Study on unpleasant odour problem at low-cost flats area in Shan Alam / Suraya Yahaya

The main focus of this dissertation is to observe the sources of unpleasant odour at the flats area and study the refuse disposal system and its maintenance that might cause unpleasant odour problem. Besides that, the study also looks at the aspect of occupant behaviour and roles and responsibility of the flats caretaker on this problem. The study was earned out at 5 low-cost flats in Shah Alam that are located at Section 25, Section 28, Section 27, Section 16 and Section U3. The primary search was conducted by distributing questionnaires to 30 occupants at each flats and interviews with each flats caretaker. Observations were also carried out in order to have a clear view of the flats condition and the occupant behaviour in contributing the unpleasant odour. Based on the results of the survey, "it was found out those flats with improper rubbish management facing a serious unpleasant odour problem. From the survey, the highest of the respondents from Flats Section 28 or 40 percent commented that the unpleasant odour is offensive. This is because, 43.33 percent of the respondents of Flats Section 28 cited the rubbish collected only 1 to 3 times a week which it is not an efficient work. Flats Section 25 has a lot of unpleasant odour sources. Causes pf odour determined are mostly from the plentiful rubbish at each flats. Other sources are blockage manhole, blockage waste pipe, dead animal, animal excrement and urine, rear pet, no rubbish bin at Flats Section 28, blockage drainage and sewage treatment that located beside the Section 25 Flat houses. While, flats at Section U3 has less problem with unpleasant odour. Meanwhile, occupant behaviour also contributed to unpleasant odour. Lack of awareness among occupants occurs in taking care of the flats facilities. Moreover, there are some occupants unwilling to pay the maintenance fee, hence, the caretaker cannot perform work well as the budget is not enough to do the maintenance work. Achievement of this study is to make a better environment area with pleasant odour and to reach and maintain a good condition dwellings and neighbourhood.