Locations In Peninsular Malaysia Research Articles

Molecular phylogeny confirms the subspecies delineation of the Malayan Siamang (Symphalangussyndactyluscontinentis) and the Sumatran Siamang (Symphalangussyndactylussyndactylus) based on the hypervariable region of mitochondrial DNA.

Siamangs (Symphalangussyndactylus) are native to Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra and southern Thailand and their taxonomical classification at subspecies level remains unclear. Morphologically, two subspecies were proposed as early as 1908 by Thomas namely Symphalangus s.syndactylus and Symphalanguss.continentis. Thus, this study aims to clarify the Siamang subspecies status, based on mtDNA D-loop sequences. Faecal samples were collected from wild Siamang populations at different localities in Peninsular Malaysia. A 600-bp sequence of the mitochondrial D-loop region was amplified from faecal DNA extracts and analysed along with GenBank sequences representing Symphalangus sp., Nomascus sp., Hylobates sp., Hoolock sp. and outgroups (Pongopygmaeus, Macacafascicularis and Papiopapio). The molecular phylogenetic analysis in this study revealed two distinct clades formed by S.s.syndactylus and S.s.continentis which supports the previous morphological delineation of the existence of two subspecies. Biogeographical analysis indicated that the Sumatran population lineage was split from the Peninsular Malaysian population lineage and a diversification occurrred in the Pliocene era (~ 3.12 MYA) through southward expansion. This postulation was supported by the molecular clock, which illustrated that the Peninsular Malaysian population (~ 1.92 MYA) diverged earlier than the Sumatran population (~ 1.85 MYA). This is the first study to use a molecular approach to validate the subspecies statuses of S.s.syndactylus and S.s.continentis. This finding will be useful for conservation management, for example, during Siamang translocation and investigations into illegal pet trade and forensics involving Malayan and Sumatran Siamangs.

Flashover pattern analysis for 275 kV double circuit transmission lines during direct lightning strikes

Lightning overvoltage causes outages of transmission lines (TLs) in tropical countries. Identifying and analyzing the key factors responsible for tripping the lines can improve the performance of the lines. In this work, the flashover patterns due to direct lightning strikes on 275 kV double circuit TLs and towers in Malaysia was evaluated with Electromagnetic Transient Program (EMTP-RV). Three parameters that include lightning current magnitude, power frequency angle and tower footing resistance were analyzed on the line performance during direct lightning strikes. The simulated results found that two key parameters, lightning current at 270 kA and footing resistance at 50 Ω, reveal the highest impact on the insulator flashover. This finding was also verified from multivariate analysis results which is rarely found in the previous works in this field. As a key contribution in this work and in validation to the model, the simulated fault waveform patterns and voltage magnitudes were compared with the actual site data obtained from six different locations in Peninsular Malaysia. The analyzed results show a similar waveform pattern with an overall average voltage magnitude difference of 6.0 % before and after fault. The model is useful to electric utilities for analyzing transient performance of TLs.

Motorcyclists’ Stopping Position at 4-Legged Signalised Intersections

Malaysia was ranked seventh in the world for having the highest percentage of motorcycle fatalities. The majority of motorcycle fatalities occurred at intersections as a result of other motor vehicles failing to notice them. However, little is known about the behaviour of motorcyclists when they come to a stop at an intersection. This study was designed to examine the position of motorcycles during the red phase at 4-legged signalised intersections. Data from 4,133 motorcycles were collected at four locations in peninsular Malaysia throughout peak and off-peak hours. Motorcycles stopped at signalised intersections by stopping behind the stop line, at/in front of the stop line, at the yellow box, at the pedestrian crossing and at the island marking were collected through video recording. Therefore, to facilitate the analysis, motorcycle positions were classified as either stopping behind the stop line or stopping forward. As per findings, more than 63 percent of motorcyclist’s queue in front of the stop line and move forward during peak and off-peak hours to gain a clear view, which increases the likelihood of a motorcycle departing within a very short time during the initial period of the green signal. To improve the performance of signalised intersections, some traffic engineering approaches can be used, such as the provision of a dedicated area, known as a motorcycle red box, which separates motorcycles from other types of vehicles at traffic lights. Positioning motorcycles ahead of other drivers reduces the risk of motorcycles appearing out of nowhere when traffic begins. This segregation is expected to improve motorcyclist visibility and safety, as well as provide a buffer for pedestrian crossings at signalised intersections, providing better protection for vulnerable road users.

The Anatomy and Morphology of Taenitis Willd. ex Sprengel (Monilophytes) in Peninsular Malaysia

The present study investigates the anatomical and morphological characteristics of four Taenitis species sampled from several localities in Peninsular Malaysia, namely Taenitis blechnoides, T. interrupta, T. dimorpha and Taenitis sp. The morphological and anatomical characters were observered with compound and dissecting microscopes, and sliding microtome. The species exhibited varying frond sizes (length and width) and positions of sori. Conversely, all the species showed common short creeping rhizomes with black hairy scales, scales at the base of stipes, U-shaped steles, simple trichome, sclerenchyma cells under the epidermis on stipes and rhizomes, polocytic stomata, and sinuous anticlinal walls. Morphologically, the frond form of Taenitis sp. is distinct from the other Taenitis. Thus, the species could be a new record for ferns in Peninsular Malaysia. However, molecular studies are required to confirm this.

Towards a better understanding of the genus Scelimena (Orthoptera, Tetrigidae, Scelimeninae): New insights and notes on the taxonomy, ecology, and physiology of the genus in Peninsular Malaysia

One of the two Scelimena Serville, 1838 species described from Peninsular Malaysia, Scelimena gombakensis Muhammad, Tan & Skejo, 2018 occupies a wide distributional range across the country, contrary to the range described in the original description of the species. Extended research has shown that the species occurs in many localities in Peninsular Malaysia, which is interesting given that such findings are uncommon in the study of Tetrigidae. This paper provides new distribution localities, some ecological and physiological notes, and photographs of living specimens of Scelimena gombakensis. Other species synonymized here include Scelimena razalii Mahmood, Idris, & Salmah, 2007 syn. nov. of species Falconius dubius Günther, 1938.

Genetic Variability of Wild Populations of Invasive Redclaw Crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) von Martens 1868 Across Peninsular Malaysia

The redclaw crayfish had been listed as an invasive species in Malaysia following the various negative impacts displayed on both environment and economy. The species are largely culture in Malaysia for food, but unluckily escaped and expands to several waterbodies across the country. For effective control management of redclaw crayfish species, a total of 52 wild samples were collected from six locations in Peninsular Malaysia and analyzed using a 16S mitochondrial DNA to assess their genetic diversity and introduction history. Five haplotypes were detected associated with an overall low genetic diversity (Hd = 0.385, π = 0.00133). A single genetic structure was detected with a phylogenetic relationship showing two clusters related to the haplotypes from Australia and Papua New Guinea. The finding of this study provides the basic data that will aid the appropriate Malaysian authorities for both monitoring and management strategies of redclaw crayfish in Peninsular Malaysia.

Metabarcoding data analysis revealed the plant dietary variation of long-tailed macaque Macacafascicularis (Cercopithecidae, Cercopithecinae) living in disturbed habitats in Peninsular Malaysia.

The long-tailed macaque (Macacafascicularis) has a wide range in both Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo. Although the primates are especially vulnerable to habitat alterations, this primate lives in disturbed habitats due to human-induced land-use. Thus, this study presents a faecal metabarcoding approach to clarify the plant diet of long-tailed macaques from five locations in Peninsular Malaysia to represent fragmented forest, forest edge, island and recreational park habitats. We extracted genomic DNA from 53 long-tailed macaque faecal samples. We found 47 orders, 126 families, 609 genera and 818 species across these five localities. A total of 113 plant families were consumed by long-tailed macaques in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 61 in the Malaysia Genome and Vaccine Institute, 33 in Langkawi Island, 53 in Redang Island and 44 in the Cenderawasih Cave. Moraceae (33.24%) and Fabaceae (13.63%) were the most common families consumed by long-tailed macaques from the study localities. We found that habitat type impacted diet composition, indicating the flexibility of foraging activities. This research findings provide an understanding of plant dietary diversity and the adaptability of this macaque with the current alteration level that applies to long-tailed macaque conservation management interest in the future.

Measuring market orientation, innovative marketing strategies and performance: evidence from the Malaysian agro-food manufacturers

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the relationship between market orientation and innovative marketing strategies and the effect of innovative marketing strategies on the performance of agro-food manufacturers.Design/methodology/approachSystematic random sampling was used, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 380 agro-food manufacturers. Several statistical analyses, including Pearson correlation analysis and logistic regression analysis, were used to analyze the relationship between market orientation and innovative marketing strategies, and the effect of innovative marketing strategies on the performance of agro-food manufacturers.FindingsAll dimensions of market orientation – customer orientation, competitor orientation and inter-functional coordination – have significant relationships with innovative marketing strategies (product, price, promotion and distribution), while customer orientation and promotion showed a very strong relationship among other variables measured. Innovative marketing strategies, specifically promotion, had the most effect on the performance of agro-food manufacturers.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample for this study was selected among agro-food manufacturers in major locations in Peninsular Malaysia. Hence, the findings may only give an initial overview of the current state of the agro-food manufacturers.Originality/valueThis study highlighted the significance of market orientation and innovative marketing strategies for the betterment of performance in the agro-food manufacturing sector.

MORPHOLOGICAL STRUCTURES OF RHIZOPHORA APICULATA BLUME. and RHIZOPHORA MUCRONATA LAM.

Research on the morphological structures of R. apiculata and R. mucronata was carried out in three different regions from July to December 2018. The research aimed at observing and documenting the morphological structure of R. apiculata and R. mucronata. Samples were collected from selected locations in Peninsular Malaysia. Subsequently, samples were processed as herbarium vouchers. The vegetative and reproductive structures of both species were observed and identified. 55 morphological features were recorded and annotated as result of this research. The research revealed that vegetative and reproductive structures could differentiate R. mucronata from R. apiculata. According to this research, there were no significant differences in the morphological structures of R. apiculata and R. mucronata from three different locations. As a consequence, the data acquired in this research would be valuable for future studies on Rhizophora species.

Two new species and a new record of the genus Polyalthia (Annonaceae) from Peninsular Thailand

Two new species of Polyalthia from Peninsular Thailand, Polyalthia heliopetala and P. taweensis, are described and illustrated. Polyalthia heliopetala most closely resembles P. oblonga and P. motleyana. Polyalthia taweensis most closely resembles P. obliqua. Polyalthia pumila is newly reported for Thailand from a single locality; the species was previously known only from two localities in Peninsular Malaysia and has not been re-collected in over 100 years.

Performance analyses of various commercial photovoltaic modules based on local spectral irradiances in Malaysia using genetic algorithm

A novel comprehensive methodology integrated with genetic algorithm (GA) has been formulated by accounting for local spectral irradiance and the specifications of commercial photovoltaic (PV) module. Despite having the same solar irradiance, variation in power conversion efficiency (PCE) of PV module can be significant in different site locations by referencing to that of standard AM1.5 spectrum. We have carried out a case study using GA for a combination of three site locations in Peninsular Malaysia and twelve types of commercial PV modules. Type-9 PV module operating in Bangi has recorded the lowest gain with 0.1%, while type-10 PV module operating in Bandar Sungai Long has shown the best gain of up to 27%. For solving multi-objective problems, MmGA and NSGAII have been applied to optimize three objectives concurrently including PCE, PV weight and PV panel area. From the simulation, type-1, type-6, and type-12 PV modules show the best in at least two objectives for the categories of m-Si, p-Si, and thin film, respectively.

Organochlorines and organophosphates susceptibility of Aedes albopictus Skuse larvae from agricultural and non-agricultural localities in Peninsular Malaysia.

Aedes albopictus larvae obtained from different types of agricultural and non-agricultural localities in Peninsular Malaysia were subjected to several larvicides at World Health Organization (WHO) recommended dosages. Upon 24 h of WHO larval bioassay using two organochlorines and six organophosphates, high resistance against dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), temephos, chlorpyrifos and bromophos were demonstrated among all larval populations. Aedes albopictus larvae from both paddy growing areas (92.33% mortality) and rubber estates (97.00% mortality) were moderately resistant to dieldrin while only Ae. albopictus larvae from dengue prone residential areas (89.00% mortality) showed high resistance against dieldrin. All Ae. albopictus larval populations also developed either incipient or high resistance to both malathion (33.67%–95.33% mortality) and fenitrothion (73.00%–92.67% mortality). Only Ae. albopictus larvae from fogging-free residential areas that were tolerant to fenthion (97.33% mortality), whereas Ae. albopictus larvae from dengue prone residential areas were highly resistant to the same organophosphate (88.33% mortality). Cross resistance between intraclass and interclass larvicides of organochlorines and organophosphates were also exhibited in this study. The present study provided baseline data on various susceptibility levels of Ae. albopictus larval populations from different types of agricultural and non-agricultural localities against organochlorines and organophosphates at WHO recommended dosages. Nevertheless, further susceptibility investigations are suggested using revised doses of larvicides established from the local reference strain of Ae. albopictus to prevent the underestimation or overestimation of insecticide resistance level among Ae. albopictus field strains of larvae.

Perspectives of Malaysian parents on eating out: A qualitative analysis

Introduction: The culture of eating out among Malaysians has substantially increased in recent years due to the urbanisation of the society. Frequent eating out has been linked with reduced quality of diet, reduced intake of micronutrients, and increased weight gain. This study aims to explore specific factors on the perceptions and behaviours related to eating out from the perspective of parents. Methods: A qualitative study was carried out among 27 informants from various ethnicities and locations in Peninsular Malaysia. All sessions were audio-recorded, fully transcribed and analysed using thematic content analysis. Results: The main overarching theme that surfaced from this study was the role of parents in shaping the practice of eating out. Time constraints due to parents’ work commitments, the availability of various food outlets, increase in family bonding time and food preferences were recurring themes revealed by informants as facilitating factors to eating out. Other emerging themes, such as hygiene of food premises and cost of food, posed as barriers to eating out. Conclusion: These findings offered a better understanding on the eating out practices of a family from the parents’ perspective. Information as such could be incorporated in strategies to enhance the promotion of healthy eating and nutrition interventions that aim to inculcate healthy food choices while eating out.

Corrosion behavior of API-5L-X42 petroleum/natural gas pipeline steel in South China Sea and Strait of Melaka seawaters

This work aims to investigate the corrosion effect of different seawaters surrounding Peninsular Malaysia on the carbon steel of the petroleum/natural gas pipeline. The Tafel extrapolation technique has been applied to evaluate the corrosion rate of the pipeline steel and different locations of natural seawaters have been used as the electrolyte solution. In this experiment, carbon steel pipeline, API-5L-X42 was utilized as the sample and the seawaters were taken from several locations in Peninsular Malaysia, specifically at the South China Sea (Terengganu, Kelantan, Pahang) and the Strait of Melaka (Melaka, Johor, Negeri Sembilan). The corrosion rate calculation and the type of corrosion attack also have been discussed on the basis of the morphology and the metal contents of the seawaters. It was found that the corrosion rate of the carbon steel is relatively higher in the Strait of Melaka seawaters than that of the South China Sea seawaters. The corrosion rate results varied from 0.01 to 0.024 mm/year. Immersion test were carried out to examine the corrosion product formed on the surface of the pipe and from the result, localized corrosion (pitting) and uniform corrosion occurred at the specimen’s surface severely for both seawater electrolytes. In summary, South China Sea is more favorable environment for the application of this type of pipeline steel compared to that of Strait of Melaka.

Determination of Oxalates in Corms of Selected Taro (Colocasia esculenta) Varieties in Malaysia Using Ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

Aims: To determine the oxalate contents in different varieties of taro (Colocasia esculenta) collected in Peninsular Malaysia.
 Study Design: Ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC) with UV detector (Diode Array Detection, (DAD)) was used to determine the total and soluble oxalate contents in different varieties of taro corms. Meanwhile, the insoluble oxalate content (calcium oxalate) was estimated from the subtraction of soluble oxalate content from total oxalate content.
 Place and Duration of Study: Malaysian Agriculture Research and Development Institute (MARDI Headquarters), Persiaran MARDI-UPM, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia between December 2018 to December 2019.
 Methodology: 9 different varieties of taro were collected from different locations in Peninsular Malaysia. All the samples were analysed for their oxalate contents. Extractions were carried out to determine the total oxalate and soluble oxalate contents. All the samples were analysed using UHPLC. The generated data of oxalate contents were analysed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA).
 Results: There is a significant difference (P <.05) between the oxalate content in the examined varieties with respect to the amount of total, soluble and insoluble oxalate contents. The putih variety has significantly the highest amount of total oxalate content with 218.8 ± 28.2 mg/100 g DW (dry weight) followed by the udang variety with 184.2 ± 24.7 mg/100 g DW and the wangi variety with 178.3 ± 5.1 mg/100 g DW. Tapak badak variety has the lowest total oxalate content with 70.5 ± 20.1 mg/100 g DW. Result showed that wangi variety has significantly the highest soluble oxalate content with 135.1 ± 4.8 mg/100 g DW followed by udang with 100.9 ± 49.8 mg/100 g DW. The lowest soluble oxalate content was found in tapak badak with 17.7 ± 2.9 mg/100 g DW.
 Conclusion: Despite many factors contributing to the difference in oxalate content between varieties, this study would help researchers or policy makers to suggest potential taros for commercial cultivation.

The efficiency of universal mitochondrial DNA barcodes for species discrimination of Pomacea canaliculata and Pomacea maculata.

Invasive apple snails, Pomacea canaliculata and P. maculata, have a widespread distribution globally and are regarded as devastating pests of agricultural wetlands. The two species are morphologically similar, which hinders species identification via morphological approaches and species-specific management efforts. Advances in molecular genetics may contribute effective diagnostic tools to potentially resolve morphological ambiguity. DNA barcoding has revolutionized the field of taxonomy by providing an alternative, simple approach for species discrimination, where short sections of DNA, the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene in particular, are used as ‘barcodes’ to delineate species boundaries. In our study, we aimed to assess the effectiveness of two mitochondrial markers, the COI and 16S ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid (16S rDNA) markers for DNA barcoding of P. canaliculata and P. maculata. The COI and 16S rDNA sequences of 40 Pomacea specimens collected from six localities in Peninsular Malaysia were analyzed to assess their barcoding performance using phylogenetic methods and distance-based assessments. The results confirmed both markers were suitable for barcoding P. canaliculata and P. maculata. The phylogenies of the COI and 16S rDNA markers demonstrated species-specific monophyly and were largely congruent with the exception of one individual. The COI marker exhibited a larger barcoding gap (6.06–6.58%) than the 16S rDNA marker (1.54%); however, the magnitude of barcoding gap generated within the barcoding region of the 16S rDNA marker (12-fold) was bigger than the COI counterpart (approximately 9-fold). Both markers were generally successful in identifying P. canaliculata and P. maculata in the similarity-based DNA identifications. The COI + 16S rDNA concatenated dataset successfully recovered monophylies of P. canaliculata and P. maculata but concatenation did not improve individual datasets in distance-based analyses. Overall, although both markers were successful for the identification of apple snails, the COI molecular marker is a better barcoding marker and could be utilized in various population genetic studies of P. canaliculata and P. maculata.

Tree Diversity, Stand Structure, and Community Composition in an Island Forest of Pulau Perhentian Besar, Terengganu

The Perhentian Island Archipelago comprising of 11 small islands is located in the state of Terengganu are among the biodiversity rich localities in Peninsular Malaysia. Perhentian Besar with approximately 867 hectares is one of the inhabited island and become the centre of tourism besides Perhentian Kecil. Island is well known as a place for many endemic and endangered living organism as previously demonstrated on other similar forested islands in Southeast Asia. However, there is little attention and effort of protection has been received by the terrestrial ecosystems that reside nearby the coastal. Thus, the present study investigates on tree diversity, stand structure and community composition in the island of Perhentian Besar, Terengganu. Forest plot of 0.5 hectare was established to analyze the floristic composition of tree taxa. The plot was divided into 10 subplots of 25m x 20m. All trees with 5cm diameter breast height (dbh) and above were tagged, measured for dbh size, recorded and identified. Voucher specimens were taken for further verification purposes. A total of 102 tree species were recorded comprising of 28 families and 65 genera. Rubiaceae had the highest number of species (11 species) and with regards to relative dominance, Shorea leprosula (Dipterocarpaceae) gave the highest importance value index (IVi) for species with a value of 8.45%. The Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index (H’) was considered high in the present study with 3.94 (H’max = 4.62) and the Evenness Index (E) value of 0.85 indicated that all species in the present study are almost equally abundant. The forest stand structure had a reverse J-shaped curve for tree size-class distributions as frequently observed in many natural forests, which indicated that the forest stand in the study site had a good recruitment patterns and also a main feature of matured forest in Peninsular Malaysia. The present study will help us to understand the pattern of tree species composition, diversity and forest ecosystem dynamic in Pulau Perhentian Besar.

CLASSIFICATION OF HIGH AND LOW LEVEL OF PM10 CONCENTRATIONS IN KLANG AND SHAH ALAM, MALAYSIA

Particulate matter (PM) comprises of a complex mixture of small solid or liquid particles of organic and inorganic elements that floats freely in air. PM10 is defined as a particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 10 m or less. The main objective of this paper is to classify the level of PM10 in selected locations in Peninsular Malaysia using discriminant analysis. Two important components considered in this study, namely; the meteorological factors and pollutant factors. The meteorological factors comprise of wind speed, wind direction, humidity and temperature while pollutant factors consist of Carbon Monoxide (CO), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) and Ozone (O3). The classification of high or low level of PM10 concentrations was based on the Malaysia Ambient Air Quality Guideline (MAAQG). The findings indicated that the classification equation differs from location to location due to different levels of PM10 concentrations, location of monitoring stations and factors affecting air pollution in that location. The simulation data also verified that the classification of PM10 concentration was almost similar to the real condition that occurred in Klang in October 2015.

CLUSTERING OF RAINFALL DISTRIBUTION PATTERNS IN PENINSULAR MALAYSIA USING TIME SERIES CLUSTERING METHOD

Time series clustering technique was used in this study to categorize the locations in Peninsular Malaysia according to the similarity of rainfall distribution patterns. Daily rainfall time series data from 12 meteorological observation stations across Peninsular Malaysia have been considered for this study. Four dissimilarity measure methods were examined and compared in terms of accuracy and suitability, namely Euclidean distance (ED), complexity-invariant distance (CID), correlation-based distance (COR) and integrated periodogram-based distance (IP). The average silhouette width (ASW) was used to determine the optimal group number for the rainfall time series data. Using Ward’s hierarchical clustering method, this study found that the rainfall time series in Peninsular Malaysia can be divided into four regions of homogeneous climate zones. Based on the results, the IP was the most suitable dissimilarity measures for clustering rainfall time series data in Peninsular Malaysia, except during the Southwest Monsoon where the COR performed better.

Preliminary studies on hydrothermal synthesis of zeolite from Malaysian kaolinite clays

The use of kaolin as a source of silica and alumina for synthesis of zeolite has been widely reported with various compositions and processing routes. However, since kaolin is highly influenced by geological origin and geographical formation, coupled with the processing method, two different crude kaolin were obtained at various locations in Peninsular Malaysia to serve as precursor for synthesis of zeolite. Hydrothermal treatments were made at reasonable low temperature of 90°C in an oven. The synthesized product was then analyzed using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, to evaluate the potentials of the process and the product. The outcome of the analysis suggested that the breaking down of the clay structure and the armophization process can improve raw material reactivity. However, the crystallinity and composition of the crude kaolin together with appropriate incubation time can greatly influence the synthesis process and the product.