FINDINGS FROM ANALYSIS

ISSUE 1: Improper landuse growth trends and physical development caused problems

• Existing development which are concentrated in certain parts of the town could lead to urban sprawl.
• There are two confusing junctions. First is at Persiaran Putera where the distance between four intersections is quite far. Second is the junction of Jalan Padang Matsirat and Jalan Ayer Hangat Both junctions will cause accidents.
• The traffic volume along some roads are the  high, especially at commercial area, Jetty Kuah and administrative area. The roads that are usually congested are Jalan Dato Syed Omar, Persiaran Putra, Jalan Putra, Persiaran Mutiara, Jalan Ayer Hangat, Jalan Bunga Raya, Jalan Mutiara 2 and Jalan Padang Matsirat.

ISSUE 2: Not enough affordable housing for the local people

• The percentage of housing is less than commercial area
• With a high percentage of B40 income group, it is hard for them to afford decent quality housing especially when there is a lack in supply for affordable housing in Pekan Kuah.

ISSUE 3: Illegal activities and the lack of environmental consideration in existing development

• There is an illegal industrial area at zone 2 which operates not according to the local authority's plan. 
• Weaknesses in enforcement contribute to ecosystem destruction.
• Weather problem make it impossible for visitors and tourists to fully enjoy the duty free shopping in Kuah town as well as other attractions in Langkawi such as the beaches, islands and other tourist attractions. 

ISSUE 4: Dilapidated buildings and rundown areas affect the visual quality of the town.

• There are abandoned commercial buildings and buildings in poor-condition that are not used anymore. 
• There are poorly maintained commercial buildings with damages and run-down wall paint .
• A slow economic growth in the region may lead to unused commercial or other buildings that does not generate income for the region.
• The hardscape and streetscape needs upgrading and softscape elements need to be added to provide shades as well as to enhance the aesthetic and visual quality of the town. 
• Archways around the town need to be upgraded in terms of its design and paint colour to be more attractive and create a sense welcoming. 

ISSUE 5:  The need to intensify the tourism sector as it is the main economic contribution to Langkawi and Kuah town.

• There is no special areas reserved for tourists, visitors and the public to study or enjoy the natural flora and fauna.
• The development of tourism infrastructure and facilities had affected the natural environment in the Kuah Town.
• There is a lack of management and poor information around the town center and the tourist attraction areas.

ISSUE 6:  Lack of services and facilities to the public and visitors

• Lack of public transportation such as bus.
• Number of parking lot that has been proposed are not sufficient and cause people to park their car at the restricted area.
• Lack of parking at Jetty Kuah also lead to traffic congestion.
• Hotels, resorts, apartments and chalets is sufficient but there is insufficient parking spaces. 
• Pedestrian walkways are not fully connected and there are cracks on some sections of the pedestrian paths.
• Irregular waste disposal system  such as irregular garbage collection schedules, especially at night market sites
• Insufficient provision of public facilities. Like, educational facilities, health facilities and safety facilities in Kuah Town.