This document summarizes a study on noise pollution and soundscapes in the landscape areas of Cameron Highlands, Malaysia. Noise measurements were taken at three sites in Tanah Rata and two sites in Brinchang during holidays and non-holidays. The results showed that traffic sounds exceeded permissible levels of 55 LAeq at some sites. Characteristics like location, size, landform, vegetation and activities influenced soundscapes. Sites closer to roads and with less vegetation had higher traffic noise. The research aims to improve understanding of how landscape elements impact soundscapes to enhance quality of life.

1. http://susci.um.edu.my/
ABSTRACT
Highland is one of the popular tourist spots as it hold a rich array of natural resources. The
economic and development growth of highlands gave potential effect on surrounding
environment. Noise pollution in developing highland area could interfere the ability to
comprehend the natural and environmental sounds. The soundscape research acquires a more
holistic approach, and has started to be discussed in order to improve the quality of city life.
The research was carried out through a series of field measurement and site observation at
selected landscape areas of Highland environment. The location, size, landform, activities and
landscape elements have significant influence on the soundscape. The results ascertained that
on average the selected landscape areas of highland environment dominated by traffic sound
and exceed the permissible sound level of 55 LAeq. Referring to the Planning Guidelines for
Environmental Noise Limits and Control (2007), the permissible sound level allowed for
suburban residential (medium density) areas, public spaces, parks, and recreational areas
from 0700 to 2200 is 55 LAeq.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This research is funded by University of Malaya Research Grant (UMRG)
project number RP009B-13SUS. The authors are grateful for the cooperation
given by the Cameron Highlands District Council throughout the research
process.
METHODS
Noise measurement was performed according to Planning Guidelines for Environmental Noise
Limit and Control 2007, using class 1 sound level meter (SLM) Cirrus ‘Optimus Green’. One
point of reference was located at each selected landscape areas. SLM attached with wind
protector was placed on a tripod stand at a height of 1.2m above the ground. The parameters
measured were LAeq. Measurements were taken during daytime from 0900 to 1700 (eight
hours) for holidays and non-holidays. Observation of activity, landscape features, as well as
vehicle types and total number that passed through the areas, were identified and recorded.
Site Selection
Noise Assessment
Tanah Rata
OBJECTIVES
• To identify the soundscape and landscape elements
• To investigate the sound level in selected landscape areas
FINDINGS
40
50
60
70
80
0900 1000 1100 1200 1300 1400 1500 1600 1700
Time
Site A
NH
Site B
NH
Site C
NH
A-weightedSound
PressureLevel(L
Aeq
)
40
50
60
70
80
0900 1000 1100 1200 1300 1400 1500 1600 1700
Time
Site A
H
Site B
H
Site C
H
A-weightedSound
PressureLevel(L
Aeq
)
0
2000
4000
6000
8000
10000
12000
14000
Site A Site B Site C
Totalofvehicles
(car,motorcycle,truck,lorry&bus)
12053
10631
11551
12508
10774
12034
Holiday
(H)
Non-Holiday
(NH)
31
2
1SITE A, B & C: LAeq, Daytime Holiday LAeq, Daytime Non-Holiday Total Number of Vehicles2 3
SITE C (TR)
SITE A: Sketch of Section A-A (not to scale)
SITE A: Sketch of Layout Plan (not to scale)
SITE A (TR)
SITE B (TR)
SITE B: Sketch of Layout Plan (not to scale)
SITE C: Sketch of Layout Plan (not to scale)
SITE A: Sketch of Section B-B (not to scale)
SITE B: Sketch of Section A-A (not to scale)
SITE B: Sketch of Section B-B (not to scale)
SITE C: Sketch of Section A-A (not to scale)
SITE C: Sketch of Section B-B (not to scale)
SITE A
Sunken Landscape
Active & Passive Activity
SITE B
Flat Landscape
Passive Activity
SITE C
Undulate Landscape
Passive Activity
40
50
60
70
80
0900 1000 1100 1200 1300 1400 1500 1600 1700
PG & LAisland Holiday (CNY)
TIME
A-weightedSound
PressureLevel(L
Aeq
)
Site E
H
Site D
H4
40
50
60
70
80
0900 1000 1100 1200 1300 1400 1500 1600 1700
PG & LAisland non-holiday
TIME
A-weightedSound
PressureLevel(L
Aeq
)
Site E
NH
Site D
NH5
0
2000
4000
6000
8000
10000
12000
14000
Totalofvehicles
(car,motorcycle,truck,lorry&bus)
Holiday
(H)
Non-Holiday
(NH)
8047
6873
5039
2135
Site A Site B
6
SITE D & E: LAeq, Daytime Holiday LAeq, Daytime Non-Holiday
Total Number of Vehicles
4 5
6
CAMERON HIGHLANDS
(Natural, Cultural, Heritage Values)
TANAH RATA
Largest township. Administrative centre
and tourist main attraction
BRINCHANG
Second largest and highest township.
Dense development.
Green Area
within
township3 Landscape Areas 2 Landscape Areas
PUBLICATIONS
Mastura, E., Hussein, H., & Che Din, N. (2014). Soundscape assessment of
Cameron Highlands Environment for Sustainable Development.
In Conference Proceeding SUDLiC2014, Malaysia.
Che Din, N., Mastura, E., & Hussein, H. (2015). Investigation on the
Soundscape Preference and Perception of Highlands Environment: A
preliminary study. In Conference Proceeding (ICSV22), Florence, Italy.
SITE D
Sunken & Raised Landscape
Active & Passive Activity
SITE E
Flat Landscape
Passive Activity
Sub-Program 2
Landscape Identity of Cameron Highlands Hill Station:
Soundscape
Authors: Engku Mastura Engku Mohd Anuar *, Nazli Che Din * and Hazreena Hussein *
* Department of Architecture, Faculty of Built Environment, University of Malaya
Site B LAeq> Site A & C LAeq. During holiday and non-holiday, on average Site B
LAeq 55 to 70, Site A & C LAeq 50 to 60. Site B with flat landform, least vegetation
and near to primary road and bus/taxi station received high traffic sound
exposure. Traffic sound dominated Site B on holiday and non-holiday. Site A has
bigger land size, various vegetation, active/passive activity and sunken landform
along the primary road, whereas Site C has higher landform, vegetation, passive
activity and it is located further from the primary road. These features decreased
the perceived traffic sound and encourage people to utilize the areas. Traffic and
human sound dominated Site A & C mainly during holiday. Site A > vehicles
during holiday, Site B & C > vehicles during non-holiday.
Site E LAeq> Site D LAeq. On average, Site E LAeq 55
to 70 and Site D LAeq 50 to 60. Site D located further
from main road, near residential areas and provide
active activity (playground). During holiday and non-
holiday, traffic and human sound dominated Site D.
Site E located just next to main road and act as
transition from one space to another. Site is
dominated mainly by traffic sound. Site D & E >
vehicles during holiday.
The location, size, landform, activities and landscape elements have
influence on the soundscape
•Location- in close proximity to main road increase perceived traffic sound.
•Size- bigger land size give more space for various hardscape & softscape.
•Landscape features - sunken or higher landform act as sound barrier. Flat
landform allow higher sound exposure.
•Human activity/hardscape - provision both active and passive activity
encourage people to utilize thus generate human sound.
•Vegetation/softscape - various planting gives shades and attract birds
besides act as sound barrier.
SITE D: Sketch of Section A-A (not to scale)
SITE D: Sketch of Layout Plan (not to scale)
SITE E: Sketch of Layout Plan (not to scale)
SITE D: Sketch of Section B-B (not to scale)
SITE E: Sketch of Section A-A (not to scale)
SITE E: Sketch of Section B-B (not to scale)
Brinchang