Batu Pahat District Research Articles

A Study of Building Structure Resilience to Seismic in the Batu Pahat Area using Rapid Visual Screening Method

This study is aimed at evaluating the durability of buildings in Batu Pahat area against seismic activity. To carry out this assessment, data about the building structure is collected, including architect plans, site investigations, and photos. This data is then processed and analysed using manual methods. To determine the Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) value, the coordinates of Batu Pahat area are needed. This value can be calculated using Mathematica software, which gives a PGA value of 0.0553 g for Batu Pahat area. Based on this value, the Low Map Area form is used for the evaluation, using the ATC-21 form. The evaluation results indicate that 70% of the buildings in the area are in good condition, 25% are in a satisfactory condition, and only 5% are in a weak condition. However, it is important to note that even though only a small percentage of buildings are classified as weak, it does not mean that seismic hazards can be ignored. The study also suggests that the durability of building structures depends on various factors, such as the columns' strength, the building's bottom situation (e.g., empty space or unit), the building's shape (e.g., plan or upright), and the surrounding area's situation. Overall, this study offers valuable insights into the durability of buildings in the Batu Pahat area against seismic activity. It provides crucial information for stakeholders to make informed decisions regarding building safety in the region. The study's findings will guide decision-making processes, helping determine necessary precautions, retrofitting measures, or potential relocation of high-risk buildings. By enhancing the resilience of buildings, this evaluation contributes to the safety and well-being of occupants in the face of seismic hazards. Ultimately, the study's comprehensive assessment and subsequent insights lay the groundwork for informed decision-making and proactive measures to mitigate seismic risks, benefiting the overall resilience of buildings in the Batu Pahat District.

Kompetensi Guru Reka Bentuk dan Teknologi Sekolah Rendah Di Daerah Batu Pahat

Design dan Technology is a newly introduced subject in year 2014, so the competence of Design and Technology teachers should be emphasized to ensure that the objectives of the subject Design and Technology are achieved. The Ministry of Education has published the Malaysia Teacher Standards to improve the competence of teachers by focusing on three standards, namely the standard of practice values of teaching professionalism, the standard of teacher knowledge and understanding and the standard of teaching and learning skills. In order to produce students who are able to compete and have skills in the 21st century, Design and Technology teachers need to have competencies such as values, knowledge and skills in order to remain relevant to the latest developments in education in general and the field of Design and Technology in particular. This study uses a quantitative approach that uses a survey method with a questionnaire to see the level of competence of primary school Design and Technology teachers in the Batu Pahat district. A total of 403 primary school Design and Technology teachers in Batu Pahat district were involved in this study. The results of study show that the level of competence of primary school Design and Technology teachers in Batu Pahat district is high (M=4.45, SP=0.56). Highly competent teachers are needed to teach Design and Technology subjects in order to achieve the goal of the National Education Philosophy, which is to produce balanced and holistic human capital from various aspects.

Digital Competence of Primary School Design and Technology Teachers for Online Learning and Facilitation: A Pilot Study

This pilot study aimed to examine the reliability of the DIGIGLO Digital Competency Assessment instrument by using Cronbach's Alpha as a measurement of its reliability. The study involved 30 primary school Design and Technology teachers who held the position of Head of the Panel in the Batu Pahat district. Respondents answered an online questionnaire using Google Forms to provide the necessary data for this pilot study. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software was used to analyze the data and obtain Cronbach's Alpha values. The analysis results showed that the Cronbach's Alpha values for the eight elements of digital competency ranged from .919 to .966. Therefore, the adapted DIGIGLO instrument is a valid and reliable tool for assessing teacher digital competencies.

GAYA KEPIMPINAN INSTRUKSIONAL GURU BESAR DI DAERAH BATU PAHAT

Instructional leadership style refers to the practice of principal who pays attention to the teacher's teaching and student learning and always creates conditions and a conducive learning climate in the school to improve school achievement. Principal who practices an instructional leadership style will prioritize three main functions, namely activating the school's goals, managing the instructional program, and promoting the school climate. Various policies and programs created by the Ministry Education of Malaysia have made schools take various initiatives to improve their excellence. Instructional leadership style is an important practice in improving the quality of teaching and learning that can contribute to a high impact on school achievement. However, there is a lack of empirical studies on the principal’s instructional leadership style of primary schools in the state of Johor, especially in the Batu Pahat district. In relation to that, this study was conducted to see the level of primary school principal’s instructional leadership style in Batu Pahat district. This study uses a quantitative approach involving 403 Design and Technology teachers. The results of the study show that the practice level of primary school principal’s instructional leadership style is high (M=4.36, SP=0.40). Principal need to have skills and practice the function of instructional leadership style in managing schools to be in line with the Ministry of Education's desire to ensure that high-quality principal is placed in all schools (KPM, 2015).

A case study: A SWOT analysis of small-scale rainwater harvesting system in Batu Pahat

Rainwater harvesting is a common practice of storing water in a container before it will be used for other purposes. On a domestic scale, homeowners with a rainwater harvesting system (RWHS) installed in their houses faced challenges to maintain and use the stored water. Therefore, this study aims to identify strengths, weakness, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) of conventional domestic small-scale RWHS. A comprehensive opinion of the conventional domestic RWHS is gathered through a series of semi-structured interview with homeowners in Batu Pahat district. The result indicates the afterthought design of RWHS leads to bigger problems such as difficult to maintain, unknown water quality, hazards for children, fixed and undesirable design. The authors conclude by presenting the results in the form of SWOT analysis and offering some recommendations to mitigate existing problems addressed in this study.

Analysis of public facility (Petrol Pump Station) localization by using Geographic Information System (GIS). Case study: Ayer Hitam - Batu Pahat, Johor

The number of vehicles on the road today is increasing due to rapid urbanisation, which necessitates increased fuel consumption. As a result, a Petrol Pump Station (PPS) is an important location that serves people in need of fuel. This study evaluates these PPS within the Batu Pahat District with the goals of determining the existence of PPS distribution along the main road from Ayer Hitam to Batu Pahat, Johor, with a focus on Jalan Batu Pahat and Jalan Kluang, using a map and digitising in GIS software. The study also aims to use the Network Analysis method to analyse the localization of the existence of PPS in the study area. The study used Quantum GIS (QGIS) as an open-source application. Field surveys were used to collect data for the study, and the coordination for each PPS was acquired using a handled Global Positioning System (GPS) device, as well as other information such as the type of company, the number of pumps, the type of fuel, and the access facility provided. Maps and tables were used to present the results. The study’s findings are then expected to aid authorities and the community in the study area in planning to locate and identify PPS based on their proximity to PPS.

Pengalaman Pembimbing Instruksional Pendidikan dan Latihan Teknikal Vokasional (PLTV) dalam Menyokong Refleksi Pengajaran Guru Reka Bentuk dan Teknologi (RBT)

Instructional coachs demonstrate an impact on teachers' teaching practices through the support they offer to teachers through collaboration to promote reflective practice. This study aims to analyze and explains how SISC+ TVET collaborates with RBT teachers to promote teacher reflection with the help of qualitative analysis software ATLAS.ti 9. This phenomenological qualitative study uses a semi-structured interview method with three School Improvement Specialist Coach (SISC+) Vocational Technical Education and Training (TVET) in the Batu Pahat district, Johor to describe their direct experiences working together to promote reflection on the teaching of Design and Technology teachers (RBT). Findings from this study have proven that SISC+ TVET is a medium to facilitate guidance consultation that promotes the reflective practice of teaching RBT teachers.

Inventive Problem-Solving in Project-Based Learning on Design and Technology: A Needs Analysis for Module Development

Abstract: Education in Malaysia is transforming to increase students’ ability and meet the needs of the industry. In Design and Technology subject, students apply the technology to develop a product capable of solving problems through a project-based learning approach. Therefore, this study aims to (a) identify problems in the implementation of design project and (b) identify the needs for module development. An online survey was conducted on 140 Design and Technology subject teachers in Batu Pahat district, Johor. Findings showed that the overall level of problem in the implementation of project-based learning was high and there was no significant difference in perception of problems in implementing project-based learning by gender, but a significant difference of perception by teaching experience. In terms of module content, the overall findings showed that the content requirement in the module was high. Gender and teaching experience showed no significant difference in perception of module content requirement. Finally, the findings showed that the suggested module design features are using Arial font and multi-colour, content in point form, A4 size, and contain graphical content. Therefore, it is proposed that this module should be developed due to its high requirements and should meet the needs of users, so that the goals of project implementation can be achieved.
 
 Keywords: Design and technology, inventive problem solving, modules, project-based learning

Effect of Dolomite Lime on Soil Matric Suction

The most fundamental of unsaturated soil is matric suction parameter. Matric suction in unsaturated soils plays an important role in controlling physical and mechanical properties. This parameter can influence some other important parameters of soil, such as effective stress, shear strength, swelling pressure, etc. Investigation of matric suction was performed on Ayer Hitam soil, at Batu Pahat District, Johor, Malaysia. Field monitoring works were conducted with and without dolomite treatment at the slopes of Ayer Hitam acidic soil. Field testing used some devices to find out the behavior of matric suction during the rainy session. The result shows that the soil matric suction with dolomite treatment is larger than without treatment and matric suction has a significant difference around 20 – 50 kPa. Enhancement of acidity from the dolomite treatment was not only decreasing pores size caused by the alternating of the microstructure of soil but also leading to increasing the matric suction. The treatment of dolomite material is able to control matric suction and increase the stability of slope acidic Ayer Hitam soil.

The electrokinetic stabilization (EKS) impact on soft soil (peat) stability towards its physical, mechanical and dynamic properties at Johor state, Peninsular Malaysia

Peat is considered one of the most problematic soils in the construction industry due to its poor physical, mechanical, and dynamic properties. It exists in the coastal part of peninsular Malaysia, and covers almost 8% of the country's land. Therefore, building or road foundations on peat in the coastal region are deemed a serious threat to construction engineers. Thus, it's essential to strengthening its weak properties. This study aims to improve the physical, mechanical, and dynamic peat properties, including shear strength, maximum dry density, moisture content, liquid limit, and shear wave velocity. The soil samples were collected from different locations in Parit Botak area, Batu Pahat District, Johor state, Peninsular Malaysia. The electrokinetic stabilization (EKS) method was applied with an operated electric gradient of 150 V through an aluminum electrode on anode and cathode for 6 h. As a result, the change in moisture content, liquid limit, density, and shear wave velocity has indicated that post-treatment stability has been improved. It is, therefore, concluded that the EKS technique is effective and capable of strengthening the properties of soft soil.

Indoor thermal comfort assessment in office buildings in hot-humid climate

This paper aims to assess the user’s perception of thermal comfort and air conditioning in office buildings in Batu Pahat, Johor area. Field experiments were conducted utilizing environmental measurement and Post Occupancy Evaluation (POE) in Batu Pahat District Land Office (Pejabat Daerah) and (C2 and ORICC) office buildings in the Universiti Tun Hussien Onn Malaysia (UTHM). The environmental measurement was conducted using thermal comfort station BABUC A, whereas the POE was based on the ASHRAE 55-2010 standard. The environmental parameters included relative humidity, air temperature, and air velocity. They were measured and compared with MS-1525, ASHRAE 55, and ISO 7730 standards. Results indicated that indoor air temperature in C2 has good compliance with MS-1525, ASHRAE 55, and ISO 7730 standards and criteria with a measured comfort range of 24 °C-26 °C. Whereas for ORICC and Pejabat Daerah, temperatures were a bit lower than the suggested range. At the same time, the range of relative humidity was found to be higher than ASHRAE limits but complied with other standards. Moreover, adequate air velocity standards were not met in the three office buildings, in which they were measured within 0.4-0.5 m/s range. Furthermore, thermal comfort levels and the POE survey results indicated that users’ in hot tropical office buildings could acclimate to a higher indoor environment than what was suggested by standards.

Vertical distribution of the radon concentration at Batu Pahat district, Johor, Malaysia

This study investigated the vertical distribution of radon, 222Rn concentrations in soil gas for different soil types and found the relation between the measured gamma dose rates and radon concentrations. The 222Rn concentrations in soil gas were measured at depth of 20 cm, 60 cm, 80 cm and 100 cm using semiconductor detector (RAD7) coupled with soil gas probe. The overall activity concentrations of 222Rnin soil were ranged from Minimum Detectable Activity (MDA)to 54000 ± 3000 Bq m−3 in Batu Pahat District. The results showed that the overall highest concentration of 222Rn was recorded at 40 cm depth for most of the soil types, which could be the most reliable for taking the radon measurements than other depths. Soil type 32 (Dystric Nitosolse Orthic Ferrasols-Rengam Jerangau) has the highest radon concentration, which was 12,462 ± 5237 Bq m-3. The gamma dose rates (GDR) above 1 m were measured using portable survey meters (Ludlum 19). A good relationship between radon concentrations in soil gas and the measured gamma dose rates was observed using Pearson Correlation. The results of 222Rn concentration in soil gas obtained from this study were in agreement with results reported by other researchers.

IMPORTANT ELEMENTS FOR A FRAMEWORK IN DESIGNING A MOBILE LEARNING FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE LISTENING AND SPEAKING SKILLS

Based on a literature search, there are a number of mobile learning frameworks mentioned in a previous study that less emphasis on the major element required for English language (listening and speaking skills) specifically for level 2 students. Therefore, this paper aimed to identify the elements that fulfill their needs to be integrated in the mobile learning framework for listening and speaking skills specifically for level 2 students. This study was used quantitative research method through survey using questionnaires as the instrument to get the data and information for answering the research questions. A sample of 30 English expert teachers in the Batu Pahat district was selected based on purposive sampling method to complete the questionnaire survey given. A questionnaire that consists of four constructs was developed and the administered to obtain information. Data was collected and analyzed descriptively using SPSS (Statistical Package for The Social Sciences).. Besides, the validity was made to ensure the questionnaire can be used. Content validity, face validity and construct validity were used in this study to make sure the instrument's validity. Moreover, the pilot study was carried out to obtain the reliability of the questionnaire. Based on the analysis that has been made, Alpha Cronbach value was 0.87 categorized as a high level. Findings showed that there was an audio, graphics and text elements must be integrated into the mobile learning framework and audio elements help in listening skills while text elements help English speaking skills as well as other elements such as learning anywhere and anytime, easy to use, navigation, other resources for related information are provided, directory and help button. The findings of this study can be used by mobile learning designers as a guide in preparing for learning material and the main contribution of this study is an important element for a framework in designing a mobile learning for english language listening and speaking skills.

The impact of anticipatory guidance on early childhood caries: a quasi-experimental study

BackgroundThis study evaluated the impact of anticipatory guidance on the caries incidence of 2–3-year-old preschool children and their 4–6-year-old siblings, as well as on their mothers’ oral health literacy, as compared to the conventional Ministry of Health (MOH) programme.MethodsThis quasi-experimental study was conducted at two government dental clinics in Batu Pahat District, Malaysia. The samples comprised of 478 mother-child-sibling trios (233 families in the intervention group, and 245 families in the control group). An oral health package named the Family Dental Wellness Programme (FDWP) was designed to provide dental examinations and oral health education through anticipatory guidance technique to the intervention group at six-month intervals over 3 years. The control group received the standard MOH oral health education activities. The impact of FDWP on net caries increment, caries prevented fraction, and mother’s oral health literacy was assessed after 3 years of intervention.ResultsChildren and siblings in the intervention group had a significantly lower net caries increment (0.24 ± SD0.8; 0.20 ± SD0.7) compared to the control group (0.75 ± SD1.2; 0.55 ± SD0.9). The caries prevented fraction for FDWP was 68% for the younger siblings and 63.6% for the older children. The 2–3-year-old children in the intervention group had a significantly lower incidence of white spot lesions than their counterpart (12% vs 25%, p < 0.05). At three-year follow-up, there were significant increments in the oral health literacy scores of mothers in the intervention group compared to the control group.ConclusionThe FDWP is more effective than the standard MOH programme in terms of children’s and siblings’ caries incidence and mother’s oral health literacy.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT03478748. Registered on March 26th 2018. Retrospectively registered.

Effects of Hydrological Parameters on Palm Oil Fresh Fruit Bunch Yield)

Climate change effects and variability have been studied by many researchers in diverse geophysical fields. Malaysia produces large volume of palm oil, the effects of climate change on hydrological parameters (rainfall and precipitation) could have adverse effects on palm oil fresh fruit bunch (FFB) production with implications at both local and international market. It is important to understand the effects of climate change on crop yield to adopt new cultivation techniques and guaranteeing food security globally. Based on this background, the paper’s objective is to investigate the effects of rainfall and temperature pattern on crop yield (FFB) within five years period (2013 - 2017) at Batu Pahat District. The Man - Kendall rank technique (trend test) and statistical analyses (correlation and regression) were applied to the dataset used for the study. The results reveal that there are variabilities in rainfall and temperature from one month to the other and the statistical analysis reveals that the hydrological parameters have an insignificant effect on crop yield.

History Teacher Readiness in Applying Historical Thinking Skills in Secondary School

This article aims to study on the readiness of history teachers to inculcate historical thinking skills among students. This study focused on four aspects which includes 1) Procedural Knowledge, and 2) Pedagogical Knowledge. Thus, to achieve the purpose of the study, quantitative methods are used. Questionnaires were distributed to 30 history teachers in a secondary school in Batu Pahat district. The results showed that there were no significant differences between teachers who were trained to teach History and those who are not. However, there was a significant difference between teachers with ten years of teaching experience with the readiness of history teachers.

Batu Pahat Driving Cycle for Light Duty Gasoline Engine

Driving cycle is a series of data points that represents the vehicle speed versus time. Transient driving cycles involve many changes such as frequent speed changes during typical on-road driving condition [2]. Model driving cycles involve protracted periods at constant speeds. The Batu Pahat Driving Cycle (BPDC) developed to represent the driving pattern of people in a district of Batu Pahat. Based on this driving cycle, it will be a reference to other researchers to study about the gases emission release and fuel consumption by the vehicle on the dynamometer or automotive simulation based on this driving cycle. Existing driving cycles used such as the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), the Federal Test Procedure (FTP-72/75, and Japan 10-15 Mode Cycle is not appropriate for Batu Pahat district because of different road conditions, driving habits and environmental of developed driving cycle countries are not same [2][14]. Batu Pahat drive cycle was developed for low-capacity gasoline engine under 150 cc and operating on urban roads, rural roads and road around Universiti Tun Hussein Onn. The importance of these driving cycle as the reference for other research to measure and do automotive simulation regarding fuel consumption and gas emission release from the motorcycle for these three type of driving cycle area. Another use for driving cycles is in vehicle simulations [3]. More specifically, they are used in propulsion system simulations to predict the performance of internal combustion engines, transmissions, electric drive systems, batteries, fuel cell systems, and similar components [18]. Data collection methods used in this study is the use of Global Positioning System (GPS). The results obtained are not similar to each other due to differences in congestion on data taken. From the driving cycle graph obtained, such as the average velocity, maximum velocity, the duration and Positive Acceleration Kinetic Energy (PKE) can be determined. In addition, the best driving cycle sample can be determined from the sum of error calculated. The least sum of error means the best driving cycle

History Teacher Readiness in Applying Historical Thinking Skills in Secondary School

This article aims to study on the readiness of history teachers to inculcate historical thinking skills among students. This study focused on four aspects which includes 1) Procedural Knowledge, and 2) Pedagogical Knowledge. Thus, to achieve the purpose of the study, quantitative methods are used. Questionnaires were distributed to 30 history teachers in a secondary school in Batu Pahat district. The results showed that there were no significant differences between teachers who were trained to teach History and those who are not. However, there was a significant difference between teachers with ten years of teaching experience with the readiness of history teachers.

Spatial Analysis in Determination Of Flood Prone Areas Using Geographic Information System and Analytical Hierarchy Process at Sungai Sembrong's Catchment

Floods that struck Johor state in 2006 and 2007 and the East Coastal in 2014 have triggered a greatly impact to the flood management here in Malaysia. Accordingly, this study conducted to determine potential areas of flooding, especially in Batu Pahat district since it faces terrifying experienced with heavy flood. This objective is archived by using the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) on study area of flood risk location at the watershed area of Sungai Sembrong. GIS functions as spatial analysis is capable to produce new information based on analysis of data stored in the system. Meanwhile the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used as a method for setting up in decision making concerning the existing data. By using AHP method, preparation and position of the criteria and parameters required in GIS are neater and easier to analyze. Through this study, a flood prone area in the watershed of Sungai Sembrong was identified with the help of GIS and AHP. Analysis was conducted to test two different cell sizes, which are 30 and 5. The analysis of flood prone areas were tested on both cell sizes with two different water levels and the results of the analysis were displayed by GIS. Therefore, the use of AHP and GIS are effective and able to determine the potential flood plain areas in the watershed area of Sungai Sembrong.

Application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Analysing Rainfall Distribution Patterns in Batu Pahat District

Rainfall forecasting reports are crucial to provide information and warnings to the population in a particular location. The Malaysian Meteorology Department (MMD) is a department that plays an important role in monitoring the situation and issued the statement of changes in weather and provides services such as weather advisories and gives warnings when the situation requires. Uncertain weather situations normally have created panic situation, especially in big cities because of flash floods due to poor drainage management. Usually, local authorities provided rainfall data in tables, and it is difficult to analyse to acquire the rainfall trend. Therefore, Geographic Information System (GIS) applications are commonly used to generate rainfall patterns in visual formation with a combination of characteristics of rainfall data and then can be used by stakeholders to facilitate the process of analysis and forecasting rainfall. The objective of this study is to determine the pattern of rainfall distribution using GIS applications in Batu Pahat district to assist interested parties to understand and easy to analyse the rainfall data in visual form or mapping form. Rainfall data for a period of 10 years (2004-2013) and monthly data (Dec 2006 - Feb 2007) are provided by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) for 12 stations in the district of Batu Pahat, and rainfall maps in each year was obtained using the interpolation Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) method was used in this research. The rainfall map was then analyzed to identify the highest rainfall that was received during the period of study. For the conclusion, this study has proved that rainfall analysis using GIS application is efficient to be used in gaining information of rainfall patterns as the results show that the highest rainfall occurred in 2006 and 2007, and it were the years of major floods occurrence in Batu Pahat district.