Malaysian Managers Research Articles

Pharmaceuticals as emerging pollutants: Implications for water resource management in Malaysia

Pharmaceuticals as emerging pollutants: Implications for water resource management in Malaysia

A telemedicine tool for acute stroke management in Malaysia: a smartphone application

BackgroundAccurate assessment of stroke severity, precise neuroimaging diagnosis, and seamless coordination among stakeholders are crucial in ensuring prompt diagnosis and treatment during acute stroke activation. The study aimed to assess how the telestroke tool JOIN enhances time metrics in acute stroke care, specifically by improving decision-making speed and thereby enhancing patients’ clinical outcomes.MethodsThis prospective cohort study was conducted at Seberang Jaya Hospital and Umum Sarawak Hospital in Malaysia. It included adult ischaemic stroke patients who arrived within 4.5 h of stroke onset at one of the two locations. Patients were divided into two groups: the pre-JOIN period using conventional communication versus the JOIN period using JOIN. Time metrics were collected from medical records and/or social networking services (pre-JOIN), and timestamp data (JOIN). Analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, with a total sample size of 120 patients.ResultsWith 60 patients in each group (pre-JOIN and JOIN), the mean (SD) ages were 57 (12.6) and 60 (14.1) respectively. Patients in both groups were similar at baseline, showing comparable stroke subtypes, events, and severity, primarily Lacunar Anterior Circulation Infarct with mild stroke as their initial occurrence. Both median door-to-imaging time and door-to-decision time were reduced by 6 min with JOIN, although the difference was not statistically significant. Thrombolysis rates and symptomatic intracranial haemorrhages were similar between groups, but door-to-needle time was significantly shorter with JOIN (78 [28.0] minutes versus 45 [42.0] minutes, p = 0.008). Most patients were discharged alive with similar modified Rankin Scale scores between the groups.ConclusionsDoor-to-needle time was shorter in the post-JOIN period than in the pre-JOIN period, suggesting that the implementation of JOIN may contribute to improved time metrics in acute stroke care. Its safety, affordability, ease of use, and additional features make it a promising telestroke tool, crucial for handling high patient volumes with limited resources.Trial registrationThis study was registered with the Malaysian National Medical Research Register and received ethical approval (NMRR ID-21-02363-XFT) from the Medical Research and Ethics Committee, Ministry of Health Malaysia dated 30-March-2023.

Understanding Human Resources Best Practices in Franchise Relationship Management: Franchisors' perspectives

Franchising greatly impacts the business landscape and is a crucial vehicle in business ownership. As franchising increases its share in the industry, achieving brand standards, effective communication, and strong partnerships with franchisees have become difficult for franchisors. Over the past few years, researchers have been investigating a solution to gain a competitive advantage that falls under relationship franchising. This involves strengthening franchisors' relationships with their franchisees. The present study explores franchise relationship management in Malaysia, focusing on effective human resource management perceived by franchisors. Six in-depth interviews were conducted with franchisors from the food and beverages industry who are owners or decision-makers in their businesses. Interview questions captured. Emergent themes revealed; consistent training, effective communication, and standardised policies. These practices are crucial for strengthening franchisor-franchisee relationships, enhancing operations, and ensuring long-term success. The findings provide valuable insights for improving franchise networks, with recommendations for future research to benefit the Malaysian franchise industry.

Development and Validation of the IoT-FiER Instrument for Fire Emergency Response Management

This study aims to develop and validate the IoT-FiER instrument to assess the acceptance and adoption of IoT technology in fire emergency response management. The focus is on ensuring the instrument's content validity for use by Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) firefighters. The instrument was developed using a systematic literature review (SLR) to identify critical elements and sub-constructs related to IoT adoption. A total of 102 items were created and validated through expert judgment using the Content Validity Index (CVI). Nine domain experts, including fire officers, engineering professionals, and academicians, rated the relevance of the items. The I-CVI, S-CVI/UA, and S-CVI/Ave were quantified to determine content validity. The validation process demonstrated high content validity, with I-CVI values ranging from 0.11 to 1. The scale-level content validity index (S-CVI/Ave) achieved 0.80, while the universal agreement (S-CVI/UA) was 0.78. A total of 21 items were removed due to low relevance ratings, ensuring the refined instrument aligns with domain-specific constructs. This study focuses on content validity; future research should examine reliability, face validity, and criterion validity to ensure the robustness of the IoT-FiER instrument. The IoT-FiER instrument provides a validated tool for evaluating IoT adoption readiness within fire safety management. It can assist policymakers and practitioners in improving fire emergency responses through IoT integration. This study contributes a systematically validated instrument that bridges theoretical frameworks and practical applications of IoT in fire safety, specifically for emergency management in Malaysia.

Developing and assessing MyTBCompanion - A tri-lingual integrated video observed therapy app for tuberculosis patient management in Malaysia and Indonesia.

Limited studies have developed a mobile phone-based application that supports Asynchronous Video Observed Therapy (A-VOT) for Tuberculosis (TB) program. This study aimed to design, develop, and assess MyTBCompanion, a mobile phone-based digital health intervention to support A-VOT for TB management and care among low-income patients in Malaysia and Indonesia. MyTBCompanion was designed and developed under a partnership involving experts in information technology, respiratory disease, and linguistics. Pre and Post-test surveys were done to assess feedback on the existing TB strategies (Direct Observed Therapy (DOT) and/or VOT) and the usability of the tested A-VOT strategy using MyTBCompanion. We collected data on the patient's age, education level, current treatment strategy, and statements measuring four MyTBCompanion components: Engagement (how interesting, customizable, interactive and well-targeted to an audience an app is), Functionality (ease of use, app design, navigation), Aesthetic (the graphic design, overall visual appeal, color scheme, and stylistic consistency) and Information (content accuracy and relevance). The Mann-Whitney U test was performed for group comparisons, with results considered significant at p < 0.05. In total, 49 patients with TB were recruited from Malaysia (n = 29) and Indonesia (n = 20). Most participants in both countries were 20-40 years old. Indonesian participants mainly had tertiary education (11/20, 55.0%), whereas most had secondary education level in Malaysia (17/29, 58.6%). Most Malaysian participants (19/29, 65.5%) were using VOT through WhatsApp, with fewer (10/29, 34.5%) using DOT. All participants from Indonesia (20/20, 100%) were using the DOT strategy. Overall, compared to the existing strategies, a higher mean agreement score was observed for MyTBCompanion, with Information scoring the highest agreement (4.57/5.0), followed by Engagement (4.53/5.0), Functionality (4.51/5.0) and Aesthetic (4.49/5.0). Findings suggest an overall good agreement on the usability of A-VOT strategy using MyTBCompanion in terms of engagement, functionality, information and aesthetics, with many indicating their willingness to recommend it to others, marking an encouraging milestone in the app's development.

Analisa SWOT Entrepreneur Woman dalam Pengembangan Tadika Alfikh Orchard

This study examines the development of TADIKA Alfikh Orchard through a comprehensive SWOT analysis, focusing on women's entrepreneurship in early childhood education management in Malaysia. Employing a qualitative descriptive methodology, the research utilized participatory observation and in-depth interviews during an International Community Service Program. The study reveals that women entrepreneurs demonstrate distinctive capabilities in integrating Islamic values with contemporary educational approaches. Key findings highlight the institution's strengths in financial literacy implementation and innovative learning programs, while identifying external opportunities in the growing demand for Islamic-based early childhood education. The research concludes that strategic networking, robust financial management, and continuous professional development are critical for sustainable growth in early childhood educational institutions. The study contributes to the understanding of women's entrepreneurship in educational contexts and provides strategic insights for institutional development in the Southeast Asian educational landscape.

Organization Perceptions, Agriculture Operations, and Government Policies toward Sustainable Solutions: A Holistic Approach to CO2 Emissions in Malaysian Context of Food Industry

With limited energy, land, and water resources, meeting the expanding demand is made more difficult by population growth and rising food consumption. In a near future, climate change will affect agriculture and cause natural resources going into scarcity. Thus, it is critical to scrutinize the Malaysia domestic system that could support decision-making to practice sustainability. The main drivers behind this research are agriculture industry is closely related to the basic needs of humans, and the agricultural demands for human consumption are foreseen to exceed the supply in the near future. While striving to fulfill the demand of this generation, it is crucial for the food industries to find a resolution to achieve a balance in juggling the demand, as well as environmental protection and greenhouse gas emissions management. There are numerous empirical studies pinpointed the existence of government initiatives act as a catalyst to stimulate the involvement of industry players to work on greenhouse gas reduction aspirations. Even though the studies of greenhouse gas emissions have been adopted rapidly recently, however studies have shown limited understanding toward CO2 emissions management from the organization view, especially food industry in Malaysia. Hence, the study for greater industry-specific research on agriculture industry is absolutely essential. This research provide an examination on the interaction between organization perception, agriculture industry operation, government initiative and the CO2 emissions management in Malaysia’s food industry. The pilot test analysis results exemplified that agriculture industry operation have a significant relationship toward the implementation of CO2 Emissions Management. This research uncovers critical insights through a comprehensive survey, highlighting the necessity for firms to integrate CO2 emission-related considerations into their corporate strategic planning processes. It emphasizes that corporate strategic plans must align CO2 emission reduction objectives with overarching corporate goals. Furthermore, to effectively tackle the challenges posed by CO2 emissions and climate change, corporations should prioritize sustainability measures across all facets of their operations. These findings are particularly valuable for organizations in the food industry and beyond, providing guidance on essential factors to emphasize in efforts to reduce CO2 emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

FROM OUTBREAKS TO ENDEMIC: ANALYZING THE EVOLUTION OF COVID-19 CLUSTERS IN MALAYSIA

From 2020 to 2023, Malaysia experienced multiple waves of COVID-19, with clusters playing a significant role in transmission dynamics. Understanding these clusters is crucial for public health, as their characteristics and management significantly impact outbreak control. Unfortunately, existing regional research often focuses on national-level data, neglecting the insights hidden within cluster-level analysis. In these regards, this research aims to bridge this gap by comprehensively analyzing COVID-19 clusters in Malaysia from 2020 to 2023 through the development of a data dashboard using Microsoft Power BI. To fulfil that, the high-risk areas, the trend of COVID-19 clusters, the active time of each cluster, and the total cases of COVID-19 in each cluster have been identified. As a result, the developed dashboard reveals that the community cluster has the highest death toll of over 500 people while the highest number of COVID-19 infection cases has been recorded by the workplace group (over 300,000 cases) followed by the community group (100,000 cases). It can be induced that community clusters often see higher mortality rates despite the lower number of cases because they often affect more vulnerable populations such as the elderly compared to workplace clusters which usually involve younger working-age individuals. This knowledge will empower policymakers, healthcare professionals, and local communities to tailor their efforts to mitigate future waves and reduce the burden of COVID-19 in Malaysia. Consequently, by bridging the gap in research and focusing on the granular level of clusters, the project aspires to pave the way for a more data-driven and localized approach to pandemic management in Malaysia and across the globe.

Tourism leadership behaviour at times of crisis: a Malaysian’s perspective during the COVID-19 pandemic and the way forward for sustainable policies

PurposeThis study aims to examine the behaviours of leadership in tourism at times of crisis. In so doing, it highlights a radical shift in crisis management and the related policies for the Malaysian tourism industry.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative approach was used to explore the leadership behaviours of various key informants in the Malaysian tourism industry. Action Learning technique was used for this study.FindingsFindings show that leadership behaviour at times of crisis includes the need to (1) partner between and across the tourism ecosystems, (2) be agile at times of volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (VUCA), (3) communicate effectively, (4) be resilient, (5) anticipate long-term and short-term outcomes and (6) document crisis events for lessons learnt and the way forward.Practical implicationsMalaysia depends on tourism as a major contributor to GDP; tourism has a significant pool of employees compared to other industries. The implications of this study are crucial as (1) the interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary nature of tourism has a multiple ripple effect on the GDP, and (2) scholars have warned that other crises that can severely impact the tourism industry are on the horizon, emphasizing the importance of a sustainable tourism crisis management policy in Malaysia.Originality/valueA study on key informant behaviour for tourism crisis management in Malaysia can contribute to the formulation of public policies and action plans for the tourism industry.

ACTION Malaysia—perception and barriers to obesity management among people with obesity and healthcare professionals in Malaysia

BackgroundTimely weight loss conversations between healthcare professionals (HCPs) and people with obesity (PwO) can help in effective obesity management. The Awareness, Care, and Treatment in Obesity maNagement in the Asia Pacific region (ACTION APAC) studied the attitudes, perceptions, and behaviours toward obesity among PwO and HCPs in nine countries of South and Southeast Asia. The current study is a subgroup analysis based on the Malaysian population, known as ACTION Malaysia (ACTION-MY), and aims to explore the attitudes, perceptions, behaviours, and barriers to effective obesity management among both PwO and HCPs.MethodologyAn online survey in dual languages (Malay and English) was conducted between April 2022 and May 2022 among 1001 adult PwO and 200 HCPs (general practitioners, endocrinologists, obstetricians/gynaecologists, cardiologists, and other appropriate specialities).ResultsThe findings highlighted significant gaps in obesity awareness, with 57% of PwO misclassifying their weight status as normal or overweight. While 68% of PwO valued discussing weight management with HCPs, success rates remained low. On average, patients made three weight loss attempts in adulthood, with 63% regaining weight even after maintaining weight loss for six months or more. Key barriers included insufficient exercise, motivation deficits, and poor hunger control. Although 88% of HCPs recognised obesity as a chronic disease affecting overall health, patient disinterest, limited awareness of treatment options, and time constraints hindered effective intervention. Despite 70% of PwO trusting HCPs’ medication recommendations, only 10% received weight loss prescriptions.ConclusionsThis study emphasises the need for enhanced communication between HCPs and PwO, along with comprehensive support that includes mental health services. Addressing the perception gap regarding weight management responsibility is crucial. The results suggest that culturally contextualised approaches to obesity management in Malaysia are essential. Our findings highlight the urgent need for developing treatment strategies and policies targeting identified barriers and establishing collaborative frameworks to enhance obesity management within Malaysia’s healthcare system.

Network Directional Distance Function for Measuring Performance of Water Utilities in Malaysia

Evaluating the performance of water supply services is crucial in many countries. Performance indicators (PIs) are often used to check how well water management is working. One important PI is the percentage of Non-Revenue Water (NRW), which shows how much water is being lost and how efficiently the utility is using water. Lower NRW percentages reflect better performance. NRW happens while delivering the water supply to the consumer; hence, NRW can be classified as an undesirable output in the water supply process. One type of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model that directly considers the undesirable output factor is the Directional Distance Function (DDF) model. Recently, researchers have expanded the DEA and DDF models into network structures. Since the process of supplying the water services can be expressed as a network process, this study attempts to use the Network Directional Distance Function (NDDF) to measure the water utilities’ performance that incorporates NRW as the undesirable output factor. Additionally, it proposes an alternative performance indicator for benchmarking Malaysian water utilities. The study used 2015-2016 data from the Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Air Negara (SPAN) on 14 Malaysian water utility providers. Results show that only Johor and Pulau Pinang were consistently efficient under both DDF and NDDF models. The NDDF model provided clearer efficiency rankings, identifying three efficient states across both years, whereas the DDF model found five in 2015 and seven in 2016. These findings suggest that NDDF enhances performance evaluation and ranking, helping authorities benchmark top-performing utilities for better water service management in Malaysia.

Influence of Good Governance Principles of Transparency, Accountability and Responsiveness in Enhancing the Performance of Federal Land Management in Malaysia

Influence of Good Governance Principles of Transparency, Accountability and Responsiveness in Enhancing the Performance of Federal Land Management in Malaysia

Flood Management Framework for Local Government at Shah Alam, Malaysia

Flood disasters are common events in Malaysia, particularly during the monsoon seasons. Hence, disaster management in Malaysia is based on the framework following “Directive 20” by the National Security Council (MKN). This study gathered qualitative information in Shah Alam Municipality through informal interviews with 20 informants following the quadruple-helix multi-stakeholders model in 2023 for flood disaster management (FDM). Thematic analysis of the qualitative information was conducted following the four main priority of action themes of the Sendai Framework for United Nations Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030) using the Taguette software. This study found coordination and inter-agency data sharing are two major issues in Shah Alam that require immediate attention for FDM. Thus, this study suggests improving district-level flood management guidelines, especially the involvement of the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA). The NADMA should have a close look at the flood management plan, which acts as Malaysia’s main disaster management coordinator, as they are usually the first agency on the scene when a disaster occurs. Hence, to prevent and lessen flood disaster impact, disaster risk preparedness and individual management through customized training are crucial in combining non-structural and structural measures for FDM.

Do Female Directors Matter? Exploring the Link Between Corporate Sustainability Disclosures and Earnings Management in Malaysia

ABSTRACTThis study investigates the moderating role of female directors in the relationship between earnings management and corporate sustainability disclosure among Malaysian listed firms. The sample comprised 100 firms from 2017 to 2022, and the two‐step system generalized method of moments method was employed to test the hypotheses. Corporate sustainability disclosure was assessed using a self‐constructed disclosure index. The findings indicate a positive relationship between earnings management and corporate sustainability disclosure. However, the presence of female directors on the board negatively moderates this relationship, suggesting that they reduce the likelihood of using sustainability disclosure as a means of masking earnings management. The robustness of these findings was confirmed through additional testing. This research highlights the importance of gender diversity on corporate boards as an essential component of effective corporate governance. Increasing the number of female directors could enhance oversight functions and reduce opportunistic behaviors, such as earnings management, leading to more authentic sustainability practices and improved corporate accountability. These results have significant implications for both organizations and policymakers. Organizations should consider achieving a critical mass of female directors to strengthen governance and accountability. Policymakers and regulators might use these insights to develop guidelines that encourage greater board diversity, thereby enhancing overall corporate governance. Furthermore, the study supports Sustainable Development Goal 5 by demonstrating that greater female representation on boards can influence policy and leadership in ways that reduce unethical practices like earnings management, thereby promoting ethical conduct and sustainability.

Exploring performance measurement practices in public housing tenancy management in Malaysia

PurposeThis paper aims to explore existing performance measurement (PM) practices in Malaysian public housing, specifically focusing on tenancy management operational practices and PM initiatives, thereby contributing valuable insights to this under-researched area.Design/methodology/approachThis study employed a qualitative research approach, utilizing open-ended interviews to gather insights. To enhance the validity and reliability of the data, a purposive sampling technique was applied, selecting experts based on predefined criteria. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the interview data, extracting meaningful themes and providing a comprehensive understanding of PM practices in Malaysian public housing.FindingsThe findings reveal significant disparities in PM practices across different states in Malaysia. While some public housing entities have established their own key performance indicators, others lack structured frameworks, leading to inconsistencies in monitoring and effectiveness. The discrepancy highlights the need for a more uniform approach to ensure transparency and reliability in PM.Originality/valueThis study provides unique insights into the current state of PM, particularly in the context of tenancy management, which has been underexplored. By employing qualitative methods and thematic analysis, the research offers a nuanced understanding of the challenges and gaps in PM. It highlights significant disparities across different states and identifies key areas for improvement. These findings underscore its potential to inform and transform PM practices in Malaysian public housing, paving the way for more standardized and effective PM practices in the future.

Integrating Family Business Values into Cultural Heritage Stewardship at Malacca Heritage World Site, Malaysia

This research investigates the intersection of family business practices and cultural heritage management in Malaysia, a country rich in cultural diversity and history. The study was motivated by the need to understand how family-run businesses contribute to preserving and promoting cultural heritage in Malaysia. Through a comprehensive qualitative approach, researchers examined the business strategies, cultural values, and operational models of family businesses engaged in cultural heritage sectors. The findings revealed a unique blend of traditional values and modern business understanding, highlighting how these businesses play a crucial role in sustaining cultural heritage. Family businesses in Malaysia have developed distinctive approaches to cultural heritage management, blending traditional values with innovative strategies to navigate the challenges of modernisation and globalisation. This has implications for business practices and cultural preservation, offering insights into sustainable cultural heritage management in a rapidly evolving global landscape. The study underscores the importance of family business-based culture in the stewardship of cultural heritage. It argues for greater recognition of these businesses in policy formulation and heritage management strategies. The “take home” message is clear: Malaysia's symbiotic relationship between family businesses and cultural heritage presents a unique model that balances economic viability with cultural preservation, offering valuable lessons for the business world and cultural heritage sectors globally.

Effective Financial Management in Malaysia’s Alternative Theatre: Challenges and Best Practices

Alternative theatres, characterized by their small-scale operations, face persistent challenges in financial sustainability due to limited resources and high operating costs. This study aims to explore the financial management challenges specific to small-scale theatre productions and develop a tailored financial planning framework to address these constraints and enhance competitiveness. The research employs a qualitative methodology, adopting a case study design focused on two prominent entities: ThreeSixty Theatre and Revolution Stage Studio. Data collection involves in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, analysis of financial records, and field observations to comprehensively understand the financial dynamics of alternative theatre productions. The findings reveal that financial management in small-scale theatre productions is significantly influenced by factors such as the availability of funding sources, the size and expertise of production teams, and the clarity of task scopes. Additionally, the effective use of celebrity actors and strategic promotional efforts were identified as critical elements for optimizing financial outcomes. This study underscores the importance of a structured financial planning framework tailored to the unique challenges of alternative theatres. By integrating factors such as resource allocation strategies, actor popularity, and promotional planning, alternative theatre productions can achieve greater financial stability and operational success. These insights provide valuable guidance for practitioners and stakeholders in the theatre industry seeking to navigate financial constraints while preserving artistic excellence.

Critical Success Factor on Iconic Building Management in Malaysia

Iconic building defined as a building that offer a new briefed image, be high in figure of form and be obvious from the city. Iconic Buildings differ from monuments as they symbolize the place where built in city scale or country scale; buildings that have historic or cultural values of their own or even connected to a significant place or person. Generally, they are different, regarding the design, size, visual appeal, or architectural style etc. Buildings and the environment are indistinguishably linked. The buildings become part of the physical environment, stirring the city image, living conditions, social wellbeing and economic profile. Iconic buildings are good examples for this mutual relationship. Their distinctiveness plays a key role in configuring their surroundings. And their impact ripples could extend to cover the whole city as related to the typology of buildings themselves. Iconic building plays a crucial role in promoting economic growth and urban development. However, over time the time, features of iconic buildings have been changed. During each time period, the architectures of the building have special aspects. There are four special characteristics elements should be present in any iconic building including unique design, large scale, high level and specific message signified by the building. However, all the features can affected maintenance of the iconic building. The issues and challenges of iconic buildings including to manage physical maintenance of iconic buildings, documentation in multiple formats, information silos, changing usage, natural and manmade hazard, pollution, financing, sensitive adaptation of iconic buildings, and material. Instead, the maintenance for iconic building needs have a critical success factor for better facilities management. Given this context Therefore, the objective of this study is to identify and compile critical success factors in order to give a positive impact of facilities management on iconic building in Malaysia. Delphi Method was selected as a reliable qualitative method based on the local context in developing critical success factor of iconic building ranking through the viewpoints of local expert panels. It is believed that the viewpoints can deliver guidance to the researcher in recognizing the quality of each iconic building factors in local environment. There are three rounds Delphi Method used through expert panels in various field including facility manager, architecture, contractor, consultant and association. The study was successful in evaluating the critical success factor of iconic building in local context and it is expected to provide insights to the facilities management industry in Malaysia to manage iconic building.

Cultural Dynamics in Disaster Management: Exploring Sociocultural Influences on Disaster Response in Malaysia.

Disaster management strategies often emphasize technical and structural solutions, overlooking the sociocultural factors that shape community resilience and disaster response. In Malaysia, a multiethnic and multireligious country frequently affected by floods and monsoon storms, cultural beliefs, social networks, and traditional practices play a pivotal role in shaping disaster preparedness and recovery. This study examines how religious beliefs, community cohesion, gender roles, and traditional knowledge influence disaster management in Malaysia. A qualitative research approach was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews with 15 stakeholders from diverse ethnic, religious, and social backgrounds. Participants, represented various religious groups and geographic areas. Their roles included local leaders, government officials, NGO workers, and community members, providing insights into how sociocultural factors influence disaster response and policy. Religious beliefs serve as both a source of resilience and a potential barrier, shaping community attitudes toward disaster preparedness. Community cohesion, particularly through gotong-royong (mutual aid), plays a crucial role in mobilizing resources and support, though it often excludes marginalized groups. Gender roles significantly influence disaster response, with women taking on caregiving responsibilities yet remaining underrepresented in decision-making processes. Traditional knowledge remains valuable, particularly in rural communities, but faces challenges as younger generations increasingly rely on modern technologies. This study highlights the need for culturally sensitive, gender-inclusive, and community-driven disaster management policies in Malaysia.Integrating sociocultural dimensions into formal frameworks can foster more adaptive and inclusive strategies. Enhancing community participation and gender inclusivity will be key to improving disaster resilience in Malaysia.

Hydrodynamic Analysis of an Eco-Trap to Improve Gross Pollutant Removal on Water Surface with CFD Simulation

The use of gross pollutant trap (GPT) as one of the primary treatment measures to remove coarse pollutants from water surfaces that should not enter sewers and waterways is widely recognized worldwide. Over the years, GPT designs have evolved significantly, from large and built-in devices to proprietary off-the-shelf products as a structural measure to curb river pollution. Nevertheless, most of the installed GPTs are poorly maintained, leading to many environmental problems such as odour, vermin, flooding and unsightly views. This study is interested in developing a removable gross pollutant trap, called Eco-trap, which can contribute to river cleaning without much complexity and cost. The hydrodynamic performance of the Eco-trap is evaluated using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. To ensure the reliability of the simulations, grid independence tests were conducted with coarse, medium, fine and finer mesh sizes. Three different mesh sizes (0.10m x 0.05m, 0.20m x 0.10m and 0.30m x 0.15m) were tested in five velocity scenarios to evaluate their effectiveness in removing pollutants from stormwater runoff. The results provide important insights into the velocity distributions, pressure gradients and force distributions around and on the trap structure, which provides valuable information for optimizing the design of pollutant removal devices. By analysing the total deformation and equivalent stress, net weaknesses were identified for further improvements. This study contributes to the improvement of stormwater management in Malaysia by providing new insights into the hydrodynamic behaviour of gross pollutant removal devices and their potential applications to reduce water pollution in river ecosystems