Integrating Spatial Intelligence and Public Health Perspectives in Addressing Urban Air Pollution in Malaysia: A GIS-Based Environmental Assessment

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between climate change and respiratory health in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, a rapidly urbanising district facing growing environmental stress from pollution and temperature rise. Climate change, driven by both natural and anthropogenic factors, has intensified urban heat, altered rainfall patterns, and worsened air quality, threatening public health. Using a mixed-methods approach combining field observation, secondary data analysis, and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) mapping, this research examined the interaction between temperature, humidity, and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) with respiratory disease incidence. Data were obtained from the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MET Malaysia), World Air Quality Index (WAQI), and Cheras District Health Office. Results revealed a marked deterioration in air quality between 2021 and 2023, with PM2.5 concentrations rising from 54.68 µg/m³ to 65.34 µg/m³, shifting from “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” to “Unhealthy” levels. Although air pollution worsened, influenza cases dropped from 1,240 (2021) to 32 (2023), likely influenced by post-COVID-19 behavioural changes such as mask usage and hygiene awareness. It should be noted that the 2021 data represent full-year health records, whereas the 2023 data cover only a single epidemiological week. This mismatch limits direct comparability and trend interpretation across years. GIS spatial analysis confirmed that pollution hotspots corresponded with high-density traffic and industrial zones, validating a strong link between air quality and respiratory vulnerability. The findings underscore the urgent need for sustainable urban policies, including stricter emission controls, expansion of urban green zones, and integrated air-health monitoring systems. Ultimately, this study highlights how rapid urban development and inadequate environmental management accelerate respiratory health risks, calling for a shift toward long-term, data-driven climate resilience strategies in Malaysia’s urban planning framework.