In the rapidly urbanizing context, community well-being is vital for societal progress. Malaysia's growing urban landscape highlights the interplay between the social environment and urban community well-being. Amidst cultural diversity, where ethnicities converge, understanding the multifaceted social dynamics becomes pivotal. As traditions merge and languages harmonize, the social environment fosters unity and empathy. This study explores nuanced dimensions and their impact on urban well-being. Through an extensive scholarly review, it uncovers connections between sociodemographic, residential attributes, neighborhood dynamics, relationship support, community engagement, safety perceptions, identity, play, design, interaction variety, shared spaces, and outdoor opportunities. These facets shape urban life, influencing interactions and attachment. Malaysia's cultural tapestry emphasizes the social environment's role in harmonizing diverse communities, enhancing well-being, and resilience. Findings inform urban planning, policy-making, and community development, propelling inclusive and harmonious urban communities. Ultimately, this research underscores the social environment's potential as a catalyst for unity, contentment, and well-being in Malaysia's urban areas.
Zhang, Y., Wu, W., He, Q., & Li, C. (2018). Public transport use among the urban and rural elderly in China: Effects of personal, attitudinal, household, social-environment, and built-environment factors. Journal of Transport and Land Use, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.5198/jtlu.2018.978
Chang, J., Lin, Z., Vojnovic, I., Qi, J., Wu, R., & Xie, D. (2023). Social environments still matter: The role of physical and social environments in place attachment in a transitional city, Guangzhou, China. Landscape and Urban Planning, 232, 104680. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2022.104680
Karim, H. A. (2012). Low-Cost Housing Environment: Compromising Quality of Life? Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 35, 44-53. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2012.02.061
Hamid, N. H., Ahmad, A. R. B., & Awang, M. M. (2019). Social Environmental Support Towards Leisure Time Activities Among Multi-Ethnic Youth in Malaysia. In N. Noordin, & N. Ngadnon (Eds.), Sustainable Development and Societal Wellbeing in The Current Technological Era (pp. 300 - 302). Padang: Redwhite Pres.
https://doi.org/10.32698/GCS.01113
Sepahpour, G. Haghighi, S. H. (2017). Children’s Social Interaction and Play Environment: An Approach to User Centred Design. European Online Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, Vol. 6, No.1(s) Special Issue on Economic and Social Progress, ISSN 1805-3602
Ujang, N., Kozlowski, M., and Maulan, S. (2018). "Linking place attachment and social interaction: towards meaningful public places", Journal of Place Management and Development, Vol. 11 No. 1, pp. 115-129. https://doi.org/10.1108/JPMD-01-2017-0012
Aman, M. S. (2005). Leisure Policy In New Zealand and Malaysia: A Comparative Study of Developments In.
Brajsa-Zganec, A., Merkas, M., & Sverko, I. (2011). Quality Of Life and Leisure Activities: How Do Leisure Activities Contribute to Subjective Well-Being? Social Indicators Research, 102(1), 81–91. Https://Doi.Org/10.1007/S11205-010-9724-2
Bronfenbrenner, U. (1989). Ecological Systems Theory. Annals Of Child Development, 6, 187–249.
Trenberth, L. (2005). The Role, Nature and Purpose of Leisure and Its Contribution to Individual Development and Well-Being. British Journal of Guidance & Counselling, 33(1), 1–6. Https://Doi.Org/10.1080/03069880412331335849
