Pasir Puteh Research Articles

The Phenomenon of The Establishment of Baharu Pondoks By Young Ulama As Well As Relationship With The Welfare of The Kelantan Islamic Community and Family

Kelantan is known as the Serambi Mekah (Veranda of Mecca) due to the many Islamic scholars from the state who studied in Mecca and returned home to establish pondok (traditional Islamic schools). The late 1800s and early 1900s marked a golden age for these educational centers, with over 100 pondoks operating in the state. However, the number began to decline in the mid-20th century for various reasons. Yet, in the early 2000s, Kelantan witnessed the emergence of many new pondoks, with participation reaching 70 during the 2022 gathering of Kelantan pondoks at Pondok Batu Hitam, Pasir Puteh. This phenomenon indicates a significant increase in the establishment of pondoks in Kelantan. Surprisingly, many of these were founded by young scholars who graduated from various Islamic educational institutions worldwide. This article presents a study on the initiatives of these young scholars in establishing pondoks in Kelantan, exploring various aspects and their relationship with religious well-being in the community and families. The study employs a literature review to gather facts about the history and development of pondoks in Kelantan up to the present, as well as field research where the researcher interviewed some of the involved young scholars to obtain data on this phenomenon, alongside elder scholars for their perspectives on the issue. The researcher also consulted the Royal Malaysia Police and the Kelantan Islamic Religious and Customs Council (MAIK) to gather data regarding the religious well-being of the Islamic community and families following the establishment of these educational centers. The findings indicate that the rapid establishment of pondoks is a noble effort by young scholars to propagate Islam in Kelantan by offering alternative education to the Islamic community and families, preparing students for more advanced studies in Islamic institutions worldwide. However, this growth requires oversight from religious authorities and the Kelantan pondok associations to ensure they operate according to traditional pondok systems. The study also received positive feedback from MAIK and the Royal Malaysia Police, indicating that the initiatives of young scholars in establishing new pondoks do not disrupt the religious well-being of the Islamic community and families in Kelantan; rather, they strengthen community unity and instill high values among students according to the teachings of Ahli al-Sunnah wa al-Jamaah in terms of belief, sharia, and ethics.

Genetic differentiation and heavy metal pollution influence on horseshoe crab Tachypleus gigas populations in Peninsular Malaysia: A comprehensive allozyme analysis

This study aimed study the genetic diversity and differentiation of Asian horseshoe crab Tachypleus gigas (Müller, 1785) populations across three distinct locations in Peninsular Malaysia: Kampung Pasir Puteh (KPPuteh), Kuala Sungai Ayam (KSAyam), and Kampung Pulau Sayak (KPSayak). A total of 28 individuals were collected, and their genetic structure was analyzed using starch gel electrophoresis. The study employed multiple buffer systems optimized for separating 20 different enzymes, each contributing to understanding the genetic variability within and between populations. The findings of this study, which revealed significant genetic differentiation, particularly between populations in polluted and less impacted environments, as reflected by high FST values and distinct clustering in the UPGMA dendrogram, are of paramount importance. The results indicate that environmental factors, especially metal-polluted sites at KPPuteh and KSAyam, have played a critical role in shaping the genetic structure of these populations. Populations from the two polluted sites, exhibited higher genetic diversity and greater deviations from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, suggesting localized selection pressures. Conversely, from a less polluted site, the unpolluted site at KPSayak population showed lower genetic variability and was genetically distinct from the others. These findings underscore the importance of considering environmental influences in conservation strategies for T. gigas, highlighting the need for site-specific management to preserve genetic diversity and ensure long-term survival of the species.

An updated ecotoxicological evaluation and health risk assessment of metal contaminants in Perna viridis mussel harvested on March to August 2018 from Pasir Gudang Coastal Area, Malaysia

Perna viridis (P. viridis) is a significant protein source globally but is often contaminated by metals due to its filter-feeding behavior. Given that Kampung Pasir Puteh, Pasir Gudang (Johor) is Malaysia's primary P. viridis harvesting site and the last health risk assessment (2015) was incomplete, the metal contamination status remains uncertain. Graphite furnace-atomic absorption spectroscopy was employed to analyze metal contaminant concentrations in P. viridis samples collected from March to August 2018, as per Malaysian legal requirements. The R2 values varied between 0.9976 and 0.9980 for P. viridis mussels and between 0.9976 and 0.9999 for seawater. The recovery for P. viridis mussels and seawater ranged from 93.95% to 106.80% and 92.73–108.84%, respectively. Precision and accuracy for both intra and inter-day measurements ranged from 0.15% to 5.49% for P. viridis and 0.05–5.58% for seawater. The concentrations of metal contaminants in P. viridis varied significantly among the different months of sampling (p < 0.05). All P. viridis samples had higher concentration of arsenic (3.16–75.80 μg g−1) than that prescribed by the Malaysian law. Higher cadmium concentration was observed during July (2.12 μg g−1) and August (2.05 μg g−1) alone. With target hazard quotients and hazard indices > 1.0, the likelihood of negative health impacts from consuming these mussels cannot be ignored. TCR values for As and Cd exceeded USEPA standards, indicating a potential lifetime carcinogenic risk from continuous P. viridis consumption. Pb (21.20–49.28 µg L−1) in all surface seawater samples was invariably higher than the allowable limit for Class 2 water areas. Metal contaminant concentrations varied significantly between P. viridis and surface seawater (p < 0.05), implying inconsistent bioaccumulation due to pollution differences. Given the significance of P. viridis mussels, concerted scientific efforts are essential to devise effective metal contaminant removal methods.

Lower Health Risks of Potentially Toxic Metals after Transplantation of Aquacultural Farmed Mussels from a Polluted Site to Unpolluted Sites: A Biomonitoring Study in the Straits of Johore.

The present field-based study aimed to determine the levels of six potentially toxic metals (PTM)s (Cd, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, and Zn determined using a flame atomic-absorption spectrophotometer) using transplanted green-lipped mussel Perna viridis from a polluted site at Kampung Pasir Puteh (KPP) to unpolluted sites at Kampung Sungai Melayu (KSM) and Sungai Belungkor (SB) in the Johore Straits (SOJ), and to estimate the human health risks of the PTMs after the depuration periods. Interestingly, after 10 weeks of depuration in the two unpolluted sites, there were 55.6-88.4% and 51.3-91.7% reductions of the six PTMs after transplantation from KPP to SB and KSM, respectively. Lower risks of health assessments were recorded and judged on the present findings of significantly (p < 0.05) lower levels of safety guidelines, significantly (p < 0.05) lower values of target hazard quotient, and significantly (p < 0.05) lower values of estimated weekly intake, of all the six PTMs after 10 weeks of depuration of the transplanted polluted mussels to the two unpolluted sites in the SOJ. Thus, further reducing the noncarcinogenic risks of the PTMs to the consumers. From an aquacultural point of view, this depuration technique can be recommended to reduce the health risks of PTMs to mussel consumers.

Development of inundation maps along East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia due to predicted seaquake from Manila Trench

Coastal zone has high value of socioeconomic activities. The number of developments and activities at the coastal areas of various sectors has increased day by day. Tsunami hazard is classified as one of the most devastating natural disasters that cause destruction along the coastal areas resulted to human fatalities. There are many causes of tsunami, but the most common is due to earthquake in the ocean. Previously recognised as a safe zone from natural disasters of tsunami, Malaysia was confronted by a rude awakening of the 2004 Andaman tsunami, causing a total loss of 68 lives. However, the potential impacts of tsunamis towards Malaysia coastal areas, especially at East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, have not been explored extensively. This study, therefore, is critical and pertinent. It aims to investigate the potential seismic activities that generate tsunami occurrences affecting East Coast Peninsular Malaysia. This study further simulates Manila Trench earthquake-induced tsunami at various earthquake intensities, namely Mw 7.0, 8.0 and 9.0, by using TUNA model. Results obtained from this study indicated that tsunami wave generated by Manila Trench earthquake at Mw 9.0 resulted to the highest disastrous effects towards East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Findings from this study have established that Kelantan will experience the highest inundation depth at 4.0 m in Pasir Puteh with the highest inland inundation distance at 5.5 km in Bachok. Besides that, Terengganu will experience the highest inundation depth at 6.0 m in Kuala Terengganu with the highest inland inundation distance at 6.0 km also in Kuala Terengganu. In Pahang, the highest inundation depth at 4.5 m with the highest inland inundation distance at 3.3 km is anticipated to experience in Pekan, while in Johor, the highest inundation depth at 1.2 m with the highest inland inundation distance at 0.4 km is anticipated to experience in Mersing. On the other hand, Mw 8.0 and 7.0 earthquake was expected to be insignificant upon arriving at the coastal areas. Mitigation measures and evacuation plans can be effectively planned as findings obtained from this study are able to provide vital information on the possibilities of tsunami waves occurrences to overcome massive losses of properties and life.

The Influence of Tidal on Water Quality in Sungai Semerak, Kelantan

A study has been done in Sungai Semerak, Pasir Puteh, Kelantan to understand the influence of tidal on river water quality. This study was carried out from June 2022 until March 2023. The main purpose for studying this river is because Sungai Semerak was one of the cleanest downstream rivers in Kelantan and faced various threats along the river. In-situ analyses were performed using YSI Multiparameter and Ex-situ laboratory analysis for total suspended solids, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand and ammoniacal nitrogen using HACH methods. This study shows that the Water Quality Index (WQI) for Sungai Semerak was classified as Class IV. Comparing WQI during spring and neap tide, the WQI is also in Class IV. From the result obtained from this study, tidal influenced the water quality during spring tide as the reading was higher compared to neap tide. Other factors that influence the water quality may come from human activities in Sungai Semerak, such as fish farming, runoff from the agricultural site, riverside constructions, supply bases and other factors. Further actions need to be taken, and further research needs to be conducted to assess this location to support the sustainability of Sungai.

Evaluation of Environmental Heat Exposure, Heat-related Symptoms, and Acute Physiological Changes among Farmers in Pasir Puteh and Bachok, Kelantan

Prolonged or intense exposure to heat can lead to a range of health effects. This study evaluated environmental heat exposure, heat-related symptoms, and acute physiological changes among 39 farmers in Kelantan, Malaysia. During the end of the monsoon season in February to Mac 2019, wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) was collected in the farm environment to assess heat exposure. Blood pressure, heart rate, and body core temperature were measured pre-, mid and post-shift to measure the physiological response of farmers towards environmental heat. Sociodemographic, occupational information and heat-related symptoms that subjects had experienced were gathered using a questionnaire. The WBGT outdoor showed a high risk for heat stress and strain (&gt; 28.0 oC) based on the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygiene (ACGIH) threshold limit values (TLVs). More than half (50%) of farmers reported heat-related symptoms including fatigue, lethargy, dizziness, rashes, and cramps. Significant physiological changes including heart rate, body temperature, and systolic blood pressure occurred across the work shift (p &lt;0.05). However, no significant association (p&gt;0.05) was found between the Acute Health Symptoms score (AHSS) with associated factors, thus no statistical model was further developed. In conclusion, farmers experienced significant psychological changes across the work shift. Preventive and control measures for heat stress are needed to reduce the risk of heat strain.

Effects of Labelling Process, Stigma And Stereotype Toward Malaysian Women with HIV Positive

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the labelling process including stigma and stereotype that Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) women patients must go through. The stigma stems from a lack of knowledge and understanding of HIV itself. It is even worse when HIV positive people are also associated with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) even though not all HIV positive people have AIDS. Data were collected from 20 women with HIV positive in Besut, Terengganu and Pasir Puteh, Bachok and Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Purposive sampling with some help from key informant were used to get the total of 20 respondents. Result of the study indicated that those women experience severe stigma, stereotyping and negative labels even though they were not involved in any immoral activities but instead they are a victim, in which the infection came from their own husband. Some people who are not emotionally strong enough to face the negative perceptions and judgement made by the society cause them to live in fear, anxiety, isolation, depression, and some choose to quit their job and lives, avoid getting proper treatment, meeting, and interacting with others. It is not easy to ensure that society do not label or stigmatize HIV positive patients. But it is the duty of all parties to provide knowledge of Positive HIV and it is a disease that is not easily transmitted to the public. So, there is no reason for the public to fear and punish the patients.

The Impact of Movement Control Order on Rural Livelihood in Malaysia

In 2020, the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) had a global impact on normal daily life. The Government of Malaysia officially declared the Movement Control Order (MCO), an official national lockdown, to reduce the virus’s spread. In the face of the unprecedented global health pandemic, Malaysia had struggled to protect its citizens’ welfare and livelihoods, particularly in the hardest-hit rural areas. Therefore, this study uses the sustainable livelihood approach (SLA) focusing on the aspect of financial assets and government intervention to enhance understanding on the vulnerability in rural area’s livelihood. Pasir Puteh, Kelantan was identified as the rural area for this study. The analysis was performed on a questionnaire survey based on convenience sampling of 62 respondents. Cross table analysis and a correlation test were used to examine the livelihood of the rural area concerning the financial assets, government intervention and vulnerability. The findings indicated that the MCO had a substantial impact on the rural area regarding the vulnerability toward the financial assets, such as employment status, job loss, increasing living costs, and an insufficient response to rural economic challenges. At the same time, there is no substantial government intervention in the welfare of rural areas. According to the results, the study concluded that the government should set up training courses to assist in the long-term recovery of rural areas due to the enforced lockdown, which has adversely affected rural livelihoods.

The Intention of Agro Farmers towards the Application of Kitosanplus in Kelantan

The Kitosanplus is an active molecule that finds many possible applications in agriculture to reduce or replace more environmentally damaging chemical pesticides. Thus, Kitosanplus could represent an innovative eco-friendly strategy for managing plant diseases and replacing copper. The effectiveness of Kitosanplus in protecting plants from biotic stresses by direct or indirect actions, but Kitosanplus interaction with pathogens and plants are still not fully understood. This study is to determine the agro farmer intention towards the application of Kitosanplus and the relationship between age and perceived behaviour of agro farmers towards the application of Kitosanplus. The location selected is in Kampung Bukit Jawa, Selising, Pasir Puteh. Most popular agriculture activities in this area are paddy plantation. The descriptive analysis and Pearson correlation analysis were used to analyze the data. The respondents indicated that Kitosanplus is an excellent organic fertilizer, and their application of chemical pesticides do not harm the crop. Instead, the attitude, perceived behaviour and social norm of agro farmers show they have a weak intention towards using Kitosanplus in their plantation.

Analysis of Water Stress Index (WSI) for District Surrounding Ulu Sat Forest Reserve, Kelantan, Malaysia

In the present study, the Water Stress Index for the selected area surrounding the Ulu-Sat forest reserve, Kelantan, Malaysia, was calculated. Water Stress Index was derived based on the ratio of water withdrawal to availability serves as an indicator to assess the status of water scarcity in the area. Water consumption for domestic purposes includes the daily water used for drinking and cleaning for households, while the non-domestic water used includes sectors such as agriculture (paddy and non-paddy), industry, and livestock. Estimation of water availability obtained from 3 stations located around Ulu-Sat forest reserve and the climate data obtained from the year 2008 to 2018. The water stress index presented in a range of 0.0 – 1.0. The result shows that the Water Stress Index value for Ulu-Sat forest reserve surrounding area obtained at an average of 0.32 for Machang, Pasir Puteh, and Kuala Krai. The result was implying a current low level of stress in Machang and Kuala Krai but the high-stress level in the Pasir Puteh area. The study also found that moderate to high-stress level occurs during the driest period of the year while low to medium stress level during the monsoon season. However, this ratio expected to further increase soon due to increase in water consumption and application. Hence, the importance of Ulu-Sat forest reserve in maintaining the stress level ratio low viewed as the utmost concern, especially in the dry season.

STREET NETWORK DESIGN, PATTERN AND CHARACTERISTICS FOR MALAYSIAN LOCAL TOWN

A large number of local towns with compare to another type of town in Malaysia notifying the variety which required further identification to highlight a standard in planning on this town category. Hence, this paper aims to define the basic criteria for street network of Malaysia's local town. Pasir Puteh, Baling, Rembau and Pontian were selected based on the diversity of the street network structure develop from beginning to the modern era. The towns were mapped using land use data. This study employed comparative analysis to assess similarity and differences on the principles and term of street network system. The finding suggests that local towns founded before independence retain the historical value of the street system built by the colonizer and new zone of local town is to serve the community rather than the administration. Thus, the research on how street network in local town influence vehicle or pedestrian movement is recommended.

Absence of Endocervical / Transformation Zone Component in Cervical Papanicolaou Smears in Northeastern Region of Peninsular Malaysia: Prevalence and Risk Factors

Background:Negative result from a satisfactory Papanicolaou (Pap) smear without endocervical cells and transformation zone (EC/TZ) components does not increase the chances of cervical cancer. However, a preparation of without EC/TZ components cannot rule out cervical cancer. Therefore, we aimed to study the factor associated with absence of EC/TZ components in Pap smear in Pasir Puteh District.Materials and Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study between groups of presence and absence of EC/TZ components in Pap smear test results was conducted among 114 samples of Pap smear screening who fulfilled study criteria in Pasir Puteh district, Kelantan state of Malaysia. Data were collected from Pap smear registry between 15th December 2019 and 15thJanuary 2020. Descriptive statistics, simple and multiple logistic regressions were used for data analysis.Results and Discussion: The prevalence of Pap smear samples with absence of EC/TZ components was 14.2% (95%CI: 0.11, 0.16). Multiple variable analysis using multiple logistic regression revealed BMI and nurses’ working duration as the significant factors associated with absence of EC/TZ components with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of 1.08 (95%CI:1.01, 1.16); p&lt;0.05) and 0.85 (95%CI:0.76, 0.96; p&lt;0.05) respectively.Conclusion:Majority of cervical cancer lesion happened in EC/TZ zone. Therefore, it is important to make sure staffs who conduct Pap smear test have received adequate training and used good sampling equipment in difficult patient to ensure the yield of the smear is satisfactory with presence of EC/TZ zone.International Journal of Human and Health Sciences Vol. 04 No. 03 July’20 Page : 178-183

Poor Glycemic Control: Prevalence and Risk Factors Among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Northeast State of Peninsular Malaysia

Background: Poor glycemic control remains an on-going public health concern worldwide. With the increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus in Malaysia, good control of blood glucose level is paramount to avert life-long complications of diabetes mellitus. Hence, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of poor glycemic control and its associated factors to assist clinicians in achieving good glycemic control among diabetic patients.Materials and Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study between groups of good glycemic control and poor glycemic control patients was conducted among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients who fulfilled study criteria in Pasir Puteh district, Kelantan, a northeast state of Peninsular Malaysia. Eligible samples registered in the National Diabetes Registry from 1st January 2019 until 31st December 2019 were recruited into the study. Descriptive statistics, simple and multiple logistic regressions were used for data analysis.Results: The prevalence of patients with poor glycemic control in Pasir Puteh district was 79.6%% (95% CI: 0.78, 0.81). Multivariable analysis using multiple logistic regression revealed age, duration of diabetes, cigarette smoking, presence of hypertension and presence of dyslipidaemia were the significant factors associated with poor glycemic control among T2DM patients in Pasir Puteh district with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of 0.93 (95%CI:0.91, 0.94); p&lt;0.001), AOR 1.19 (95%CI:1.14, 1.25; p&lt;0.001), AOR 2.75 (95%CI:1.52, 4.97; p=0.001), AOR 2.19 (95%CI:1.32, 3.62; p=0.002) and AOR 2.16 (95%CI:1.45, 3.21; p&lt;0.001) respectively.Conclusion: This study provided important criteria for clinicians to improve management of diabetes mellitus and optimize glycemic control based on the pinpointed significant risk factors.International Journal of Human and Health Sciences Vol. 04 No. 03 July’20 Page : 206-214

Heavy Metals in Barnacles Balanus Sp.: From Biomonitoring to Coastal Management

This study determined the levels of Cd, Cu, Fe, Ni, and Zn in the soft tissues and shells of barnacles (Balanus sp.) collected from the Kuala Juru, Sebatu, Sg. Ayam and Kg. Pasir Puteh, Peninsular Malaysia, obtained in 2008. The metal concentrations (μg/g dry weight) in the soft tissues of Balanus sp. received from four sites in Peninsular Malaysia ranged from 2.93-4.17 for Cd, 20.2-92.5 for Cu, 480-1193 for Fe, 6.40-18.0 for Ni, and 224-414 for Zn. Based on the present data, the trace metal bioavailability’s to the Balanus in all the populations, especially in a known polluted site at Kg. Pasir Puteh is low. Overall, this preliminary baseline data can be used for regular ecological monitoring for the effective management of the coastal area in Malaysia.

Analysis of Well Water Quality in the District of Pasir Puteh, Kelantan, Malaysia

This study was conducted to examine well water quality in areas of different land use in Pasir Puteh, Kelantan, Malaysia. A total of four water sampling locations were selected to represent specific land use types, including Pasir Puteh town (urban land use), Padang Pak Amat (industrial land use), Bukit Gedombak (landfill site) and Kampung Jelor (agricultural land use). Well water sampling was carried out twice, in March 2018 and April 2018. Water quality samples were analysed both in-situ and in the laboratory based on the Water Quality Index (WQI) as determined by the Malaysian Department of Environment (DOE). Water quality parameters analysed included Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Ammonia Nitrogen (NH3N), pH and Total Suspended Solids (TSS). The findings showed that although values of the six parameters observed did not exceed the specified standards, well water quality in all four types of land-use areas belonged to WQI Class III, with values ranging between 61.5 and 74.5. Class III quality indicates that the water should be treated first if it is to be used as drinking water supply. Well water quality in the area subject to agricultural land use exhibited the lowest WQI value of 61.5, reflecting the influence of local rice paddy activities. Continuous monitoring and immediate measures must therefore be undertaken, as these water sources remain exploited by locals for everyday use.

ErIn: Fun Learning with Instagram Using Instagram Poll to Learn Tenses

Nowadays, social media is widely used and popular among school students. It is believed that incorporating Social Media Assisted Language Learning (SMALL) in the teaching and learning process can help the students to learn English better. ErIn, a program based on SMALL was created to help the students learn the correct use of tenses in an interactive and fun way by using the feature poll on Instagram. This study aimed to enhance the secondary school students’ performance in using the tenses correctly by participating in ErIn. The study also examined the students’ perception of ErIn. 30 Form 1 students from 2 schools each in Pasir Puteh, Kelantan and Kuala Lumpur were involved in this study where they were identified having problem in tenses area. The research design was action research using Kemmis and McTaggart’s model. The data were collected through the pre-test, post-test and questionnaire. The finding showed that the students’ performance was increased significantly after they participated in the program. Besides, the result from the students’ perception questionnaire revealed that they had positive attitudes towards the program as they perceived it was very helpful in helping them learn the tenses. Therefore, these findings may be used to help the other English teachers to incorporate SMALL in helping their students in tenses area.

Toxic metals in Perna viridis mussel and surface seawater in Pasir Gudang coastal area, Malaysia, and its health implications.

Contamination of toxic metals in P. viridis mussels has been prevalently reported; hence, health risk assessment for consuming this aquaculture product as well as the surrounding surface seawater at its harvesting sites appears relevant. Since Kampung Pasir Puteh, Pasir Gudang is the major harvesting site in Malaysia, and because the last heavy metal assessment was done in 2009, its current status remains unclear. Herein, flame atomic absorption spectrometry and flow injection mercury/hydride system were used to determine the concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cu and total Hg in P. viridis mussels and surface seawater (January-March 2015), respectively. Significantly higher concentrations of these metals were found in P. viridis mussels (p < 0.05) than that of surface seawater samples. The concentrations for Pb (4.27-6.55μg/g) and Cd (1.55-2.21μg/g) in P. viridis mussels exceeded the maximum permitted proportion prescribed by the Malaysian law. The concentrations of all metals in surface seawater also violated the Malaysia Marine Water Quality Criteria and Standards. Significant (p < 0.05) and high strength of association (r = 0.787) observed between Pb concentration in P. viridis mussel with the surface seawater indicates its possible application for inferring Pb concentrations in the mussel. Since both the calculated target hazard quotient and hazard index for Pb and Cd exceeded 1, the possible detrimental health impacts on human for consuming P. viridis mussels from this rearing site cannot be ignored. Hence, promoting continuous monitoring programmes and developing efficient toxic metal removal techniques prior to entering the market are required.

COPPER AND ZINC ACCUMULATION IN SEDIMENT AT STRAITS OF JOHOR

A study was carried out to investigate heavy metal level in aquatic environment and its effect due to land use. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the concentration of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in sediment at Straits of Johor. Four sampling stations in Kampung Pasir Puteh were chosen for sediment sampling. Heavy metal analysis was carried out for zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The in-situ results showed dissolved oxygen concentration in the range of 0.31 to 5.90mg/L while pH was recorded at 7.35 to 8.29. Heavy metals analysis in sediment for copper depicts copper accumulation in sediments exceeded the allowable limit at Station 5 whereby the highest readings recorded was 146 µg/g. Zinc accumulation at Station 3, Station 4 and Station 5 exceeded the allowable limit which was 271 µg/g. Enforcement should be taken to reduce the accumulation of pollutants thus can prevent the aquatic environment from polluted.

Local Herbs Used in Concoction for Herbal Rice Preparation by Kelantan Siamese Community in Malaysia

Herbs play a critical role, mainly as food source and supplementary source of natural medicine. In Malaysia there are numerous communities and ethnic groups who are still performing the use of herb as a part of their daily cuisine. One such community in Malaysia is the Siamese community of Kelantan, located on northern part of Kelantan, adjoining to Thailand. This community has historic tradition of consuming herbs with medicinal value. They consume a large number of herbs as concoction in rice cooking, also known as ‘herbal rice’. The present study was piloted to survey and record the type and parts of herbs used in the concoction. The current study was conducted via in-depth interview with local people from three village in Kelantan namely Kampung Kuang, Tanah Merah, Kampung Pasir Puteh, Tumpat dan Kampung Mentua, Tumpat, Kelantan. Total 45 herbs belonged to 24 families were documented. The parts of herb being consumed and used in concoction were leaves, stem, stalk, flower and rhizome.