Integration of spatial suitability analysis for land use planning in coastal areas; case of Kuala Langat District, Selangor, Malaysia

A systematic approach was used to develop an integrated plan to determine the optimal land use suitability for future sustainable development in the coastal area of the Kuala Langat District, Selangor, Malaysia based on different planning scenarios. Use of the multi criteria evaluation (MCE) especially Analytic Network Process (ANP) allowed for the integration of expert opinion on social, economic and environmental criteria within the planning framework and provided an efficient spatial approach for coastal land use development. Scenario analysis resulted in a series of suitability maps for conservation, tourism, residential and industrial development. Three scenarios addressing economic and social development, environmental conservation and sustainable development were defined and evaluated. Four land uses were considered: namely, residential, conservation, tourism and industry. By evaluating various scenarios, existing plans and guidelines, land availability and current uses, the optimum suitability for coastal land uses towards sustainable development was proposed. However, only one optimal land suitability map was proposed for the sustainable development scenario. The spatial scenario planning framework developed in this research is an example of an effective, integrated decision-making framework. The methodology is brief, a set of guidelines and recommendations is included for organising, and expressing the complexities found in oastal area. To date, there is no published application of an ANP in spatial planning for coastal land uses or for related fields. It is hoped that this approach can be employed for land use suitability assessments at both the local and the structure-plan level.

Research highlights
► Integrated spatial planning is an efficient method for suitability analysis.
► The integration of social, economic and environmental criteria within the planning framework is elements of this spatial approach.
► Multi criteria analysis especially ANP is effective for land use planning and it used in this paper that delves into the planning of Kuala Langat, Malaysia.
► Through evaluation of scenarios, existing plans and land availability, the future optimal suitability was proposed.