Sick Building Syndrome in Ageing Vertical Developments: A Sustainable Remediation Framework High-Rise Assets-The Case of KOMTAR Tower, Penang, Malaysia

Abstract

Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) has become a significant environmental health concern in contemporary workplaces. It is characterized by a range of non-specific symptoms experienced by occupants while inside a building, which typically diminish once they leave the premises. This study examines the factors contributing to SBS and its effects on the health, comfort, and work performance of office employees from Majlis Bandaraya Pulau Pinang (MBPP) occupying Levels 11 to 17 of the KOMTAR building in Penang. The research was motivated by concerns that aging infrastructure and centralized ventilation systems in older government buildings may heighten the risk of SBS. The primary objectives were to identify key contributing factors, evaluate the impacts on occupants, and propose appropriate preventive measures and a remediation framework. Adopting a quantitative research design, data were gathered through a structured digital questionnaire distributed via purposive sampling, resulting in 70 valid responses. The data were analyzed using Jamovi software, with emphasis on descriptive statistical analysis. The findings indicate that dust accumulation, noise disturbance, and temperature instability were the most prominent environmental contributors to SBS. In terms of health effects, respondents frequently reported symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and eye irritation, which were significantly associated with perceived reductions in work productivity and psychological well-being. Additionally, occupants prioritized the installation of high-efficiency air purifiers, regular maintenance of ventilation ducts, and the use of non-toxic building materials as key preventive strategies. The study concludes that a substantial relationship exists between indoor environmental quality within the KOMTAR building and the prevalence of SBS symptoms among MBPP staff. It is therefore recommended that building management strengthen preventive maintenance practices and implement targeted improvements to enhance indoor environmental conditions implementing sustainable remediation framework