welcoming to the town. The quality of hardscape and streetscape in study area are in moderate (HOW???) condition .  

SOCIAL ASPECTS AND LIVEABILITY

Based on the projection of community facilities needs, ??? WHAT FACILITES ARE LACKING?  the well-being of consumers in this area in the future. 

The provision of affordable housing in Langkawi and Kuah town is not sufficient  to meet demand of the residents in the area.

The provision of public  transport services is  insufficient (THIS IS TRANSPORT ISSUE) 

There is a need to improve the safety elements in the town center such as ???  in order to reduce crime and ???.


Air quality in Kuah town is satisfactory, but the water quality needs to be improved (HOW??? elaborate)


ISSUES - PLEASE CREATE ANOTHER BLOG POST FOR THIS LIST

1. Pedestrians are not fully connected from place to place

2. Not enough affordable housing

3. Irregular waste disposal system

4. Insufficient provision of public facilities

5. The offer of affordable housing is less encouraging as the development of ordinary terrace housing is more expensive