SELECTION CRITERIA WHICH INFLUENCE RESIDENTS' PREFERENCES FOR HYGIENIC INTERIOR FLOOR FINISHES

Authors

  • Nurrajwani Abdul Halim Department of Interior Design Technology, College of Built Environment, UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA, PERAK BRANCH, SERI ISKANDAR CAMPUS, PERAK, MALAYSIA
  • Imaduddin Abdul Halim Department of Building Surveying, Faculty of Built Environment, UNIVERSITI MALAYA, KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA
  • Suwaibatul Islamiah Abdullah Sani Department of Real Estate Management, College of Built Environment, UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA, PERAK BRANCH, SERI ISKANDAR, PERAK, MALAYSIA
  • Norashikin Abdul Karim Department of Interior Design Technology, College of Built Environment, UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA, PERAK BRANCH, SERI ISKANDAR CAMPUS, PERAK, MALAYSIA
  • Afzanizam Muhammad Department of Interior Design Technology, College of Built Environment, UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA, PERAK BRANCH, SERI ISKANDAR CAMPUS, PERAK, MALAYSIA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21837/pm.v23i38.1865

Keywords:

Selection Criteria, Preferences, Interior Floor Finishes

Abstract

This study investigates how Malaysian residents select hygienic interior floor finishes to support sustainable living environments. Recognizing flooring’s impact on health, comfort, and safety particularly in tropical climates prone to moisture and allergens. This research addresses a critical gap in existing literature by examining hygienic material selection in Malaysian residential interiors. Using a Kruskal–Wallis test on data from 314 respondents across 11 residential areas in the Kinta District, the study reveals that residents prioritize durability, ease of maintenance, and hygiene. Materials such as tiles, timber, marble, carpet, mosaic, and vinyl are selected based on performance in specific spaces. Bacteria-resistant marble and dust-free timber are preferred in living areas, while fire-resistant mosaic and vinyl enhance safety. The findings highlight the influence of emotional and functional factors on flooring preferences. This research contributes to sustainable design practices, aligning with Malaysia’s GBI and QLASSIC systems, and adds insights to post-pandemic health-oriented material selection in tropical environments.

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Published

2025-11-26

How to Cite

Abdul Halim, N., Abdul Halim, I., Abdullah Sani, S. I., Abdul Karim, N., & Muhammad, A. (2025). SELECTION CRITERIA WHICH INFLUENCE RESIDENTS’ PREFERENCES FOR HYGIENIC INTERIOR FLOOR FINISHES. PLANNING MALAYSIA, 23(38). https://doi.org/10.21837/pm.v23i38.1865

Issue

Vol. 23 (2025): PLANNING MALAYSIA JOURNAL : Volume 23, Issue 5, 2025

Section

Article

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