A framework of urban land use planning on healthy lifestyle: a case study of Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Urbanisation has significantly reshaped urban environments, with increasing implications for residents’ health and wellbeing. Urban land use planning plays a critical role in shaping daily lifestyle behaviours by influencing opportunities for physical activity, access to healthy food, and overall neighbourhood liveability. In Malaysia, the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases has highlighted the need to better understand how urban planning decisions contribute to healthy lifestyle outcomes. However, existing studies remain fragmented, often examining physical activity and dietary behaviour separately and with limited integration of specific urban land use planning elements within a comprehensive framework. This study aims to develop an integrated framework of urban land use planning that supports healthy lifestyle outcomes, with a specific focus on physical activity and healthy dietary behaviour among residents of Petaling Jaya, Selangor. A mixed-methods research design was adopted using methodological triangulation. The study was conducted in three phases: identification of framework components through a comprehensive literature review; quantitative data collection via a structured questionnaire survey administered to residents of Petaling Jaya; and expert validation through a semi-structured interview. Field observations, including spatial mapping using IPlanMalaysia and Google Street View as well as on-site surveys, were undertaken to objectively assess neighbourhood urban environment features. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis, while qualitative insights from observation and expert input were used to contextualise and validate the findings. The findings demonstrate that key urban land use planning features particularly the provision, accessibility, convenience, and safety of green spaces, recreational facilities, pedestrian infrastructure, transit stops, and neighbourhood food outlets significantly influence residents’ physical activity participation and dietary behaviour. Supportive and well-connected environments were associated with higher engagement in moderate and vigorous physical activity, while improved access to diverse food outlets facilitated healthier dietary practices. Demographic characteristics such as age, gender, and body mass index were found to moderate the relationship between the urban environment and healthy lifestyle behaviours. Based on these findings, the study proposes a comprehensive framework for urban land use planning in Petaling Jaya that explicitly links planning-related urban environment features to behavioural pathways and healthy lifestyle outcomes. The framework offers both theoretical and practical contributions by providing an evidence-based reference for urban planners, policymakers, and public health practitioners in designing healthier and more liveable urban environments in Malaysia.