A compendium of urban and regional planning studies in the built environment of Malaysia

Terraced-houses are the most popular housing design in modern housing areas hI Malaysia. However, due to theif design, terraced-houses require back lanes, mainly fOf the purpose of ventilation. Nevertheless, back lanes also serve other functions including spaces for residents to interact and access for emergency and other types of services. Poorly maintained back lanes, however, are causes of concern to the residents. They may pose safety hazards as well as provide opportunities for criminals to break into houses without detection.