Roles of implementers in successful urban design policy implementation

Hussin, Natasha Azim and Mohd. Hussain, Mohd. Ramzi (2025) Roles of implementers in successful urban design policy implementation. Semarak International Journal of Design, Built Environment and Sustainability, 5 (1). pp. 12-22. E-ISSN 3083-9025

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Abstract

Urban Design Policies (UDPs) are essential instruments for shaping the spatial form, functionality and identity of contemporary cities. In Malaysia, particularly in Kuala Lumpur, UDPs have been introduced to enhance liveability, sustainability and city competitiveness. Despite well formulated policies such as the Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan 2020 (KLSP2020) in year 2004 and the Urban Design Guidelines for Kuala Lumpur City Centre (UDGKLCC) in year 2014, implementation outcomes remain inconsistent. This study examines the roles of implementers as a critical success factor in Urban Design Policy implementation, focusing on how their characteristics, behavior, and institutional context influence policy outcomes. The findings indicate that the success of UDP implementation depends largely on the competence, motivation and coordination of implementers rather than policy design alone. Eleven implementer-related factors were identified as critical: awareness, knowledge, understanding, commitment, attitude, skills, leadership, competence, dedication, ownership and willingness to act. Weak coordination, limited understanding and insufficient technical capacity were found to be the main barriers contributing to uneven implementation across city zones. The study highlights that implementers are the pivotal link between policy intention and practical outcomes. Strengthening their technical capability, professional commitment and organizational support is essential to enhance the effectiveness of urban design governance. By empowering implementers, local authorities such as Kuala Lumpur City Hall (KLCH) can promote policy consistency, ensure better design quality, and advance the long-term vision of a sustainable, inclusive, and livable Kuala Lumpur

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Urban Design Policy (UDP), Policy Implementation, Implementer Factors, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (KLCH), Urban Governance, Policy Effectiveness
Subjects:	BPG Islamic geography > BPG113 Environmental ethics/responsibility. Sustainable living. BPN Islamic art and architecture > BPN66.5 Islam and architecture. Sustainable architecture. G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences > GE196 Sustainable living H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) > H96 Public policy (General), Policy sciences H Social Sciences > HM Sociology > HM711 Groups and organizations H Social Sciences > HT Communities. Classes. Races > HT101 Urban groups. The city. Urban sociology H Social Sciences > HT Communities. Classes. Races > HT241 Urban ecology. Sustainable urban development H Social Sciences > HT Communities. Classes. Races > HT51 Human settlements. Communities N Fine Arts > NA Architecture > NA2542.36 Sustainable architecture N Fine Arts > NA Architecture > NA2835 Details and decoration N Fine Arts > NA Architecture > NA9000 Aesthetics of cities. City planning and beautifying N Fine Arts > NA Architecture > NA9000 Aesthetics of cities. City planning and beautifying > NA9053.R4 City planning N Fine Arts > NA Architecture > NA9000 Aesthetics of cities. City planning and beautifying > NA9080 Urban planners N Fine Arts > Islamic art and architecture > Architectural components
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Architecture and Environmental Design > Department of Landscape Architecture
Depositing User:	Dr Mohd Ramzi Mohd Hussain
Date Deposited:	15 Dec 2025 12:13
Last Modified:	15 Dec 2025 12:13
Queue Number:	2025-12-Q613
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/125310

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