East Coast Region Research Articles

Changes in Travel Activities and Preferences in Gangwon Province, South Korea, Due to Social Distancing Measures during COVID-19

Social media data are increasingly used to assess public opinion dynamics and develop sustainable regional tourism policies. This study explored the changes in travel patterns and preferences in Gangwon Province before, during, and after the implementation of social distancing measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Five hundred and twenty-six YouTube videos related to travel in Gangwon Province were collected using NodeXL, and content and statistical analyses were conducted on travel regions, main activities, and viewers’ reactions. The main findings indicated that as the intensity of social distancing measures increased, the activity of YouTube video creators also increased, particularly in the East Coast region, compared with other locations such as mountains, rivers, and traditional markets. Viewer engagement was the highest during the implementation of social distancing, showing a considerable interest in beach travel. These results have significant implications for planning safe travel during crises such as COVID-19 and for local governments to promote a responsible travel environment.

Principal Component Analysis in rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties for three seasons in Annamalai Nagar, an east coast region of Tamil Nadu

Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to assess genetic variability and identify key yield-contributing traits among 50 rice genotypes evaluated over three seasons under saline conditions. The study aimed to select promising donor lines for developing salt-tolerant, high-yielding cultivars suitable for coastal regions. PCA identified three principal components (PCs) that explained 73.19%, 70.34%, and 64.81% of the total genetic variation in seasons 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Key plant attributes, such as grain yield per plant, panicle grain density, total tiller number, and productive tiller count, showed significant positive associations with PC1 across various growth stages, underscoring their crucial role in explaining the genetic diversity among the genotypes. Plant height, panicle length, and hundred-grain weight also emerged as major contributors to variation. The PCA biplots consistently demonstrated positive correlations between grain yield and traits like panicle length, hundred-grain weight, and tillering ability. In contrast, days to 50% flowering exhibited a negative association with yield. Genotypes G10, G49, G36, G41, G9, G4, G22, and G21 displayed favourable combinations of grain yield per plant, identifying them as potential donor lines for breeding programs aimed at improving rice yield and associated agronomic traits. This comprehensive PCA analysis highlights the effectiveness of the approach in capturing genotypic diversity and guiding the selection of promising germplasm for targeted trait improvement in rice.

Management Roles in Promoting Safety Awareness Among Teaching Staff in TVET Institutions

The recent government focus on Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) underscores its pivotal role in developing a highly skilled workforce. TVET institutions primarily offer diploma and certificate courses in technical and vocational fields, which involve teaching and learning activities in workshops and laboratories. These settings pose inherent hazards which present risks to both students and staff. Therefore, ensuring safety awareness is essential to prevent industrial accidents. This quantitative cross-sectional study examines the impact of the management's roles in promoting safety awareness among teaching staff in selected Government TVET Institutions. The study focuses on three critical independent variables representing the management's duties: safety policy, safety and health committee functions, and safety training. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires distributed to 119 teaching staff across four institutions in the central, northern, and east-coast regions of Peninsular Malaysia. The findings highlight the significant role of management in shaping safety awareness among teaching staff within Government TVET Institutions. Based on these results, it is recommended that institutions prioritize implementing robust safety policies, enhancing the effectiveness of safety and health committees, and investing in comprehensive safety training programs to further increase safety awareness levels among staff members.

China's carbon neutrality policy facilitates halving industrial water withdrawal

Abstract China concurrently confronts acute water resource challenges and substantial carbon emissions, with its industrial sector being a significant freshwater consumer and a primary carbon emitter. China has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, yet the exact impact of this goal on industrial water withdrawal (IWW) remains unclear. Here, we project IWW in China considering both scenarios with and without the carbon neutrality target, based on industry-specific water quota standards and projections of industrial product output. Our findings indicate a 53.76% (51.41 km³) reduction of IWW by 2060 under a carbon neutrality scenario, compared to business-as-usual, with the IWW peak advancing from 2035 to 2025. The thermal power industry holds the largest water withdrawal reduction, accounting for 75.74% (38.94 km³) of the total reduction. Additionally, both the East coastal region and the Middle Yangtze River region could reduce 62.08% (31.96 km³) of IWW under the CN scenario, with Jiangsu province emerging as a significant contributor. This study provides a reliable basis for evaluating the potential for future water withdrawal reduction within the industrial sector and suggests that achieving the carbon neutrality target could offer a promising direction for alleviating China's water scarcity challenges.

Analisis Ketimpangan Wilayah Pantai Barat dan Pantai Timur Provinsi Sumatera Utara

Inequality between regional aspects is common in regional economic activities. This study is to measure the level of regional inequality, the relationship between economic growth, poverty, and the human development index on inequality, and analyze whether there is convergence in the West Coast Region and the East Coast Region of North Sumatra Province. The study uses Williamson index calculations to measure gaps, panel data regression analysis and sigma convergence and beta convergence analysis. The results of the research show that the West Coast Region is indicated by a low level of inequality and the East Coast Region is indicated by a high level of inequality. Economic growth has a positive but not significant impact on inequality in the West Coast Region and a positive and significant impact on inequality in the East Coast Region. Poverty has a positive and significant impact on inequality in the West Coast Region and the East Coast Region. The Human Development Index has a positive and significant impact on inequality in the West Coast Region and the East Coast Region. Simultaneously, Economic Growth, Poverty and the Human Development Index have a positive and significant impact on inequality in the West Coast Region and the East Coast Region. Sigma Convergence does not occur in the West Coast Region but occurs in the East Coast Region. Beta convergence occurs in the West Coast Region and the East Coast Region.

Prevalence and Perspectives of Cyberbullying Victimisation and Its Effect on Mental Health Among Students in Public Higher Education Institutions in the East Coast Region

Prevalence and Perspectives of Cyberbullying Victimisation and Its Effect on Mental Health Among Students in Public Higher Education Institutions in the East Coast Region

Regional and seasonal assessment of biases on high-resolution satellite precipitation estimations in peninsular Malaysia: 2011–2020

ABSTRACT Satellite precipitation estimations (SPEs) have become important to estimate rainfall in remote and inaccessible areas. The study evaluates two high-resolution SPEs (IMERG and CHIRPS) in Peninsular Malaysia from 2011 to 2020. In situ rain gauge observation data were used as reference data, and a series of statistic indices were used to evaluate the performance of SPEs. In order to identify the source of error in the SPEs, an error decomposition technique was proposed whereby the bias is segregated into four different independent components. The study found that IMERG outperformed CHIRPS, with both satellites performing well in the east coast region but poor in the central region. A superior correlation between the SPEs and rain gauge observations was found during the northeast monsoon. The false bias has shown the widest range compared to other error components, indicating that it is the main contributor to the total bias of both SPEs in Peninsular Malaysia.

Digital economy and the urban–rural income gap: Impact, mechanisms, and spatial heterogeneity

This study examines how digital economy development in China impacts the urban–rural income gap. We construct a digital economy development index using panel data from 30 provinces and cities in China from 2013 to 2021. By combining a spatially varying coefficient model with a chain–mediated effect model, we quantify the impact of digital economy on the urban–rural income gap and examine its spatial heterogeneity. The results show that the digital economy influences the urban–rural income gap through four different pathways, each of which exhibits significant spatial variation. As these paths offset each other, the digital economy development in Beijing, Inner Mongolia, Shanxi, Henan, Hubei, Jiangxi, Jiangsu, Guangdong, and other provinces has widened the urban–rural income gap, resulting in a digital divide effect. However, in most areas of China's northeast, east coast, and western regions, the digital economy development has narrowed the income gap, resulting in a digital dividend effect. This study investigates the relevant debates among scholars and provides valuable insights and foundations for strategic decision making to reduce the urban–rural income gap in various regions.

Unveiling the Influence of Subjective Norms on Flood Preparedness Among Household Renters: The Moderating Effect of Trust in Public Protection

This research builds on the social norms theory to investigate the connection between subjective norms, flood preparedness intention, and flood preparedness behavior. Furthermore, this study investigates how trust in public protection moderates the causal link between subjective norms and flood preparedness intention. Purposive sampling was used in this study by administering an online survey to a random sample of 150 tenants in Malaysia’s East Coast Region. Structured equation modeling (SEM) utilizing Smart Partial Least Squares (SmartPLS) was then used to analyze the data. The results showed that subjective norms (SN) have a positive relationship with flood preparedness intention (INT), and INT has a positive relationship with flood preparedness behavior (FPB). Interestingly, trust in public protection negatively moderates the relationship between SN and INT. The findings will offer valuable insights for policymakers, renters, landlords, and community organizations to develop targeted interventions and bolster flood preparedness among household renters in the East Coast region, ultimately fostering resilience and mitigating the impact of future flood events. This study provides first-hand information on the predictors of flood preparedness behavior among household renters in the East Coast Region, Peninsular Malaysia.

Assessment of water levels from 43 years of NOAA’s Coastal Ocean Reanalysis (CORA) for the Gulf of Mexico and East Coasts

Coastal water level information is crucial for understanding flood occurrences and changing risks. Here, we validate the preliminary version (0.9) of NOAA’s Coastal Ocean Reanalysis (CORA), which is a 43-year reanalysis (1979–2021) of hourly coastal water levels for the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean (i.e., the Gulf and East Coast region, or GEC). CORA-GEC v0.9 was conducted by the Renaissance Computing Institute using the coupled ADCIRC+SWAN coastal circulation and wave model. The model uses an unstructured mesh of nodes with varying spatial resolution that averages 400 m near the coast and is much coarser in the open ocean. Water level variations associated with tides and meteorological forcing are explicitly modeled, while lower-frequency water level variations are included by dynamically assimilating observations from NOAA’s National Water Level Observation Network. We compare CORA to water level observations that were either assimilated or not, and find that the reanalysis generally performs better than a state-of-the-art global ocean reanalysis (GLORYS12) in capturing the variability on monthly, seasonal, and interannual timescales as well as the long-term trend. The variability of hourly non-tidal residuals is also shown to be well resolved in CORA when compared to water level observations. Lastly, we present a case study of extreme water levels and coastal inundations around Miami, Florida to demonstrate an application of CORA for studying flood risks. Our assessment suggests that NOAA’s CORA-GEC v0.9 provides valuable information on water levels and flooding occurrence from 1979–2021 in areas that are experiencing changes across multiple time scales. CORA potentially can enhance flood risk assessment along parts of the U.S. Coast that do not have historical water level observations.

Characterization of the future northeast monsoon rainfall based on the clustered climate zone under CMIP6 in Peninsular Malaysia

The Northeast monsoon (NEM) exerts a significant influence on the climate system of Peninsular Malaysia (PM) and has profound implications for water resource management, flood control, and disaster preparedness in the region. This study employed CHIRPS rainfall data from 1981 to 2022 at a spatial resolution of 0.25° to generate climate zones. The performance of global climate models (GCMs) in replicating monthly rainfall was evaluated using multiple statistical metrics, with the top-ranked ones being used for the generation of future projection downscaled ensemble models. The NEM months (November, December, January, February, and March) were used as input parameters to form clustered homogeneous groups using the Ward hierarchical method. The optimal number of climate zones was determined using the elbow method, silhouette width values, and spatial evaluation. Ultimately, a 7-cluster solution was chosen due to its consistency and meaningful cluster formation. The zones were categorized into two regions: the West Coast and the East Coast, based on their geographical location and distinctive monthly NEM rainfall patterns. The analysis of the probability distribution function (PDF) showed that rainfall in the West Coast region had a more spread-out pattern with varying amounts, while rainfall in the East Coast region was more concentrated and consistent. The Northeast climate zone received the highest rainfall, attributed to its proximity to the South China Sea, mountainous areas, and the NEM convergence zone. In contrast, the Northwest and Lower Central-West climate zones received the lowest rainfall due to the rain shadow effect, limited moisture availability, and distance from major moisture sources. The CMCC-ESM2, CMCC-CM2-SR5, EC-Earth3, and CanESM5 consistently ranked among the highest performing models. After linear scaling bias correction, validated GCMs showed significant improvements, with improvements in MAE, NRMSE, PBIAS, RSR, NSE, MD, CP, R2, and KGE by 11–45%, 15–47%, 96–100%, 15–47%, 10–79%, 5–37%, 68–113%, 11–73%, and 9–51%, respectively. Analysis of NEM season rainfall patterns across climate zones indicated consistent mid-future increases for the Northwest and Lower Central-West zones (12.4–19.8%) and the Upper Central-West and Southwest zones (0.2–5.4%) across all scenarios. In the far-future, the Southeast zone saw an overall increase in rainfall (4.9–11.4%), while the Central-West zone exhibited mixed results (−4.0 to 5.6%). The results also highlighted spatial variability and the need to consider specific climate zones when assessing the impacts of climate change on the NEM, emphasizing the importance of incorporating these projections into long-term planning and decision-making processes.

That Is Not My House? Household Renters’ Flood Preparedness Intention in the East Coast Region of Malaysia

By integrating the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and the Health Belief Model (HBM), this study examines factors influencing flood preparedness intention among household renters in the East Coast Region of Malaysia. The study utilized purposive sampling, involving the collection of data from 150 household renters residing in the East Coast Region of Malaysia through an online survey. The collected data were then analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with Smart Partial Least Squares (SmartPLS). The results revealed that past experience (PE) was positively associated with both perceived severity (SEV) and susceptibility (SUC). However, both SEV and SUC were not correlated with attitude (ATT). Among the three determinants originating from TPB, only ATT was found to be correlated with flood preparedness intention (INT). It is worthy to notify that trust in public protection (TPP) played a moderating effect on the relationship between ATT and INT. The findings will offer valuable insights for policymakers, renters, landlords, and community organizations to develop targeted interventions and bolster flood preparedness among household renters in the East Coast region, ultimately fostering resilience and mitigating the impact of future flood events. Besides that, this study provides firsthand information on the predictors of flood preparedness behavior among household renters in the East Coast Region, Peninsular Malaysia.

Influences of downward transport and photochemistry on surface ozone over East Antarctica during austral summer: in situ observations and model simulations

Abstract. Studies of atmospheric trace gases in remote, pristine environments are critical for assessing the accuracy of climate models and advancing our understanding of natural processes and global changes. We investigated the surface ozone (O3) variability over East Antarctica during the austral summer of 2015–2017 by combining surface and balloon-borne measurements at the Indian station Bharati (69.4∘ S, 76.2∘ E, ∼ 35 m above mean sea level) with EMAC (ECHAM5/MESSy Atmospheric Chemistry) atmospheric chemistry–climate model simulations. The model reproduced the observed surface O3 level (18.8 ± 2.3 nmol mol−1) with negligible bias and captured much of the variability (R = 0.5). Model-simulated tropospheric O3 profiles were in reasonable agreement with balloon-borne measurements (mean bias: 2–12 nmol mol−1). Our analysis of a stratospheric tracer in the model showed that about 41 %–51 % of surface O3 over the entire Antarctic region was of stratospheric origin. Events of enhanced O3 (∼ 4–10 nmol mol−1) were investigated by combining O3 vertical profiles and air mass back trajectories, which revealed the rapid descent of O3-rich air towards the surface. The photochemical loss of O3 through its photolysis (followed by H2O + O(1D)) and reaction with hydroperoxyl radicals (O3 + HO2) dominated over production from precursor gases (NO + HO2 and NO + CH3O2) resulting in overall net O3 loss during the austral summer. Interestingly, the east coastal region, including the Bharati station, tends to act as a stronger chemical sink of O3 (∼ 190 pmol mol−1 d−1) than adjacent land and ocean regions (by ∼ 100 pmol mol−1 d−1). This is attributed to reverse latitudinal gradients between H2O and O(1D), whereby O3 loss through photolysis (H2O + O(1D)) reaches a maximum over the east coast. Further, the net photochemical loss at the surface is counterbalanced by downward O3 fluxes, maintaining the observed O3 levels. The O3 diurnal variability of ∼ 1.5 nmol mol−1 was a manifestation of combined effects of mesoscale wind changes and up- and downdrafts, in addition to the net photochemical loss. The study provides valuable insights into the intertwined dynamical and chemical processes governing the O3 levels and variability over East Antarctica.

Challenges experienced by induced lactation women in Malaysia: An exploratory qualitative study.

Induction of lactation occurs when breast milk is produced in a human (woman), without going through the process of pregnancy and delivery. Efforts to produce milk by women who had never been pregnant and give birth are not easy. According to the many who have attempted it, it is far more arduous a task than initiating postpartum lactation, but it is possible and worth the effort. This study aimed to explore and understand the challenges for women during induced lactation in Malaysia. This qualitative study was done in 2017 and utilized in-depth interview among women who induced lactation in five states based on five regions in Malaysia [Central Region (Selangor), Northern Region (Penang), Southern Region (Johor), East Coast Region (Kelantan), Malaysia Borneo (Sabah)]. All interviews were consented, audio-recorded then transcribed verbatim, followed by identification of main themes. Data saturation was achieved after interviewing a total of 23 induced lactation women. Data synthesized using thematic analysis revealed six themes describing the main challenges during the induction process were (1) health condition, (2) work commitment, (3) overexertion, (4) not eligible to take leave, (5) inability to follow the treatment plan, and (6) difficulty attaching the adopted baby to initiate breastfeeding during induced lactation process. The challenges faced by women during the process of induced lactation were complex and the induced lactation process requires considerable dedication and determination. The findings of this research will help other women and their spouses/partners comprehend the challenges, obstacles, and support that are needed along the induced lactation process. The Government and other stakeholders have roles in more efforts and programs to help these mothers breastfeed their adoptive child and make them feel more accomplished as women and mothers.

Potential for biocontrol of Silybum marianum (variegated thistle): 1. Survey of natural enemies in New Zealand

ABSTRACT Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertner (variegated thistle, milk thistle) is one of the worst weeds of hill country pasture in the east coast regions of New Zealand. As part of an initial investigation into the potential for biocontrol, a survey of the phytophagous insects associated with S. marianum in New Zealand was carried out at 16 populations from 29 November to 16 December 2021. Phytophagous associations were determined by collecting insects on the plant and by seedhead dissections. The species collected were grouped into three categories: ‘specialists’, ‘generalists’, and ‘tourists’ that comprised 27.4%, 66.3%, and 6.3% of the total number of specimens collected, respectively. The specialist group was almost entirely comprised of the seedhead weevil, Rhinocyllus conicus (Frölich). While adults of R. conicus were commonly collected on variegated thistle, only 6.5% of seedheads contained larvae of the weevil, indicating that S. marianum is not a common developmental host. Generalist species commonly collected on S. marianum included: Nysius caledoniae Distant, Rhypodes clavicornis (F.), Closterotomus norwegicus (Gmelin) and Nezara virdula (L.). Overall, the field surveys document low levels of attack from generalist herbivores and minimal attack by the specialist weevil, R. conicus. Vacant niches are present on the weed in New Zealand, providing a strong case for introducing specialised biocontrol agents.

Potential for biocontrol of Silybum marianum (variegated thistle): 2. Literature search and prioritisation of biocontrol agents

ABSTRACT Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertner (variegated thistle, milk thistle) is one of the worst weeds of hill country pasture in the east coast regions of New Zealand. A recent field survey in New Zealand found low levels of attack from generalist herbivores and minimal attack by the specialist weevil, Rhinocyllus conicus (Frölich). In the native range of Europe there are at least 41 insects and 12 fungi sufficiently specialised to be considered for biocontrol. The literature search revealed some potential biocontrol agents not known during the historical biocontrol surveys for S. marianum. These include the specialised biotypes of the tephritid fly, Terellia fuscicornis Loew, and the seedhead weevil, Larinus latus Herbst. The literature search also revealed the discovery of the stem-galling cynpid wasps, Aulacidea freesei Nieves-Aldrey and Phanacis zwoelferi Nieves-Aldrey, that are likely specific to S. marianum. The discovery of the smut fungus, Microbotryum silybum Vanky & Berner, host specific to Silybum species, is another promising biocontrol candidate. A shortlist of nine priority agents (eight insects and one fungal pathogen) were selected based on reported affinity for S. marianum, evidence for impact on the weed, and niches attacked. In the case of S. marianum, there are sufficiently specialised agents that attack several niches, including seeds, stems, and the root or root collar. Testing for complementary agents that attack different niches is likely to improve the chance of successful biocontrol. It is recommended that S. marianum be considered a priority target for classical biocontrol in New Zealand.

Short-to-medium range forecast of natural gas use in the United States residential buildings

Natural gas is the primary fuel for residential heating in the United States and plays a critical role in the transition to zero-carbon energy. In this study, a systematic framework is developed to predict short-to-medium-range (weeks to months) natural gas consumption in U.S. homes based on an interpretable model of gas consumption defined from data at the county level and seasonal temperature forecast ensembles from the European Center of Medium Range Weather Forecast. Linear-plus-plateau models were fitted utilizing pipeline delivery of gas to each county, and outdoor temperatures to predict daily, weekly, and biweekly residential gas use for 1000 individual counties in the U.S. and five larger regions. The model presented highly accurate short-range (1 week) and robust medium-range (3 months) gas consumption forecast capabilities with an average accuracy of 80%. The highest model performances were found in the Midwest and East Coast regions (up to 82% accuracy), where temperature significantly drives gas consumption. This study assesses and quantifies how temperature forecast uncertainties impact gas consumption predictions for county and regional gas consumption forecasts using numerical weather forecast ensembles. Forecasting at a fine resolution over such an extensive spatial range is important for policymakers to design well-informed policies adapted to local conditions and impactful for gas savings at the national scale. The discussion presents the potential of this framework in aiding energy planning, supply chain optimization, and anticipating weather-driven gas demand fluctuations.

Why do we assess students? investigating general chemistry instructors’ conceptions of assessment purposes and their relationships to assessment practices

Assessment plays a critical role in instruction and curriculum. Existing literature on instructors’ assessment practices and related factors has been intensively focused on primary and secondary education. This study extended the contexts of previous literature to post-secondary chemistry education by exploring general chemistry instructors’ conceptions of assessment purposes and their assessment practices. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 general chemistry instructors from 14 institutions across the East Coast region of the United States of America. The results demonstrate that instructors predominately perceive the purpose of Assessment of Learning (i.e., evaluation of student performance) with only few of them mentioning purposes of Assessment for Learning (i.e., assessment provides actionable feedback for both the instructors and the students) and Assessment as Learning (i.e., assessment promotes self-regulation). The use of various assessment practices is related to the number of assessment purposes instructors recognize. In addition, the study demonstrates that instructors perceive their assessment practices to be influenced by academic culture and departmental norms. This nuanced understanding can guide practical and research efforts to improve chemistry instructors’ engagement in assessment reforms.

ENGINEERING LECTURERS’ PERCEPTIONS TOWARDS EFFECTIVE CONCLUSION SECTION IN ENGINEERING FINAL YEAR PROJECT PRESENTATION

Final year project presentation (FYPP) assessment in the engineering field aims to evaluate students’ comprehension in the principles and concepts learnt and its application in resolving problems through engineering projects.The components assessed in FYPPs include the presentation slides that comprise introduction, content and conclusion sections. Many studies have emphasised the significance of the conclusion section in project presentations; however, there has not been much research that explores the students' knowledge and practice on conclusion moves in their FYPPs from the FYPP lecturers’ perspective. Therefore, this qualitative study, through focus group interviews, explored the perceptions of 12 engineering lecturers from a private higher institution in the east coast region of Malaysia. These lecturers, who were also the students’ FYP supervisors were asked about the students’ overall performance in delivering FYPP conclusion section, the significance of the conclusion section and the challenges faced by engineering undergraduates when presenting their conclusion section. The findings indicate that the lecturers rated students' conclusion presentations as average. The findings reveal that for the lecturers, the conclusion section is significant as it is part of the FYPP assessment rubric and it reflects students’ critical thinking and problem solving skills. In addition, the key challenges faced by students in presenting an effective conclusion section were the English language barriers and obliviousness of the essential elements of a conclusion section. Pedagogical implications include providing training that highlights the importance of the conclusion section in FYPPs, and all the moves necessary in the conclusion section.

Foliar Morphological and Micromorphological Variation of Dioscorea Species in Terengganu, Malaysia

Dioscorea species are recognised for their production of tuberous roots and are referred to as "ubi" by the local population in Malaysia. The tubers of Dioscorea are commonly consumed by individuals residing in the East Coast region of Peninsular Malaysia as their primary food source. These tuberous roots are particularly abundant during the monsoon season, typically observed in local markets from October to December. Due to the availability and potential of this Dioscorea species, a study about the variation in morphological and micromorphological study of the leaves of three species of Dioscorea in Terengganu was conducted in order to identify the variation in their morphological and micromorphological characteristics. The selected species are D. esculenta (ubi itik), D. alata (ubi besar), and D. hispida (ubi gadong). The collection has been done in the Kuala Berang Terengganu area. The leaves morphological characteristics such as leaf colour, leaf type, leaf shape, leaf size, leaf margin and hairiness of adaxial and abaxial surface and shape of leaves and petiole were recorded. The morphological descriptors were suggested by the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI) / International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). The foliar anatomical studies of selected Dioscorea were followed by the standard tissue sectioning procedures and the observation was done by using light microscopy. The morphological study shows the variations in leaf shape, leaf base, and leaf size but they have the similarity in term of leaf margin shape and leaf attachment which is all species are petiolate. The micromorphological study shows the presence of non-glandular and uniseriate trichomes which is only obtained in the D. esculenta and D. hispida. Hence, this study contributes to the information on these species, especially for classification and identification of Dioscorea species.Keywords: Dioscorea, morphology, foliar anatomy