Purpose: This study examines campus security practices in Malaysian public universities using Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), focusing on how environmental design and organisational culture shape students’ and staff members’ perceptions of safety. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative, exploratory design using Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) across four public universities was employed. Thematic analysis mapped participant insights onto five CPTED components to identify environmental and operational safety gaps. Findings— Results reveal persistent weaknesses in access control, surveillance coverage, patrol visibility, boundary clarity, and environmental maintenance. There is inconsistent safety communication, limited emergency systems, and underdeveloped technological integration. These shortcomings collectively weaken safety culture and heighten perceived vulnerability Practical implications—Universities should enhance surveillance infrastructure, upgrade access-control mechanisms, adopt third-generation CPTED technologies, and strengthen safety communication and enforcement. Originality/value—This study offers one of the first qualitative CPTED-based assessments of Malaysian campuses, providing a comprehensive diagnostic framework for improving campus safety culture and environmental security.
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