Kubang Pasu District Research Articles

The Effectiveness of the Role the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) in Managing the Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic during the Implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO): A Case Study in Kubang Pasu District, Kedah

The Effectiveness of the Role the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) in Managing the Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic during the Implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO): A Case Study in Kubang Pasu District, Kedah

KAJIAN KEPERLUAN KANDUNGAN MODUL ASAS PENDEKATAN PEMBELAJARAN BERASASKAN MASALAH

In research on module development, a needs analysis study is conducted to ensure that the module produced can meet the needs and specifications of users. This study was conducted to identify the content requirements of the problem-based learning approach module, in an effort to improve the level of teacher mastery related to the problem-based learning approach. In order to create a digital module that can meet the needs of teachers as users, a needs analysis was conducted on five school teachers in the Kubang Pasu district. Data collection was done through semi-structured interviews and purposive sampling techniques were used in sample selection. Qualitative data from the interviews were categorized and analyzed to identify themes and make sense of the data. Data analysis has identified four main themes which are: (1) Teacher knowledge related to problem-based learning approach, (2) Teacher skills related to problem-based learning approach, (3) Teacher attitude related to problem-based learning approach, and (4) Characteristics The module expected by the teacher is simple, easy to understand and includes a demonstration video of the implementation of the problem-based learning approach. The needs analysis shows that the basic digital module of the problem-based learning approach has the potential to be developed. Apart from the four main themes identified, the suggestions and specifications obtained from the interviews provided useful information for developing the module content. These findings will be used to design and develop module content in the next phase. This discovery is expected to help produce a digital teaching module that is able to give ideas to teachers to apply a problem-based learning approach in the teaching and learning process, and further ensure a positive impact on students.

Implementation and Challenges of Home-Based Teaching and Learning (PdPR) in Religious Schools in Kubang Pasu, Kedah

Covid-19 has significantly impacted many sectors worldwide, including the education sector. This impact also affects educators in implementing home-based teaching and learning (PdPR). PdPR is implemented to ensure that students are not left behind even though the world is going through the Covid-19 pandemic. Therefore, research is carried out where the research questions and objectives are about PdPR implementation and challenges. Surveys are done in five religious schools in Kubang Pasu district, which involves 77 teachers. The research found that teachers still carry out PdPR even though they face many challenges such as limited interactions with students, lack of student attention, and limited internet access. To successfully implement PdPR, teachers need support from all parties, including parents, students, NGOs and the government. Thus, the research finding is crucial to the schools and Islamic education sector to study and improve PdPR to achieve educational objectives.

The use of Jigsaw II technique in Malay grammar learning

The Jigsaw II technique has been found to be effective in teaching and learning grammar based on cooperative learning. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine the effect of the use of the Jigsaw II technique on Form Four students’ attitudes and achievement in Malay grammar learning. Sixty-two students from two boarding schools in Kubang Pasu district, Kedah, Malaysia, were selected to participate in the study. They were divided into a treatment group and a control group. Thirty-one students of the treatment group used the Jigsaw II technique, while thirty-one students of the control group used the Gallery Walk technique. Both groups were given pre-test and post-test. Pre-attitude and post-attitude questionnaires were given to the treatment group only. Data was collected and analysed quantitatively using paired sample t-test, independent sample t-test, and simple linear regression test. The results showed a significant difference in achievement and attitudes for the treatment group in learning Malay grammar after using the Jigsaw II technique. The analysis also showed that the student’s attitude also influenced their achievement in learning Malay grammar based on the Jigsaw II technique. In conclusion, language teachers should choose and diversify cooperative learning techniques, such as the Jigsaw II technique, as this technique can also influence students’ achievement and attitudes in grammar learning.

COVID-19 MORTALITY CASES IN KUBANG PASU DISTRICT

COVID-19 has rapidly impacted on mortality worldwide. Early identification of COVID-19 cases in community at high risk of death can enhance patient treatment and resource allocation. The goal of this study is to identify the characteristics of COVID-19 mortality cases in Kubang Pasu districts in 2021. Data on mortality cases in the year 2021 in Kubang Pasu district were collected, extracted and analyzed. There are 210 (1.9%) mortality cases had been recorded in 2021 due to COVID-19 infection form 11019 COVID-19 cases in Kubang Pasu district. The mortality cases consist of 108(51%) female and 102(49%) male. The highest mortality cases involved the age group of more than 70 years old with 73 (34.8%) cases. The highest race was Malay 193(91.9%), followed by non-Malaysian(2.9%), Chinese 4(1.9%), Siamese 4(1.9%) and Indian 3(1.4%) respectively. Most of the mortality cases are unvaccinated 153 (72.9%). The most coomon cause of death is due to COVID-19 pneumonia with 205 (97.5%) cases. Majority of the cases were screen through symptomatic screening and close contact screening 86 (40.9%) cases and 52 (24.8%) respectively. Among the mortality cases, there are 22(10.5%) brought-in-death cases which 19 (86%) cases are Malay. Most of the brought-in-death cases are unvaccinated, 19 (86%) cases, incomplete vaccine 1 (5%) case and 2 (9%) cases completed vaccine. The highest number of mortality cases occur among those with age more than 70. It involved mostly among Malay race and they were unvaccinated. Lung complication is the main cause of death since most of the mortality cases passed away due to pneumonia. This high number of mortality and BID cases might be attributed to poor health-seeking behaviour among the Kubang Pasu population with COVID-19. Promotion activities about COVID-19 and vaccine should be strengthened further to improve the knowledge and actions towards COVID-19 in community.

Sustaining the Environment: Critical Success Factors and Barriers of Solid Waste Management through Composting Practices by Rural Communities in Malaysia

Generally, rural areas can contain large amounts of organic and household wastes, which on average, is rarely managed well. Meanwhile, composting is a waste management method that decomposes organic waste biologically, thus contributing toward better waste management and environmental sustainability. However, exposure to more efficient waste management methods and the knowledge of the importance of composting are still low among rural communities. These communities also do not realise that composting has the added potential benefit of increasing household income. Therefore, this exploratory study was performed guided by two objectives, first to identify the critical success factors of composting practice for improving the economy and quality of life among rural communities, and second, to identify factors that hinder this composting practice. A quantitative approach was used for this purpose, where data were obtained through non-probability sampling from respondents located in 32 rural villages in the Kubang Pasu District of Kedah, Malaysia. The results of this study revealed that villagers living outside of city limits do not practice composting as part of their waste management. Among the barriers that were identified as preventing composting practice in these rural village communities, were the lack of knowledge, awareness, and interest in composting. However, some of these respondents indicated that they were aware of composting through television, radio, social media, newspapers, and from various programmes organised by certain organisations. In conclusion, this study has provided information as a guide to stakeholders for them to act by further educating rural communities about composting, perhaps highlighting more the potential benefits of earning a side income through the adoption of composting practices by producing and selling compost fertilisers.

CAN PICTURE BOOKS IN ENGLISH CLASSROOM LEAD TO INCREASE VOCABULARY LEARNING?

Although English Language is taught in the Malaysian national and national-type primary schools for six years, the competence of the language among primary school students is still low. One of the areas where students are observed to be weak in is vocabulary where the teaching of vocabulary has always been neglected as language teachers often felt that the acquisition could be acquired through the teaching of the 4 language skills. There are many ways to teach vocabulary, but picture books in teaching vocabulary is not widely used in Malaysian context. This qualitative research attempted to explore the use of picture books in English language classes in Sekolah Rendah Jenis Kebangsaan (C). The respondents of this research were nine Chinese primary school pupils aged from seven to eleven in Kubang Pasu District, Kedah. Focus group discussion and semi – structured interviews were the instruments used to collect the data and they were analysed thematically. The use of picture books in SJK (C) classrooms was believed to be helpful to the pupils. Pictures, short sentences and careful choice of words in the picture books help pupils to understand new and difficult vocabulary better. Furthermore, the use of picture books also enables the visual learners to understand the story plot well too. Different displays of the picture books are one of the merits to attract pupils and maintain the interest of reading.

Spending Behavior and Coping Strategies of The Low Income Group in Kedah, Malay

This study was conducted to examine and understand the behavior of low income households (B40) which are defined as households with income below RM3800. The data was collected from face to face interview based on structured questionnaire to cover 124 head of household (respondents) randomly selected in the Kubang Pasu district. The results show that most respondents spend their income on food items. Household heads are mostly employed in the agriculture, forestry & fisheries sector (27%) and most of them have an income lower than RM2000. The respondents also stated that they do side jobs and have to be frugal to cope with the rising cost of living. Nearly all (92.7%) of household heads received government assistance, particularly BR1M and a majority found that the assistance received was at a moderate level of satisfaction. There are many suggestions given by the household to overcome the rising cost of living such as eliminating the Goods and Services Tax (GST), increasing the amount of government assistance and controlling the prices of goods and fuel.

Effects of Teaching and Learning Supervision on Teachers Attitudes to Supervision at Secondary School in Kubang Pasu District, Kedah

This study was conducted to identify the influence of teaching and learning supervision on the attitude of teachers towards the supervision in secondary schools in Kubang Pasu District, Kedah. The supervisory model developed by Glickman, Gordon and Ross-Gordon (2004) and the research instrument involves a set of questionnaires containing 23 items. Respondents of the study involved 372 teachers in secondary schools in Kubang Pasu District, Kedah. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics using Statistical Packages of Social Sciences and inferential statistics using the Partial Least Squares software through the SMART PLS 3.0 software. The result shows that there is a significant influence between the dimensions of knowledge and the technical skills with the teachers’ attitude towards supervision while the dimensions of interpersonal skills do not have a significant influence on teachers' attitudes. The findings can be used as guidance to the Ministry of Education, to overcome all the shortcomings and weaknesses in the existing teaching supervision practices based on the established supervisory regulation

The Effect of Teachers’ Work Ethic Practice: A Study at a Daily School in the Kubang Pasu District

This study aims to identify the effect of Teachers’ Work Ethics (TWE) practice based on the teachers’ work ethics code outlined by the Ministry of Education (MOE). The research sample involved teachers who are teaching at one of the daily schools in the Kubang Pasu District whom were given intervention for a month. Questionnaire was used to seek the effect of intervention prescribed in the effort to develop TWE Model. The study employed inferential statistics of t-test paired sample to see the difference between pre test and post test result. The finding showed that there is an increase in ethics practice in terms of the right intention, good conduct, initiator of goodness, fulfilling promise and; disciplined and civilised. However, in the aspect of discipline and conduct, there is significant difference between pre and post test that is (p< 0.05). This difference shows that teachers focus more on practicing this particular aspect in their daily lives. Study findings give the implication that attitude, training and role of leaders are important in determining that this principle is implemented successfully.

Changing people demands to policies: The roles of elected representatives at Kubang Pasu District, Malaysia

People have various demands to the government. In the plural society in Malaysia, the demands are different for different groups striving to obtain access to finance, better healthcare, housing, subsidies, security and other human necessities. These and other demands are channeled to the government through elected representatives. However, not all demands will be fulfilled, they need to be evaluated and prioritized by the government before changes in public policies are made. Interviews were conducted with the elected representatives to scrutinize the problems faced by people in their constituencies. Also, questionnaires have been distributed to examine problems and issues at the grass root. The research findings indicate that people’s demands are divided into eight priorities such as education, housing, agriculture, animal husbandry, safety, facilities, religious issues and household issues. Basing on the political system theory, the demands are processed as input by the government and output is produced in the form of aids, projects, programs and plans arranged by the federal and various other agencies. Once policies are implemented, people give their feedback as the outcome from the policies’ implementation.

LIVELIHOOD STRATEGIES AND INCOME GENERATING OPPORTUNITIES: A CASE STUDY ON RURAL POOR HOUSEHOLDS IN KEDAH, MALAYSIA

The objectives of this paper are to uncover the livelihood strategies of the poor households in managing their incomes to sustain the household members’ welfare and whether the strategies can be translated as opportunities for poverty alleviation. Adopting qualitative data collection method, an in-depth interview method is used to retrieve information on the expenditure pattern of the households and the underlying reasons for doing so. Five households with various demographic backgrounds are chosen from Mukim Laka Temin, Kubang Pasu District. This study discovers the expenditure of each poor household is managed by a woman and each household has its own unique livelihood strategies which are based on the type of jobs of the household members and the households’ spending arrangements. All households prioritize their expenditure, food as the main priority, followed utility bills, transportation, education and others. Most households constantly receive financial supports from various sources such as government agencies and individuals in terms of zakat and donation. The study suggests the livelihoods strategies adopted by the households can be translated into opportunities for the poor households to improve their socio-economic status if the members receive proper provision of trainings and capitals.Keywords: Household Expenditure; Livelihood Strategies; Poor Households.

Relationship Between School Climate and Teachers’ Commitment in an Excellent School of Kubang Pasu District, Kedah, Malaysia

The aim of this study is to identify the relationship between school climate and teachers’ commitment. This study focused on five excellent schools in the district of Kubang Pasu, Kedah. The total number of teachers in the five schools was 280 but only 178 teachers were randomly selected to be the respondents. The respondents were asked to complete two sets of questionnaires that are Organizational Climate Index (OCI) from Hoy et al. (2002) to examine school climate while Teachers Organizational Commitment from Celep (2000) to test teachers commitment. Researchers used SPSS version 20.0 to analyze the collected data. Descriptive statistic was used to get the frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation. Researchers found that the Alpha Cronbach for validity is 0.92. To test school climate with teachers’ commitment, descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Data collected was found abnormal (K-S test) so, Spearman Correlation test p DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n3s1p163

Insulin therapy refusal among type II diabetes mellitus patients in Kubang Pasu district, the state of Kedah, Malaysia.

Diabetes mellitus is a rising non-communicable disease in Malaysia. Insulin therapy refusal is a great challenge for healthcare providers, as it results in delayed insulin initiation. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of insulin therapy refusal and its associated factors. This cross sectional study was conducted at seven public health clinics in Kubang Pasu district, Malaysia, from March to October 2012. A newly developed and validated questionnaire was used and participants were selected via systematic random sampling. Only patients diagnosed with type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and under the public health clinic care in Kubang Pasu were included in the study. Multiple logistic regressions were used to study the association between insulin therapy refusal and its associated factors. There were 461 respondents and the response rate was 100%. Among these 461 patients with T2DM, 74.2% refused insulin therapy. The most common reason given for refusal was a lack of confidence in insulin injection (85.4%). Multiple logistic regression revealed that respondents who had secondary education were 55.0% less likely to refuse insulin therapy than those who had primary or no formal education (p = 0.009, adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.25-0.82). There was also a significant inverse association between glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and insulin therapy refusal (p = 0.047, adjusted OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.76-1.00). Insulin therapy refusal is common in Kubang Pasu. Education status and HbA1c should be taken into consideration when counselling patients on insulin therapy initiation.

Religiositi dan Kebimbangan dalam Kalangan Mangsa Banjir di Daerah Kubang Pasu, Kedah

Anxiety can arise due to various causes. Uncertainty and failure to anticipate any tragedy can induce fear differently among people. Flood tragedy may draw worries among those who had experienced it before. Anxiety is related with coping strategies to deal with it. One of the coping strategies is religious practice. This study is aimed to identify the level of religiosity and to explore the signs of anxiety among flood victims in Kubang Pasu district, Kedah. To meet the objectives, a total of 113 residents in Kubang Pasu, Kedah were purposively selected as respondents. The study found the religiosity level of most respondents is high. The study also found that flood victims show several signs of anxiety such as inability to relax, afraid of bad things happening, rapid heart rate, feeling not strong, fear, anxiety, worried and fear of death. They use religious practices such as reciting prayer, performing solat or reading the Qur’an to face the flood. In conclusion, Islamic practices can be used by victims when coping with any disasters, especially floods.

Speciation of heavy metals in paddy soils from selected areas in Kedah and Penang, Malaysia

This study was carried out with the intention of evaluating heavy metal contamination in cultivated paddy areas. The speciation of heavy metals in paddy soils was determined in order to gain insight regarding their origin and distribution in soils. Five sampling sites were randomly selected from Kedah (Yan, Kota Setar, Kubang Pasu district) and Penang (Bumbung Lima district), where the soils constituted marine alluvial deposits. A site in Langkawi, where organic paddy farming is practised was used as the control. The sequential extraction method was adopted in order to obtain the four heavy metal fractions namely the easily leachable and ion exchange (ELFE), acid reducible (AR), oxidizable organic (OO) and resistant (RR) fractions. This study shows that the soil samples were clayey (82 to 96% of grain size Mn>Cr>Cd>Pb>Zn>Cu. Heavy metals such as Pb, Cu, Cr and Zn predominantly occurred in the insoluble form (RR fraction), with the oxides of Fe and Mn incorporated into the clay minerals. Although, the fertilizers and pesticides studied contained low amounts of heavy metals, the elevated amount of amount of Mn and Cd in the soils (ELFE fraction) could possibly be attributed to the longterm and repeated application of these materials to the cultivated paddy areas.