Households In Malaysia Research Articles

Measuring secondhand smoke in homes in Malaysia: A feasibility study comparing indoor fine particulate (PM<sub>2.5</sub>) concentrations following an educational feedback intervention to create smoke-free homes during the COVID-19 pandemic

INTRODUCTIONExtensive regulations have been introduced to reduce secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure among non-smokers in Malaysia. However, there is still a need to encourage behavior change of smokers in relation to making homes smoke-free. This feasibility study aimed to use low-cost air pollution monitors to quantify SHS concentrations in Malaysian households and to explore the practicality of using personalized feedback in educating families to make their homes smoke-free.METHODSA total of 35 smokers in three states in Malaysia were recruited via snowball and convenience sampling methods. Indoor fine particulate (PM2.5) concentrations in participants’ homes were measured for 7 days before and after educational intervention using a pre-defined template, which included personalized air-quality feedback, and information on SHS impacts were given. The feedback was delivered over two 20-minute phone calls or in-person sessions following the completion of the air-quality measurements. Data were corrected for outdoor PM2.5 concentrations from the nearest environmental monitor.RESULTSDespite the challenges in conducting the project during COVID-19 pandemic, the delivery of the intervention was found to be feasible. Twenty-seven (77%) out of 35 participants completed PM2.5 measurements and received a complete intervention. The median (IQR: 25th –75th percentile concentrations) SHS-PM2.5 concentrations at baseline and follow-up were 18.3 µg/m3 (IQR: 13.3–28.3) and 16.2 µg/m3 (IQR: 10.4 – 25.6), respectively. There was a reduction of SHS-PM2.5 concentrations at follow-up measurement in the houses of 17 participants (63%). The change in corrected indoor PM2.5 concentrations between baseline and follow-up was not statistically significant (Z= -1.01, p=0.29).CONCLUSIONSThis educational intervention, combining the use of a low-cost air particle counter with personalized air-quality feedback, was found to be feasible in the Malaysian setting. It has potential to trigger behavior change among smokers, reducing indoor smoking and consequent SHS concentrations, and increasing smoke-free home implementation. A large-scale trial is needed.

Determinants of Malaysian Financial Literacy: A Financial Socialization Perspective

Objective - The study aims to examine the financial literacy level of Malaysian households and the role of financial socialization in improving an individual’s financial literacy level. Methodology/Technique – Convenience sampling was used to select respondents in Malaysian households through questionnaires distributed between August and December of 2021 with a total of 132 retrieved responses. Findings - The results indicated that the Malaysian financial literacy level is above average. Financial education and financial socialization significantly enhanced an individual's financial literacy level. Novelty - The study is based on the Social Learning Theory and demonstrated the importance of financial socialization in improving an individual’s financial literacy level. Hence, measures should be taken to enhance the role of social agents (family or friends) in informal financial education. Type of Paper: Empirical. JEL Classification: I22, M29 Keywords: Financial literacy, financial socialization, financial education, drivers of financial literacy, social agents Reference to this paper should be referred to as follows: Rahim, N.M; Ali, N. (2022). Determinants of Malaysian Financial Literacy: A Financial Socialization Perspective, Acc. Fin. Review, 7(1), 51 – 61. https://doi.org/10.35609/afr.2022.7.1(2)

Factors Associated with Household Expenditure on Meat: Evidence from Malaysia

The objective of the present study is to examine sociodemographic and household factors associated with expenditure on meat among households in Malaysia. A seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) was utilised to analyse the associations between household expenditure on fresh and processed meat, and household heads’ sociodemographic and household characteristics. Compared to households headed by younger individuals, households headed by older individuals spent more on fresh meat. Households with less-educated heads spent less on fresh and processed meats than households with well-educated heads. Larger households and households headed by employed individuals spent more on processed meat compared with smaller households and households headed by unemployed individuals. Urban households spent less on fresh meat but spent more on processed meat relative to rural households. Meat consumption expenditure varies significantly across sociodemographic and household factors. Findings of the present study are useful in formulation of policy to reduce meat consumption expenditure.

Financial Literacy, Financial Behavior, Self-Efficacy, and Financial Health among Malaysian Households: The Mediating Role of Money Attitudes

Financial Literacy, Financial Behavior, Self-Efficacy, and Financial Health among Malaysian Households: The Mediating Role of Money Attitudes

Mediating Effect of Financial Behaviour on the Relationship Between Perceived Financial Wellbeing and Its Factors Among Low-Income Young Adults in Malaysia.

The main objective of this study is to investigate the associations between financial knowledge, locus of control (LOC) and perceived financial wellbeing (FWB) with financial behaviour as a mediator among young adults from low-income households in Malaysia, controlling for education and income. The sample of this study consisted of 482 young adults from five different zones in Peninsular and East Malaysia, which were selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected using a set of questionnaire-based surveys. The data were then analysed using Covariance Based Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The study found that financial knowledge and external LOC as well as financial behaviour were significantly correlated with the perceived FWB of low-income young adults in Malaysia. The results also revealed that financial behaviour mediates the influence by financial knowledge and internal LOC on perceived FWB controlling for education and income. The findings of this study provide insights into the factors of perceived FWB of low-income young adults in Peninsular and East Malaysia. Policymakers, government and non-government organisations may utilise this study to develop new policies, financial programmes or campaigns to enhance the FWB of low-income young adults in Malaysia.

Modelling the Adoption of Waste Separation among Households in Malaysia

Modelling the Adoption of Waste Separation among Households in Malaysia

Malaysian household expenditure on tobacco: evidence from pooled cross-sectional quantile estimations

PurposeThis study aims to examine the factors associated with household expenditure share on tobacco at different ranges of the expenditure share among Malaysian households.Design/methodology/approachThe analyses were based on pooled cross-sectional data of the Malaysian Household Expenditure Survey. A quantile regression was used to estimate the differentials in the share of monthly household expenditure on tobacco across different socio-economic, demographic and household groups at the 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 0.9 quantiles of the tobacco expenditure share.FindingsCharacteristics of household heads (age, gender, ethnicity, marital status, education level, employment status) and household location were significant factors. Households headed by individuals aged 29 years or less spent a bigger share of their expenditure on tobacco than those headed by individuals older than 59 years. Households with heads who were employed and had primary-level education devoted a greater share of their expenditure for tobacco than households with heads who were unemployed and had tertiary-level education. The corresponding differentials were between 0.2% and 2.3%.Practical implicationsThe results identify the target groups based on not only the socio-economic and demographic factors but also the distributional effects of tobacco expenditure share for the design of public policy to reduce the prevalence of smoking-induced illnesses.Originality/valueThis study represents new attempts to use pooled cross-sectional data and a quantile regression to take into account the heterogeneous tobacco expenditure behaviour according to different levels of tobacco spending among Malaysian households.

Exploratory Factor and Reliability Analysis of Financial Literacy Instrument to Assess Low-Income Groups in Malaysia

Financial literacy (FL) helps individuals make more assertive and efficient financial decisions. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the dimensions of FL as pertaining to low-income or Bottom 40% (B40) households in Malaysia. Therefore, the present study examined the reliability and validity of the B40 financial literacy measurement scale. A self-administered survey questionnaire was employed. The sample consisted of 100 respondents randomly selected from B40 households in Johor, Malaysia. The analysis was carried out through Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) via IBM-SPSS version 22.0 software. To measure the FL constructs, the study initially developed 59 items; however, six items were deleted as the factor loading was below the 0.50 cut-off point, while 53 items were retained as their factor loading was more than 0.50. Because the study validates the dimension that leads to improved FL, the findings are particularly beneficial to Malaysian B40 households who have been identified as the most vulnerable group; the findings will help action to be taken to improve the FL levels of B40 households.

Feasibility of Bio-Coal Production from Hydrothermal Carbonization (HTC) Technology Using Food Waste in Malaysia

The alarming rise of food waste all over the world due to population and economic growth must be tackled with better waste management and treatment methods. The current practice of landfilling has been scientifically proven to adversely impact environmental and societal health. A relatively new technology called hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) has the potential to solve this problem. It takes in high-moisture-content material, like food waste, and converts it into bio-coal with a heating value similar to normal coal. The present study explored the feasibility of HTC technology and bio-coal production in Malaysia. An in-depth study via desk research was conducted by implementing Porter’s five forces analysis to evaluate the feasibility of the bio-coal production project. A survey involving 215 respondents from different households that represent the average demography of Malaysia was also conducted to understand the behaviors and attitudes of different households towards food waste. The present study found that a typical Malaysian household disposes mostly of meal leftovers, with an average of 926 g of food waste per day. In addition, the 3 highest food categories that were disposed of were rice or noodles or pasta (13.0%), vegetables (12.2%) and curry and soup (10.1%). Meal leftovers such as curry and soup are high in moisture content, which is suitable for HTC. The survey on household waste provided adequate information to support the availability of a sufficient quantity of food waste in the country to sustain the raw material for the bio-coal project in Malaysia. Furthermore, a consumer survey involving seven industrial firms was conducted to determine the potential buyers of bio-coal. The responses from the industrial firms show that a bio-alternative for coal is important, and they are willing to transition to greener technologies. However, five out of seven firms stated that the main hurdle in adopting bio-coal is the high cost of production and incompatibility with existing industrial processes. Finally, interviews were conducted with key players in the industry to evaluate the adoptability of bio-coal into the wider market. The findings from the desk research and the primary research show that the outlook for bio-coal in the market is quite positive. In the long run, HTC is certainly profitable, but for immediate benefits, adequate government support and policy in favour of the use of HTC bio-coal in power plants are required.

Equity in Out-of-Pocket Payments for Healthcare Services: Evidence from Malaysia.

Background: Out-of-pocket (OOP) payments are an inequitable mechanism for health financing as their high share of total health expenditures poses a risk of catastrophic healthcare expenditures. This study aimed to assess the distribution and progressivity of OOP payments made by Malaysian households for various group of healthcare services. Methods: This study utilized data from the Malaysian Household Expenditure Survey (HES) between 2014 and 2015, which involved 14,473 households. Distribution and progressivity of OOP payments were measured through their proportion of household consumption, a concentration curves plot and the Kakwani Progressivity Index (KPI). Results: The mean proportion of Malaysian OOP payments for healthcare of household consumption was 1.65%. The proportion increased across households’ consumption quintiles, from 1.03% made by the poorest 20% to 1.86% by the richest 20%. The OOP payments in Malaysia were progressive with a positive KPI of 0.0910. The OOP payments made for hospital-based services were the most progressive (KPI 0.1756), followed by medical products, appliances and equipment (KPI 0.1192), pharmaceuticals (0.0925) and outpatient-based services (KPI 0.0394) as the least progressive. Conclusions: Overall, the OOP payments for healthcare services in Malaysia were progressive and equitable as they were more concentrated among the richer households.

Determinants of Energy Efficient Appliances among Malaysian Households: Roles of Theory of Planned Behavior, Social Interaction and Appliance Quality

The purpose of this study is to investigate the determinants of purchasing intention of energy efficient appliances among Malaysian households. Consumer behavior, particularly when purchasing non-environmentally friendly products, contributes significantly towards environmental problems and climate change. This study adopts the theory of planned behavior as the basis and integrates it with two external domains, namely social interaction and the quality of energy efficient appliances. A total of 318 respondents participated and were analyzed via partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Findings show that perceived behavioral control and subjective norms exert a significant and positive effect on consumers’ intention to purchase energy efficient appliances, while attitude has no significant influence. Meanwhile, social interaction and quality were found to be critical determinants of intention to purchase energy efficient appliances. Implications in the context of sustainable purchasing behavior and recommendations to increase consumers’ purchases of energy efficient appliances or green appliances are discussed.

Influences of Problem Awareness, Awareness of Consequences and Ascription of Responsibility on Consumer's Personal Norm to Prevent Water Wastage Behavior

The issue of consumer water wastage is a serious issue in Malaysia. A reason for wastage behavior, particularly in Penang state, may be because water is a public good and the population enjoys paying low price for this natural resource. Wastage reflects not only the population's unsustainable behavior; it also reflects the difficult position faced by water providers in managing the nation's increasing demand and related costs. The aim of this study is to identify whether problem awareness (PA), awareness of consequences (AC) and ascription of responsibility (AR) influence an individual's personal norm (PN) in preventing water wastage behavior as theorized in the norm activation model (NAM). NAM is a popular theory applied by researchers in the investigation of individual pro-environmentalist behaviors. The study distributed a total of 500 questionnaires online and managed to collect 262 usable responses. The study respondents were mainly from Malaysian households who pay for water they consume. According to NAM, all moral norms factors (PA, AC, AR) are proposed to influence individual's personal norm. This study treats personal norm as a proxy variable for a consumer's pro-environmental behavior (water wastage prevention). Results from Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) analyses show significant relations to Malaysian consumers' personal norm by all three moral obliged factors tested. In addition, AC also influences consumers' AR. From these findings, the government and water providers will obtain insights into how Malaysian household consumers have developed their personal norms on prevention of water wastage behavior. It is now known that Malaysian consumers' moral obligations, including problem awareness, awareness of consequences and ascription of responsibility, play important roles in shaping their personal norms in terms of the prevention of water wastage. From these insights, state governments and providers like Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang could use these moral obligations when planning for educational campaigns for the public at large to accept changing their water wastage behavior for the better.

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF DETERMINANTS OF THE MALAYSIAN HOUSEHOLD NONPERFORMING LOANS: EVIDENCE FROM NARDL

This study compares the sensitivity of each household nonperforming loans (NPLs) category in Malaysia, allowing asymmetry across different household credit types, credit cards, personal uses, purchase of residential properties and purchase of transport vehicles. Differences in the impact of household debt on the Malaysian household NPLs are found evident. In the sample period from 2006 to 2018, the findings suggest an asymmetric impact of credit card debts on the household NPLs. This linkage is explained by only short-run negative changes in credit card outstanding loans. Besides that, the residential property loans behave asymmetrically in the long and short run, with higher impact sources from the negative changes. In a disaggregated NPL analysis focusing on a different type of loan portfolio, the asymmetry further enhances policy and regulation-making in managing household credit risk.

FAKTOR-FAKTOR YANG MEMPENGARUHI AMALAN PENGASINGAN BAHAN SISA PEPEJAL DALAM KALANGAN ISI RUMAH: KAJIAN KES DI SELANGOR

Malaysia, as one of the countries committed to achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations (UN), has set out to achieve those goals by 2030. One of the efforts undertaken is through the Resource Allocation Initiative (SSI) under the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Act 2007 (Act 672) was launched and came into effect in September 2015 in which Malaysian households are encouraged to participate by practicing solid waste segregation at home. Although there are various negative effects on unstructured waste management, many past studies have only discussed factors of intention and recycling practices among households as opposed to solid waste segregation practices. Therefore, the objective of this study is to highlight the role of intrinsic motivation in influencing solid waste segregation behavior by using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as a framework. A survey of questionnaires was conducted among the residents of residential units in the state of Selangor, and a total of 361 questionnaires were returned. Smart PLS software is used to analyze the data. The results showed that all variables including attitudes, subjective norms, and behavioral control had significant relationships in predicting solid waste segregation behavior. Based on the results of this study, recommendations are made to encourage solid waste segregation behavior among households. In addition, this study makes a significant contribution to the knowledge of household behavior in practicing solid waste segregation. From a practical point of view, this study is very important for local authorities in Malaysia and around the world to encourage the involvement of households to segregate solid waste to protect and safeguard the environment and reduce pollution.

THE DIETARY CHANGES AND FOOD PREPARATION AMONG MALAYSIAN HOUSEHOLD DURING COVID-19 LOCKDOWN

The COVID-19 lockdown in Malaysia resulted in disruptions to everyday life, including changes in grocery shopping, cooking, and eating. Individuals are spending more time at home and consuming food and meals that would have otherwise taken place in different settings. This study aims are twofold; to explore the changes in dietary patterns during COVID 19 lockdown; and to understand the perception of food preparation during COVID 19 lockdown. This study employs qualitative approach using an in-depth interview conducted using a sample of 12 respondents of a typical Malaysian household. The respondents participated in a virtual interview session via Zoom about dietary patterns and food preparation during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study found two main themes emerged from the thematic analysis conducted; (1) increasing patterns of dietary habits implicated by increased in food consumption, increased and more regular mealtimes, and increased snacking habits; (2) perceived positive feelings in food preparation during lockdown, which were implicated by increased food preparation time, positive feelings associated with food preparation, and increased awareness on safety about food preparation during lockdown. Consequently, an increased pattern in dietary habits were inevitable during the lockdown period and food preparation activities were considered as an important leisure activity with the loved ones during the COVID-19 period, especially for people who suddenly faced a lockdown almost no one is accustomed to. As Malaysia begins to transition to a new normal, a return to healthier eating habits should be the focus of public health efforts.

UNDERSTANDING MALAYSIAN HOUSEHOLD WASTE SEPARATION: AN EXTENDED THEORY OF PLANNED BEHAVIOUR

The strike of COVID-19 in March 2020 has caused the implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO) and lockdown by the Malaysian government. As a consequence, MCO has changed Malaysians' norms. Many Malaysians have become compulsive online buyers and the food waste issue has occurred due to the problem of over-purchasing. This study intends to extend the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) in influencing waste separation among households. This study investigates the influence of descriptive norms, personal norms, and cognition of consequences towards the intention to separate waste. This research used a quantitative online survey and convenience sampling. A final and valid sample of 300 households was analysed using Pearson correlation. This research indicates that descriptive norms and cognition of consequences significantly influence the intention of Malaysian households to separate waste. On the other hand, personal norms do not have an influence on the waste separation intention. Therefore, the government, local authorities, related agencies, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) should ensure that the Malaysian public is aware of the importance of protecting the environment. This study is unique since many studies have focused on the recycling intentions and behaviour and this study is among new and pioneer studies that apply the extended TPB in investigating the determinants of household waste separation in Malaysia during the pandemic COVID-19.

Health-related quality of life of younger and older lower-income households in Malaysia.

Globally, a lower income is associated with poorer health status and reduced quality of life (QOL). However, more research is needed on how being older may influence QOL in lower-income households, particularly as older age is associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases and care needs. To this end, the current study attempts to determine the health-related QOL (HRQOL) among individuals from lower-income households aged 60 years and over compared to lower-income adults aged less than 60 years. Participants were identified from the Department of Statistics Malaysia sampling frame. Surveys were carried out with individual households aged 18 years and older through self-administered questionnaires. Information was collected on demographics, household income, employment status, number of diseases, and HRQOL assessed using the EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level (EQ-5D-5L) tool. Out of a total of 1899 participants, 620 (32.6%) were female and 328 (17.3%) were aged 60 years and above. The mean (SD) age was 45.2 (14.1) and mean (SD) household income was RM2124 (1356). Compared with younger individuals, older respondents were more likely to experience difficulties in mobility (32.1% vs 9.7%, p<0.001), self-care (11.6% vs 3.8%, p<0.001), usual activities (24.5% vs 9.1%, p<0.001), pain/discomfort (38.8% vs 16.5%, p<0.001) and anxiety/depression (21.4% vs 13.5%, p<0.001). The mean (SD) EQ-5D index scores were lower among older respondents, 0.89 (0.16) vs 0.95 (0.13), p = 0.001. After adjusting for covariates, age was a significant influencing factor (p = 0.001) for mobility (OR = 2.038, 95% CI:1.439-2.885), usual activities (OR = 1.957, 95% CI:1.353-2.832) and pain or discomfort (OR = 2.241, 95% CI:1.690-2.972). Lower-income older adults had poorer HRQOL compared to their younger counterparts. This has important implications concerning intervention strategies that incorporate active ageing concepts on an individual and policy-making level to enhance the QOL and wellbeing, particularly among the older lower-income population.

Establishing of Conceptual Model of Separation of Waste at the Source (SAS)

There is consensus that environmental issues are consequences of human activities and can be addressed by improvements in behavior. Separation of waste at the source (SAS) as mandated through Act 672 is a pro-environmental behavior (PEB) at the household level to reduce waste from being send to landfill and also an effective measure in reducing waste as a whole which will ultimately protect the environment from pollution. Based on the problem statement that lack of household knowledge on how to perform the separation of waste and holding environmental ethics that is not pro-environment will hinder household from performing such behavior, this article aims to establish a conceptual model of separation of waste at the source among households in Malaysia. The conceptual model proposed a modification to Value-Belief-Norm (VBN) model to predict SAS behavior with environmental ethics and specific waste separation knowledge as an adjustment and additional factors to the original model which could demonstrate the causal-effect relationship towards the behavior. The conceptual model proposed individuals with biocentric and ecocentric beliefs to be more likely to engage in SAS behavior than those with anthropocentric and technocentric beliefs. The conceptual model also proposed that individuals specific waste separation knowledge will moderate the relationship between personal norm and SAS behavior. It is expected that the conceptual model has a potential in helping researchers and stakeholders to better understand the underlying SAS behavior among households in Malaysia.

Exploring Purchase Intention using Delivery Services Apps during Covid-19 Pandemic among Malaysian Households

Online services of product delivery apps are more critical than ever. The COVID-19 pandemic has irrevocably altered internet purchasing habits. Customers are getting comfortable using the apps for services to order and do the shopping via their smartphone using the apps. The pandemic has quickened the transition to a more digital world. However, the debate remains as to what elements influence customers' purchase intentions toward using Delivery Services Apps (DSA). This research is therefore carried out to examine the key factors affecting the intention of customers to use delivery services apps among household customers in Malaysia during Covid-19 in 2020 to 2021. The research explored the most significant factors that influence the customer purchase intention on using DSA. There are 4 independent variables which we are focusing on: time factor (TF), price factor (PF), and convenience motivation factor (CMF) and product illustration factor (PIF). From the research, we have found out that convenience motivation factor is the most important exogenous variable that can influence purchase intention directly, sequentially through shopping motivations. The other factors that have a significant impact on a customer's purchase intentions are price factor and time factors. The least important factor that influences a customer’s purchase intention is the product illustrations. The study is carried out by gathering responses from over 167 participants in Malaysia. The objective of the study is to examine the use of online delivery services apps (DSA) to run the businesses efficiently and more effectively in order to attract household customer’s purchase intention. The novelty of this study is by giving the strategies and opportunities to the online business entrepreneurs to enhance and boost their sales by using social media as a platform of online delivery services apps to the community.

COVID-19 Effects on Students’ Teaching and Learning Perspectives in Malaysian Varsities

The COVID-19 pandemic has had dramatic effects on the socio-economic and well beings of Malaysians. The objective of the study is to find the effects of the pandemic on university students both on the technical side, such as the sufficiency of infrastructure and the internet to support online teaching and learning (T&amp;L), as well as on the social side, such as stress level and focus on the study. The nationwide study on the effect of the pandemic on Malaysian varsities students was conducted at the end of 2020. There are many important issues uncovered in this study ranging from the technical side, such as internet-ready programs, socio-economic side, to the psychological perspectives. It shall provide invaluable insights to the related ministries while preparing appropriate reactions during the recovery period. The survey revealed that almost 74% of students highlighted that internet coverage and connectivity was the main issue in online T&amp;L. Although statistics show that 90% of Malaysian households have access to the internet, 49% of students reported that their internet connections were poor. The effects of the pandemic are far-reaching, students belonging to the most vulnerable category find themselves in the most non-conducive place to learn, and they are disturbed by siblings. The socio-economics impacts brought about by the pandemic cause ripple effects onto their families. The government distribution of relief aids has lessened the burden of many people, including students; nevertheless, much improvement could be made, especially in the internet facility and coverage.