Malaysian Islamic Research Articles

Sustainable Development Goals for Developing Malaysia Madani: The Impact of Gender and Residential Area on Student Leadership, Citizenship and Democratisation in Islamic Universities

Introduction: The impact of gender and residential area on student leadership, citizenship, and democratization in Malaysian Islamic universities is a key but underexplored area within the Sustainable Development Goals for advancing the Malaysia Madani agenda. Objective: This study aims to assess how gender and residential area influence student interactions in leadership, citizenship, and democratization activities in Islamic universities. Theoretical Framework: The framework suggests that student gender and residential area may affect their involvement in leadership and civic engagement, exploring the relationship between these factors and student participation. Method: Data was collected from 593 randomly selected students across three Islamic universities using questionnaires. Analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26, with T-tests comparing groups by gender and residential area. Results: No significant gender differences were found in leadership and citizenship, though females rated slightly lower in democratization. Urban students outperformed rural students in democratization, with no major differences in leadership or citizenship by residential area. Implications: These findings can inform policies that promote equitable and inclusive educational experiences in Malaysian Islamic universities. Originality/Value: This study uniquely examines the influence of gender and residential area on student leadership, citizenship, and democratization in Islamic universities, filling a research gap and offering insights for shaping inclusive educational policies.

The Shariah non-compliance (SNC) disclosure index of Islamic banks in Malaysia

Purpose This study aims to examine the Shariah non-compliance (SNC) disclosure index for all 16 Malaysian Islamic banks from 2015 to 2020. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research methodology was adopted that included content analysis. The data were gathered from banks’ annual reports from 2015 to 2020. To achieve this, firstly, the disclosure index was developed by examining the disclosure requirements of the regulator and previous studies. The index was then used to measure the level of disclosure index for all these banks. Findings The overall average SNC disclosure index for the Islamic banks from 2015 to 2020 remained low at 0.57. However, the values were comprised of mandatory and voluntary items. For the former, the SNC disclosure index was quite high at 0.82, but for the voluntary items, the value was 0.40. Progressive improvement can be observed in the disclosure practices of the majority of the Islamic banks between 2015 and 2020; nevertheless, certain banks displayed a deterioration in their disclosure practices. Research limitations/implications This study has several limitations, including the index used, the research period and the fact that it was restricted to SNC events. Practical implications These findings add value for information users by assuring them of the accountability of Islamic banks in terms of transparency, as well as their effectiveness in managing and mitigating SNC events. Regular monitoring and strong enforcement by the regulator are essential to achieve full compliance with the stipulated requirements. Originality/value This study offers a disclosure index for analysing SNC events in depth by segregating the disclosure into mandatory and voluntary items for each Islamic bank and making recommendations for future research. In addition, it provides a broad overview of current trends in SNC and the associated issues, as well as insights for regulators and the public in terms of the transparency levels of Islamic banks in relation to SNC event disclosure.

Gamification of Al-Khawarizmi Number Basis Module for Gifted and Talented Muslim Students

There are a few bright and intelligent students who have a poor level of achievement in mathematics. They think that mathematics is a boring subject and not important in daily life. A special module named the Al-Khawarizmi Number Basis Module will be used as an intervention step for students who need this guidance and support to achieve excellence in mathematics, increase their level of understanding of professional mathematics, and give encouragement to Muslim students in cultivating a mathematical life. The main objective of this research is to develop a game card for gifted and talented Muslim students at Kolej PERMATA Insan, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia. This module helps students enhance their understanding and achievement in mathematics. This module contains three main topics, namely rational numbers, factors and multiples, and standard form. The effectiveness of this module needs to be evaluated and analyzed carefully. This way, the module can improve the level of achievement and understanding of gifted and talented Muslim students, which can then be shared with students that are in mainstream schools. In completing this module, students are also tested with a game card called Find and Match: Al-Khawarizmi Robot of Number (Riz and Ron). Then, students will undergo a pre-test and post-test to assess their level of achievement. The implementation of this module can increase understanding and strengthen the professional knowledge of mathematics among gifted and talented Muslim students and encourage students to cultivate mathematical knowledge throughout life.

Tolerance and pluralism: evolution and enlightenment of localization of Islam in Malaysia

Tolerance and pluralism: evolution and enlightenment of localization of Islam in Malaysia

البُعد الإسلامي في الهويّة الوطنيّة للغة الماليزيّة

The spread of Islam in the Malay Archipelago has a significant impact on social change and the development of the Malay language, which is one of the languages spoken in the archipelago at this time. It is a global language that plays a major role in the spread of Islam in Malaysia and the neighboring countries of the archipelago. As for the Arabic language and the Malay language, they have the same position in linguistic communication. As this presence in language contact provides a balance between the two languages; which leads to exchange and interaction between them; As for the linguistic identity, it also has a role in uniting the different ethnicities in Malaysia through the Malay language. This study will follow the descriptive and analytical approach. The study aims to clarify the concept of national identity and its connection with the spirit of belonging, with the characteristics and features that it represents that distinguish Malaysians from their different ethnicities from other neighboring countries. Therefore, Malaysians show their personal characteristics as Malaysian citizens, to reflect the civilized image of Malaysia. In addition, this paper shows the influence of Islam on the development of the Malay language and the influence of the Islamic dimension from several aspects, including writing, translation, education, and borrowed Arabic vocabulary in the Malay language in the religious aspect. This made the Malay language carry Islamic dimensions in it, which led to a change in the Malaysian people's view of life and helped to unify them through the national identity from the linguistic side according to the Islamic point of view.

AN ANALYSIS OF BUSINESS ZAKAT REPORTING IN ISLAMIC BANKING INSTITUTIONS: EVIDENCE FROM MALAYSIA, INDONESIA AND BRUNEI

The reporting requirements for business zakat accounting in Islamic banking institutions are still in their early stages, with only minimal zakat disclosure currently mandated. Consequently, the disclosure of zakat accounting is insufficient despite its crucial role in enhancing transparency and accountability, building the trust and confidence of the stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with Shariah principles. The primary objective of the study is to analyze zakat reporting requirements and compare them with current business zakat reporting practices in Islamic banking institutions in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. This study employs a qualitative research approach by examining the annual reports of three selected Islamic Banks, chosen based on the availability and accessibility of their audited financial statements and annual reports for the financial year ending 31 December 2023. A content analysis of the annual reports of Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad, Bank Muamalat Indonesia and Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam Berhad was performed to evaluate the recognition of zakat expenses, the measurement of assets and liabilities for zakat, and the presentation and disclosure of business zakat. The findings are mixed yet interesting. In the absence of approved accounting standards for Islamic financial institutions, Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad has demonstrated full disclosure practices on its business zakat reporting. Whereas, Bank Muamalat Indonesia is still insufficient in reporting the business zakat despite having a proper accounting standard for zakat. For Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam, the business zakat reporting is adequate even though Brunei has only one enactment related to zakat collection and distribution. The measurement, recognition, presentation, and disclosure criteria should be upheld, with additional requirements for full disclosure by zakat-paying business entities. This study proposes the proper establishment of zakat accounting standards to provide comparable and reliable financial information for various stakeholders.

Risk Management Practices and the Performance of Indonesian and Malaysian Islamic Banks: Does Digitalization Mediate This Nexus?

ABSTRACTDespite being exceptionally regulated financial institutions, risk management practices (RMPs) of Islamic banking (IBs) have always remained under the limelight due to their impact on financial performance (FP) and the influence of digitalization (DT). This study aims to investigate the impact of RMPs on FP through the mediating effect of DT. To analyze the linkage between these constructs, we created an index for RMPs, five unique proxies (mobile [MB_DEA], big data [BD_DEA], Internet of Things [IoT], cloud computing [CC_DEA], and social media [SM_DEA]) of DT, and Tobin's Q as a proxy of FP and operationalized the theory of contingency. The data between 2009 and 2020 was collected from Indonesian and Malaysian IBs and was analyzed using the two‐step generalized method of moments (GMMs) technique. The empirical findings represent that RMPs and DT have a significant positive effect on FP. Simultaneously, RMPs have a significant positive effect on two proxies of DT (MB_DEA and SM_DEA), and an insignificant positive effect on the remaining three proxies of DT (BD_DEA, IoT_DEA, and CC_DEA). Simultaneously, DT as a mediator plays a significant role between RMPs and FP. This study contributes to systematizing the RMPs of IBs by integrating digitalization which eventually will increase the financial portfolios of IBs.

Influence of Visiting Lecturer's Quality on Indonesian-Malaysian Student Perceptions

This article highlights the importance of a lecturer's success when providing a learning process to their students. For this reason, the study of the success of the learning process needs to be researched by looking at the influence of learning quality on student perceptions. The Faculty of Communication Sciences of Universitas Islam Bandung (UNISBA) has conducted a series of Online Visiting Lecturers in collaboration with the Faculty of Leadership and Management (FKP), Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM). The study opted comparative quantitative research approach to investigate the influence of teaching quality on Indonesian-Malaysian Students’ Persception among the students who have participated in the visiting lecturer program. Based on the results of the calculation of R-square and R-value, the teaching quality positive influences the perception of Indonesian student by 54,3% and that of Malaysian student by 73.7%. It demonstrated that the teaching quality of the visiting lecturer program positively influences the perceptions of Indonesian-Malaysian students.

Bursa Suq Al Sila Framework Analysis

In Malaysia, Tawarruq was introduced in Islamic financial system to replace the bai ai-inah concept. Hence, Tawarruq is the most popular product in Islamic Banking and finance sector. The ideas of Tawarruq came from the classical perspectives of jurists that want to assist the development of Islamic economic, banking and finance and replacing the old concept which is clearly prohibited in Islam. Therefore, to overcome this issues and facilitate the implementation of Tawarruq, Suq al-Sila’ (BSAS) was introduce in Islamic financial system. However, many scholars has discussed from a difference views about the implementation of Tawarruq and BSAS. This study refer to BSAS as a case study to complete this research. The objectives of this study is to understand the framework of BSAS, explain the types of commodities and specification of commodity authorizing by Bursa Malaysia Islamic Services (BMIS), participants in the BSAS platform and analyze issues that exist on the BSAS platform. Meanwhile, this research use the secondary data such as collect data from the sources from library and data from internet and primary data by interviewing Vice President, Bank Shariah Officer and Shariah Officer Hong Leong Islamic Bank to obtain primary data. This paper will explain in more detail the BSAS transaction flow and present the Shariah issues involved. The results of this study found that there are several aspects of the implementation of the BSAS platform that raise some Shariah issues. Therefore, this paper is expected to improve BSAS platform and Tawarruq principles.

Knowledge as a Predictor for Preparedness in Managing COVID-19 Among General Practitioners in Malaysia.

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the working environment for general practitioners (GPs). GPs had to adapt quickly when care mitigation for mild COVID-19 in the community began. We assessed Malaysian GPs' knowledge and preparedness to manage COVID-19. Method A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between May and October2022 among the GPs. Emails were sent to GPs affiliated with the main GP organizations in Malaysia, such as the Academy of Family Physicians of Malaysia (AFPM). Additionally, participation was sought through social media groups, including the Association of Malaysian Islamic Doctors, the Federation of Private Medical Practitioners' Associations Malaysia, and the Primary Care Network. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire on items related to knowledge and preparedness to manage COVID-19. The content was validated by six experts. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the predictors for preparedness. Results A total of 178 GPs participated in this study. The mean age of the GPs was 41.8(SD 12.37) years, 54.5% were males, 47.8% had a postgraduate qualification, and 68% had up to 10 years of general practice experience. Their practices are commonly solo (55.1%), located within an urban area (56.2%) and 47.2% operate 7 days a week. A majority of GPs (n = 124, 69.7%) had a good level of knowledge of COVID-19. In contrast, about a third (n = 60, 33.7%) had a good level of preparedness to manage COVID-19. GPs with a good level of knowledge of COVID-19 had 1.96 times the odds of having a good level of preparedness as compared to GPs with lower knowledge (OR = 2.11 (95% CI: 1.06, 4.18,p= 0.03)). Conclusion A good level of knowledge is a predictor for preparedness to manage COVID-19. Relevant and targeted measures to enhance knowledge for better preparedness among the GPs to respond to future pandemics are needed.

Erratum to "The Effectiveness of a Drug Abuse Prevention Module Based on Self-Assertiveness, Spirituality and Belief in the Detriments of Drug Abuse (MPDASK)" [Islamic Guidance and Counseling Journal 6(2) 2023

Refers to:Shafie, A. A. H., Walid, D. A., Aziz, A. R. B. A., Yassin, N. M., Baharudin, D. F. B., Othman, K., Jaladin, R. A. B. M., Amat, S., & Wahab, S. (2023). The Effectiveness of a Drug Abuse Prevention Module Based on Self-Assertiveness, Spirituality and Belief in the Detriments of Drug Abuse (MPDASK). Islamic Guidance and Counseling Journal, 6(2). https://doi.org/10.25217/0020236387500 Erratum:The authors requested a revision in the original publication of this article. Specifically, at the acknowledgment, the following statement: This research is funded by the Ministry of Higher Education of Malaysia through the Long-Term Research Grant Scheme (LRGS)—Project Group 6, entitled 'Development of Psychospiritual Based Prevention Module for Drug-Free Community' Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) grant code number: USIM/LRGS/ FKP/50119. This research project is part of the LRGS project 'Fostering Long-term Change to Create Drug-Free Community in Malaysian Youth: Understanding the Trajectories and Genetics in the Development of Effective Prevention and Intervention Model with Smart Geo-Spatial Apps Monitoring' (JPT grant code number LRGS/1/2019/UKM-USIM/02/2/6); in collaboration with researchers from Asian Centre for Research on Drug Abuse, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, and other team researchers from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Malaya, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, and Universiti Malaysia Terengganu. Amended to:This research is funded by the Ministry of Higher Education of Malaysia through the Long-Term Research Grant Scheme (LRGS) project of ‘Fostering Long-term Change to Create Drug-Free community in Malaysian Youth: Understanding the Trajectories and Genetics in the Development of Effective Prevention and Intervention Model with Smart Geo-Spatial Apps monitoring’ (JPT grant code number LRGS/1/2019/UKM/02/2/6); in collaboration with researchers from Asian Centre for Research on Drug Abuse, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, and other team researchers from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Malaya, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris and Universiti Malaysia Terengganu. This project entailed Project Group 6 - with the title ‘Development of Psychospiritual Based Prevention Module for Drug-Free Community’ USIM grant code number: USIM/LRGS/FKP/50119. This correction has been implemented in the original article.

Strategy and challenges of value-based intermediation implementation: the case of BIMB

Purpose The present study aims to evaluate the VBI strategies that have been implemented and to analyze the implementation challenges that BIMB has encountered. Design/methodology/approach A case study method was used to generate an in-depth and multi-faceted understanding of VBI strategy implementation in Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad (BIMB). A semi-structured in-depth interview was conducted with BIMB which is among of the earliest members of the VBI Community of Practitioners (CoPs). The data were transcribed and analyzed based on the content and thematic analyses. Findings This paper provides insights into how Islamic bank, i.e. BIMB, implement initiatives and strategies for adopting VBI based on the four underpinning principles. VBI is seen as a continuous strategy implementation of what has been practiced in BIMB, for instance, the Sadaqah House initiative introduced in 2018. Research limitations/implications The primary limitation of the study is that it only focused on BIMB and does not represent the larger members of VBI CoPs among Islamic banks in Malaysia. A larger sample would have given more trustworthy results and could give better insights on the VBI implementation. Practical implications A good strategy implementation can be realized by generating a positive and sustainable economic, societal and environmental impact consistent with sustainable shareholder returns and long-term interests. The regulator should consider the policy implications of this study by strengthening the VBI and encouraging more Islamic and conventional banks to adopt it based on the findings. Originality/value The originality of this study is that it focuses on strategy implementation and the challenges facing Islamic bank toward VBI. It provides information on the implementation strategy of VBI in Islamic banks in Malaysia and facilitates other Islamic banking institutions, specifically future members of CoPs in creating a strong ethical foundation.

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE ISLAMISATION PROCESS IN MALAYSIA AND NIGERIA: A SOCIAL MOVEMENT THEORY APPROACH

This exploratory, diachronic study compares the politics of Islamisation, which have undergone different patterns of developmentin both Nigeria and Malaysia. Islamisation is defined as an ideological translation of Islamism into policies to “Islamise” the state andsociety by expanding the scope of the application of Islamic laws and principles. Islamisation in Malaysia has been implemented steadily and progressively since the 1980s. It involves the “inculcation of Islamic values” in a wide range of aspects of society, including the economy. The Islamic penal code or hudud enactments were legislated in two states, but held in abeyance due to their unconstitutionality. In contrast, Nigeria observed the sudden and erratic implementation of hudud in 12 northern states in 1999, along with other bureaucratic adjustments. Adopting an interpretative case study approach of the comparative method of Arend Lijphart, we explain the two contrastive case studies of the ideological translation of Islamism by analysing the manner in which various political opportunities and structural constraints in the respective cases have shaped the Islamisation process. Data gathering was based on an extensive review of the related body of literature. Analysis was conducted using a social movement theoretical framework based on a structured, focused comparison. The dynamic conceptualisation of the state as a set of institutions, which is continually and dialectically reshaped by contentious processes, captures how the bureaucratisation and judicialisation of Islam have modified the nature of state structures and the structure of political opportunities, which in turn allows for additional channels of influence for Islamic activists.

Improvements in the Application of the Tawarruq Munazzam Contract in Malaysian Islamic Banking: An Analysis from a Shariah Perspective

This paper aims to examine the measures taken by selected banks in Malaysia to enhance the implementation of tawarruq munazzam contracts. As a qualitative study, the researcher gathered data through library research and empirical studies. The library research involved analyzing books, articles, and statutes, while the field studies consisted of unstructured interviews with eight participants, including officers and Shariah committees of Islamic Finance Institutions (IFI). The sample group was selected using the purposive sampling method. Consequently, the researcher identified several themes from the interview data, which were subsequently analyzed. Tawarruq munazzam was chosen as a case study due to its prevalence as the most popular financial instrument among Islamic banks in Malaysia. The research findings revealed nine issues related to the tawarruq munazzam contract. Furthermore, the study highlighted the lack of uniformity among the five surveyed banks in terms of their efforts to improve the practice of tawarruq munazzam contracts. Additionally, one unresolved issue identified by the study pertained to the inclusion of wakalah elements. Notably, the study found that one of the banks exhibited the highest level of improvement in the practice of tawarruq munazzam, addressing eight out of the nine issues raised.

Conceptualising Of Muslims In Using Ar-Rahnu Services Offered by Malaysian Islamic Banks

This paper aims to recognize and discuss the factors influencing the intention of Muslims to participate in Ar-Rahnu offered by Islamic banks. Despite conventional pawnshops offering a higher margin to the value of collateral higher asset values in loans compared to Ar-Rahnu, there has been a noticeable increase in the demand for Ar-Rahnu over the years. The discussions attempt to create a discourse around the factors that influence the intention of Muslims to participate in Ar-Rahnu by using the Theory of Planned Behaviour plus religiosity. The findings propose conceptual frameworks that consist of components such as attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and religiosity as factors influencing the intention of Muslims to participate in Ar-Rahnu. However, these frameworks remain conceptual and await validation through empirical testing by future researchers. The findings of this study will provide valuable insights for Malaysian Islamic banks to enhance their Ar-Rahnu services. By aligning their offerings with Muslims' preferences and needs, Islamic banks can foster stronger relationships with their customer base and potentially attract new clientele. This review is hoped to be valuable to the present and future Ar-Rahnu scholars interested in the evolution of literature and identifying opportunities for future research. Ultimately, this paper addresses the crucial question of the factors influencing Muslims' intention to participate in Ar-Rahnu services in Islamic banks, thus contributing to the advancement of knowledge in this field.

Institutional Quality, Efficiency, and Stability in The Islamic Banking Sector of Malaysia

This study examines the interplay among institutional quality, efficiency, and financial stability in the Malaysian Islamic banking sector with a special emphasis on the interaction between efficiency and institutional quality. The sample comprises 16 Islamic banks from 2012 to 2020. The indicators for financial stability are Z-score based on return on assets (ZROA) and non-performing loans (NPLs). The system generalized method of moments (GMM) is employed to overcome the potential endogeneity issue in our regression. The findings show that institutional quality (i.e. government effectiveness, regulatory quality, and rule of law) influences Islamic banking performance. Based on the interaction model, government effectiveness and regulatory quality have a negative and statistically significant impact on ZROA. Conversely, government effectiveness and regulatory quality positively and statistically influence financial stability, as measured by NPLs. As for the rule of law, financial stability (i.e., ZROA) can be achieved in a strict environment when Islamic banks are inefficient.

IMPAK MAHASISWA UNIVERSITI AL-AZHAR DALAM PEMBANGUNAN INTELEKTUAL DI MALAYSIA: SATU SOROTAN SEJARAH

The Western narrative has long been found to disparage the contributions of Islamic figures and important institutions to the development of nations. This includes the present era, where graduates of Al-Azhar University are also portrayed negatively by associating them with academic shortcomings, insufficient human skills, the influence of political conservatism, and other negative elements. Therefore, this article explores the contributions of Al-Azhar University students and their impact on intellectual development in Malaysia. The researcher adopts a fully qualitative research approach, combining literature review and interviews and conducting a historical analysis. The study findings reveal that the positive contributions of Al-Azhar University to the development of Islam in Malaysia have been unfairly overlooked by certain parties, following the skeptical and negative approach taken by Western colonial powers. The university, renowned for its idealistic Islamic ethos, has proven to produce alumni who have played proactive and effective roles as intellectual leaders of the community since before independence until now. However, there is still room for improvement in the academic achievements and personal skills of Malaysian graduates from Al-Azhar to face the challenges of a more demanding global and modern world.

Peace in Religious Teachings and its Impact on Economic and Political Stability

AbstractThis study aims to delve into the values of peace within Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity in Malaysia and its profound influence on the country's economic and political stability. This study employs a qualitative approach, utilising both primary and secondary sources. In-depth interviews were conducted with religious leaders representing Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity, while relevant documentation was used as a secondary source. The findings indicate the shared emphasis among religious leaders upon cultivating inner peace within their respective faiths. Each religion advocates that spiritual practices foster inner peace, contributing to a harmonious society, nation, and economic resilience. Conversely, neglecting these religious teachings can lead to violence, social issues, and an absence of peace within the country. Therefore, this study posits that peace holds immense significance, urging its integration among believers and indirectly impacting Malaysia's economic development and political stability. Keywords:Value of peace, religious teachings, economic and political stability.

THE APPLICATION OF PROMISE (WA‘D) IN ISLAMIC BANKING CONTRACTS IN MALAYSIA: A MASLAHAH PERSPECTIVE

The concept of promise in Islamic banking contracts is a novel tool that has been introduced as a result of recent advancements. Wa’d has grown in popularity in recent years because it provides great flexibility. It was primarily developed by Malaysia’s Islamic banks for product structuring. However, there are issues arising from this principle, which is considered to be against Shariah and merely intended to preserve the bank’s interests, which is of course, contrary to Maqasid al-Shariah. The purpose of this study is to look into the significance of the promise concept in Islamic banking contracts, taking into account the maslahah and mafsadah principles recommended in Maqasid al- Shariah. The study uses a qualitative approach as it allows a more in-depth understanding of the subject matter. Data were gathered using published literature and information from the official website of Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM). A semi-structured interview was conducted with three Shariah experts from the Shariah Advisory Council of Bank Negara Malaysia (SACBNM) and two industry practitioners from Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad (BIMB) and Maybank Islamic Berhad (MIB). The data obtained was analysed using the content analysis approach. In sum, the examination of Islamic law sources and discussions with Islamic scholars revealed that the use of the principle of promise in Islamic banking transactions can benefit the micro and macro economy. The concept of promise in Islamic banking contracts can benefit both customers and Islamic banks, particularly in terms ofmeeting consumer needs, generating profit for Islamic banks, as well as contributing to the country’s development (maqasid kulliyah).

The Impact of the Ecosystem on Health Literacy Among Rural Communities in Protected Areas: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study.

Protected areas are crucial for the maintenance of human health and well-being. They aim to preserve biodiversity and natural resources to secure various ecosystem services that are beneficial to human health. Their ecological characteristics can influence local health literacy. Typically, communities surrounding protected areas have limited economic opportunities due to restriction policies to protect the ecosystem, resulting in socioeconomic disparities. The local community faces obstacles in gaining access to health care facilities and health information due to these limitations. It is difficult for them to locate, comprehend, and apply information and services to make better health-related decisions for themselves and others. This study protocol examines the impact of the ecosystem on health literacy among rural communities in protected areas. This study comprises 5 phases. In phase 1, we conduct a systematic review to identify the issue of health literacy in protected areas. In phase 2, we will collect data from stakeholders in a protected area of Pahang National Park and analyze the results using Net-Map analysis. In phase 3, we will conduct a survey among the adult community in Pahang National Park related to health literacy, socioeconomic status, health expenditure, and quality of life. In phase 4, informed by the results of the survey, we will determine suitable intervention programs to improve health literacy through a focus group discussion. Finally, in phase 5, we will conduct a costing analysis to analyze which intervention program is the most cost-effective. This study was funded by Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) and strategic research partnership grants, and enrollment is ongoing. The first results are expected to be submitted for publication in 2024. This is one of the first studies to explore health literacy among rural communities in protected areas and will provide the first insights into the overall level of health literacy in the protected community, potential determinants, and a suitable intervention program with expected cost analysis. The results can be used to promote health literacy in other protected areas and populations. International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number Registry ISRCTN40626062; http://tinyurl.com/4kjxuwk5. PRR1-10.2196/51851.