Program In Malaysia Research Articles

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the national HPV immunization program in Malaysia.

In Malaysia, the HPV immunization program has been introduced since 2010 as part of the national immunization plan for female students aged 13 years old. It was a very successful immunization program with good responses from students and parents until the start of COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic caused the schools to be closed and resulted about 225000 female students aged 13 years old either missed their vaccination or have incomplete doses of HPV vaccination in 2020 and 2021. This could possibly lead to an increase in cases of cervical cancer and genital warts in the upcoming years. Hence, a wellorganized catch-up HPV vaccination program is vital in ensuring the aim of achieving zero HPV-related infections in the future.

Principal Component Analysis for Phenotypic Characterization of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) Genotypes in Malaysia

A total of 39 sweet potato genotypes (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) were grown at Malaysia Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI), Industrial Crop Research Centre, in Bachok, Kelantan. The aim of the study is to classify sweet potato germplasm for a future breeding programme in Malaysia. Twenty-seven phenotypic characters were graded using the International Potato Centre (CIP) using standard sweet potato descriptors. The principal components analysis (PCA) was performed to identify the main characteristics to be used in phenotyping. PC1, PC2 and PC3 had eigen value of more than 1.0 and accounted for roughly 78.00 % of all the morphological characters. The scree plot clearly shows that the semi-curved line was obtained for vine characters with a high variability of 95.14 %, with a cumulative variability of 89.36 % for leaf and 89.78 % for root characters. These 39 genotypes can be classified into 3 classes. Factor analysis revealed that the main plant habit characteristics in the first group were ground cover, plant type, twining and internode vine length and tip pubescence. The general leaf outline, the form of the leaf lobe, the number of leaf lobes and the shape of the central leaf lobe were the second groups. In the third group, the primary and secondary colours of the skin, as well as the flesh, were two of the storage root's major characteristics. Genotypes with these characteristics can be helpful in determining the appropriate requirements and goals for sweet potato enhancement in breeding strategies. It can also be used to document sweet potato germplasm for passport purposes.
 HIGHLIGHTS
 
 The phenotypic diversity for important morpho-agronomic traits, which are not known, typically shows important traits of interest to plant breeders
 The PCA was used to evaluate the morphological traits that differentiated among the sweet potato genotypes
 The findings provide information for researchers, especially breeders, to use in improving sweet potato genetics by defining traits that can be suggested for improving specific traits such as yield and other agronomic traits that contributed to yield

Exploring the Assessor's Competency in Selecting the Participant for the International Youth Exchange Program in Malaysia

In the selection process, the competency of the assessor is vital. Competency reflects someone's quality or state of having sufficient knowledge, judgment, skill, or strength for a particular duty or respect. Undoubtedly, incompetency of the evaluation also happens when the assessors are beyond their professional capacity as assessors. When this situation happens, it will lead to the influence of personal judgments. To explore the influence of the selection process, the objective of this study is to determine the competency of the assessor in the decision-making process during the recruitment to select the candidate to represent Malaysia in the International Youth Exchange Program. The qualitative research method was chosen to conduct this study. Data was collected through an in-depth interview with five former assessors from the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the association's former assessor. Since Malaysia is under Movement Control Order, the interview was conducted via an online platform like Google Meet. The study found that the assessors were found to be competent as assessors. There is no element of gender discrimination that happened during the selection process. However, the credibility of the assessor from the NGOs is doubted. They are exposed to the conflict of interest of those they politically know from their association. As for the recommendation, it is sensible to propose the competency model for the assessor, part of the personnel who will play a significant role in ensuring the selection of the participants. A new persona description has been made based on the assessor's interpretation to select the youth to represent Malaysia. Dalam proses pemilihan peserta di dalam sesebuah program, kecekapan penilai adalah penting. Kecekapan mencerminkan kualiti atau keadaan seseorang yang mempunyai pengetahuan, pertimbangan, kemahiran atau kekuatan yang mencukupi untuk menggalas tugas mahupun penghormatan tertentu. Tidak dinafikan, ketidakcekapan penilaian juga berlaku apabila penilai berada di luar kapasiti profesional mereka sebagai penilai. Apabila keadaan ini berlaku, ia akan membawa kepada pengaruh pertimbangan peribadi. Objektif kajian ini adalah untuk menyelidiki kecekapan penilai dalam proses membuat keputusan semasa proses penilaian untuk memilih calon yang akan mewakili Malaysia dalam Program Pertukaran Belia Antarabangsa. Kaedah kajian kualitatif telah dipilih untuk kajian ini. Data dikumpul melalui temu bual mendalam dengan lima bekas penilai Kementerian Belia dan Sukan dan bekas penilai daripada persatuan belia di Malaysia. Memandangkan Malaysia berada di bawah Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan, temu bual dijalankan melalui platform dalam talian seperti Google Meet. Secara keseluruhan, hasil kajian mendapati para penilai adalah cekap dalam mengendalikan tugas sebagai penilai. Tiada unsur diskriminasi jantina yang berlaku semasa proses pemilihan. Namun, kredibiliti penilai daripada Pertubuhan Bukan Kerajaan (NGO) adalah diragui. Hal ini kerana mereka terdedah kepada percanggahan kepentingan terhadap calon yang mereka kenali secara politik daripada persatuan mereka. Cadangan kajian ini adalah wajar untuk Kementerian Belia dan Sukan membuat satu garis panduan atau rubrik kecekapan untuk memilih penilai kerana mereka akan memainkan peranan penting dalam memastikan pemilihan peserta yang berkualiti untuk mewakili Malaysia.

Type 2 Diabetes mellitus treatment intensification and deintensification in primary care: a retrospective cohort study

AbstractThe prevalence of type 2 diabetes is increasing worldwide, presenting a considerable clinical and public health burden. Existing evidence demonstrates that optimisation of diabetes treatment regimens can reduce the risk of morbidity and disability. This retrospective observational cohort study aimed to identify factors associated with treatment intensification and deintensification in people with type 2 diabetes and evaluate effects of the treatment approaches on clinical outcomes. The cohort included 183 patients enrolled in a primary care Diabetes Medication Therapy Adherence Clinic program in Malaysia between 1 January 2016 and 31 March 2020. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the clinical or socio‐demographic characteristics associated with treatment intensification or deintensification. A total of 175 patients were included in the final analysis. Eighty‐seven patients (49.7%) had their medicine regimens changed, of which 27.4% (n = 48) of patients had their medicines intensified, 8.6% (n = 15) of patients had their medicines deintensified, and 13.7% (n = 24) of patients had their medicines intensified and deintensified. In multivariable analyses, treatment intensification was associated with higher knowledge of medicine scores. No factors were significantly associated with treatment deintensification. Patients who had their medicines intensified and deintensified had a lower post follow‐up target glycated haemoglobin level, fasting plasma glucose, and random blood glucose values compared to the baseline. The study found variability in the frequency of intensification or deintensification of diabetes medicine regimens and the factors associated with it. Treatment deintensification was relatively uncommon. To prevent overtreatment, further investigations are warranted to understand the impact of treatment deintensification on patients who were already receiving intensive therapy for type 2 diabetes.

A quasi-randomised controlled trial of online distribution of home-based hepatitis C self-testing for key populations in Malaysia: a study protocol

BackgroundMalaysia has an estimated hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence of 1.9% among its adult population and a history of providing HCV treatment in the public sector. In 2019, Malaysia launched a 5-year national strategic plan for viral hepatitis control and has been expanding HCV testing and treatment to the primary care and community levels, while actively engaging key populations in services for hepatitis care. The Ministry of Health (MoH) is seeking to specifically understand how to better target HCV services at men who have sex with men (MSM); HCV self-testing could increase the uptake of HCV testing among this group.MethodsWe aim to integrate HCV antibody self-testing into an existing online platform used for HIV self-testing, to evaluate the acceptability and impact of an online HCV self-testing programme in Malaysia. This is a non-blinded parallel group quasi-randomised superiority study comparing HCV self-testing via an online distribution model with the standard care, which involves attending a clinic for facility-based HCV antibody testing (control, 2:1). Participants will be randomised to either the HCV self-testing via online distribution arm, in which either an oral fluid- or blood-based HCV self-test kit will be mailed to them, or the control arm, where they will be provided with information about the nearest centre with HCV testing. The primary outcome is the number and proportion of participants who report completion of testing. Secondary outcomes include the number and proportion of participants who (a) receive a positive result and are made aware of their status, (b) are referred to and complete HCV RNA confirmatory testing, and (c) start treatment. Acceptability, feasibility, attitudes around HCV testing, and cost will also be evaluated. The target sample size is 750 participants.DiscussionThis study is one of the first in the world to explore the real-world impact of HCV self-testing on key populations using online platforms and compare this with standard HCV testing services. The outcomes of this study will provide critical evidence about testing uptake, linkage to care, acceptability, and any social harms that may emerge due to HCV self-testing.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT04982718

Knockdown resistance (kdr) gene of Aedes aegypti in Malaysia with the discovery of a novel regional specific point mutation A1007G

BackgroundImproved understanding of the molecular basis of insecticide resistance may yield new opportunities for control of relevant disease vectors. In this current study, we investigated the quantification responses for the phenotypic and genotypic resistance of Aedes aegypti populations from different states in Malaysia.MethodsWe tested the insecticide susceptibility status of adult Ae. aegypti from populations of three states, Penang, Selangor and Kelantan (Peninsular Malaysia), against 0.25% permethrin and 0.25% pirimiphos-methyl using the World Health Organisation (WHO) adult bioassay method. Permethrin-resistant and -susceptible samples were then genotyped for domains II and III in the voltage-gated sodium channel (vgsc) gene using allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (AS-PCR) for the presence of any diagnostic single-nucleotide mutations. To validate AS-PCR results and to identify any possible additional point mutations, these two domains were sequenced.ResultsThe bioassays revealed that populations of Ae. aegypti from these three states were highly resistant towards 0.25% permethrin and 0.25% pirimiphos-methyl. Genotyping results showed that three knockdown (kdr) mutations (S989P, V1016G and F1534C) were associated with pyrethroid resistance within these populations. The presence of a novel mutation, the A1007G mutation, was also detected.ConclusionsThis study revealed the high resistance level of Malaysian populations of Ae. aegypti to currently used insecticides. The resistance could be due to the widespread presence of four kdr mutations in the field and this could potentially impact the vector control programmes in Malaysia and alternative solutions should be sought.Graphical

The Effectiveness of Simulation in Education 4.0: Application in a Transesophageal Echocardiography Training Program in Malaysia.

IntroductionA Malaysian Higher Education Provider has applied technology as part of its pedagogical approach, in alignment with Education 4. 0. The use of simulation, which aligns with the principles of Education 4.0, employs digital technologies and supports learning by bridging the classroom and the clinical areas. We reported the effectiveness of learning in our program that utilizes multimodal pedagogy, including interactive lectures, pre-recorded video lectures, simulation, and hands-on supervised clinical sessions, using the program's cumulative assessment data.MethodologyThis program evaluation was based on Kirkpatrick's framework. End-points for learning (Kirkpatrick level 2) were analyzed based on improved overall post-test theoretical and clinical assessment performance. Quantitative data analysis of theoretical pre-test, theoretical post-test, clinical assessment, and post-test scores was performed to compare cohorts.ResultsThe performance of 19 trainees, over six cohorts from 2012 to 2019, were analyzed. All our trainees had equal opportunities to learn using the multimodal pedagogy, including a simulator. The analysis of pre- and post-theoretical test scores showed a significant improvement in the mean scores (pre-test 48.7% (± SD 9), post-test 64.1% (± SD11.5); p ≤ 0.001). Overall, 19 out of 21 trainees completed the clinical assessment and case presentation satisfactorilyConclusionThe Kirkpatrick framework served as a useful framework to perform the evaluation of the TEE program. The significant improvement in post-test scores, when compared with pre-test scores, suggested that the program is effective with regard to learning. As part of a multimodal pedagogy, simulation has proven to be an added value to our training program, and this was reflected by the improvement in the clinical assessment scores when compared to the pre-test scores. This result aligned with the concept of technology-enhanced learning in Education 4.0, where simulation in TEE training is applicable in the Malaysian context.

Challenges and Intercultural Adaptation Among Japanese Students to Malaysian Culture: A Case Study

Outcomes of a case study based on the Autobiography of Intercultural Encounters (AIE) released by the Council of Europe are presented in this article. The paper is created as a supplement to help students reflect critically on unique intercultural interactions. The study claims that the document may be utilised in its original question-and-answer format to examine intercultural experiences critically and as a framework for students to create intercultural encounter narratives. As a result, this document may be used to write reflective narratives on students’ intercultural experiences, such as studying abroad. Two Japanese students on a short program in Malaysia were asked to create a story on their intercultural experiences for this research. The students then submitted their responses to the same experience’s questions in AIE. They created their narrative using AIE as a framework, and content analysis of the two AIE narratives indicated that the narrative based on AIE was more critical in its perspective of intercultural encounters. According to the findings, the student found creating a story focused on AIE to be helpful to both herself and the audience. Therefore, it can be concluded that adopting AIE as a framework for writing intercultural encounter narratives might be beneficial, particularly in describing intercultural communication scenarios. Students might enhance their awareness of intercultural conflict situations and develop their communication skills by reading such collected narratives. Keywords: Autobiography, intercultural encounters, intercultural competence, narrative, critical thinking.

Stakeholder Engagement in Implementation of Youth-Led SDG-related Programmes in Malaysia

Academics have discussed stakeholders engagement in attaining Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). This study deliberates stakeholder’s engagement in the execution of youth-led SDG-associated initiatives in Malaysia. Twenty-five youth leaders from different youth drives were interviewed, and their stakeholder’s engagement was analysed. This study encapsulates that in youth-led programmes, Malaysian youth movements have engaged with global and national-level SDG stakeholders as emphasised by the United Nations (UN). However, there is limited engagement with the international entities, governments, and private sector. The findings of this study provide insight into the country’s SDG governance and its stakeholder’s engagement from the youth movement perspective. Keywords: SDG ; Stakeholders Engagement ; Youth Movement ; Malaysia eISSN: 2398-4287 © 2022. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians/Africans/Arabians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v7i19.3214

Waste Management Costs Reduction and the Recycling Profit Estimation from the Segregation Programme in Malaysia

This study aimed to estimate the potential waste management cost reduction and the recycling profit from the segregation programme implemented in Malaysia. The assessment was done among the states that implemented a waste segregation programme in Malaysia, a Southeast Asia country with a GDP of 364.7 billion USD. The solid waste (tonnes) data were collected from the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation, Malaysia, and analysed using mathematical models. On average, 2.69 million tonnes per year (t/yr) of waste were disposed of in the landfills, and 1,680 t/yr of waste was segregated, equivalent to 0.06%. Plastic (30.49%–39.48%) and paper (31.35%–40.88%) were the major components of segregated waste. Implementing the waste segregation program avoids the cost of waste disposal in landfills, potentially at 61,000 USD/yr and generating 130,000 USD/yr recycling profits. Therefore, the government should strengthen the programme to increase the segregation rate and provide a significant income to the community.

Student Learning Experiences in Higher Education: Investigating a Quantity Surveying Programme in Malaysia

Higher education institutions (HEIs) play a crucial role in fostering quality education. This paper examines the attributes that influence student learning experiences in a quantity surveying (QS) programme in a Malaysian private HEI and uncovers the underlying factors involved. The significance of these attributes as recognised by the students, obtained through a questionnaire survey, are subsequently presented. The findings reveal that the five most important attributes are closely related to the lecturer, namely the lecturer’s preparedness, responsiveness, interpersonal and communication skills, clarity and academic experiences. An exploratory factor analysis identifies the five major underlying factors to be the quality of academic learning to relate to professionalism and competency of lecturers, quality of academic services and support facilities, interpersonal connections and external considerations, curriculum structure and physical environment and facilities. Understanding these factors could help HEIs to devise effective strategies to enhance the quality of service and programme in higher education, which can result in a greater impact on the effectiveness of contemporary QS education and the reputation of the HEI as well as fostering student satisfaction and loyalty.

Who Are More Likely to Have Quit Intentions among Malaysian Adult Smokers? Findings from the 2020 ITC Malaysia Survey.

Increasing quitting among smokers is essential to reduce the population burden of smoking-related diseases. Smokers’ intentions to quit smoking are among the strongest predictors of future quit attempts. It is therefore important to understand factors associated with intentions to quit, and this is particularly important in low- and middle-income countries, where there have been few studies on quit intentions. The present study was conducted to identify factors associated with quit intentions among smokers in Malaysia. Data came from the 2020 International Tobacco Control (ITC) Malaysia Survey, a self-administered online survey of 1047 adult (18+) Malaysian smokers. Smokers who reported that they planned to quit smoking in the next month, within the next six months, or sometime beyond six months were classified as having intentions to quit smoking. Factors associated with quit intentions were examined by using multivariable logistic regression. Most smokers (85.2%) intended to quit smoking. Smokers were more likely to have quit intentions if they were of Malay ethnicity vs. other ethnicities (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.03–3.20), of moderate (AOR = 2.11, 95% CI = 1.12–3.99) or high level of education vs. low level of education (AOR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.04–3.75), if they had ever tried to quit smoking vs. no quit attempt (AOR = 8.81, 95% CI = 5.09–15.27), if they received advice to quit from a healthcare provider vs. not receiving any quit advice (AOR = 3.78, 95% CI = 1.62–8.83), and if they reported worrying about future health because of smoking (AOR = 3.11, 95% CI = 1.35–7.15 (a little worried/moderately worried vs. not worried); AOR = 7.35, 95% CI = 2.47–21.83 (very worried vs. not worried)). The factors associated with intentions to quit smoking among Malaysian smokers were consistent with those identified in other countries. A better understanding of the factors influencing intentions to quit can strengthen existing cessation programs and guide the development of more effective smoking-cessation programs in Malaysia.

Evidence of Impact from a National Digital Entrepreneurship Apprentice Program in Malaysia

Impact Digital Entrepreneurship Apprentice Program (IDEA@KPT) at Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia 2021 is a comprehensive nationwide six-month program. Forty-three teams consist of 43 Academic Supervisors, 129 institutes of Higher Learning students, and 43 Micro & Small Enterprises (MSE) owners conducted by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. The program is aimed to develop capable students in maneuvering the digital business world. Students underwent an online Business and Digital Training, with apprenticeship and formal reportings. This article aims to present the impact of IDEA@KPT activities by analyzing 43 case studies produced in the program. A pre-codification scheme that concentrates on the study goals was the method for data collection. Before the program, all the teams were informed of the required components to ensure uniformity of the report. The evidence of significant gain and impact on the MSEs businesses was drawn from the components. Other than the components, analytics hindsight, visual appeal, persuasion ability, perception on paid ads, posting timing, and synergies beyond the digital world activities were gathered, providing richer information and insights that increase business value. Such lessons are beneficial to all parties as all businesses are demanded to utilize digital platforms nowadays.

Prevalence of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Different Clinical Stages before the National COVID-19 Vaccination Programme in Malaysia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

More than 1.75 million COVID-19 infections and 16 thousand associated deaths have been reported in Malaysia. A meta-analysis on the prevalence of COVID-19 in different clinical stages before the National COVID-19 Vaccination Program in Malaysia is still lacking. To address this, the disease severity of a total of 215 admitted COVID-19 patients was initially recorded in the early phase of this study, and the data were later pooled into a meta-analysis with the aim of providing insight into the prevalence of COVID-19 in 5 different clinical stages during the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia. We have conducted a systematic literature search using PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and two preprint databases (bioRxiv and medRxiv) for relevant studies with specified inclusion and exclusion criteria. The quality assessment for the included studies was performed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. The heterogeneity was examined with an I2 index and a Q-test. Funnel plots and Egger’s tests were performed to determine publication bias in this meta-analysis. Overall, 5 studies with 6375 patients were included, and the pooled prevalence rates in this meta-analysis were calculated using a random-effect model. The highest prevalence of COVID-19 in Malaysia was observed in Stage 2 cases (32.0%), followed by Stage 1 (27.8%), Stage 3 (17.1%), Stage 4 (7.6%), and Stage 5 (3.4%). About two-thirds of the number of cases have at least one morbidity, with the highest percentage of hypertension (66.7%), obesity (55.5%), or diabetes mellitus (33.3%) in Stage 5 patients. In conclusion, this meta-analysis suggested a high prevalence of COVID-19 occurred in Stage 2. The prevalence rate in Stage 5 appeared to be the lowest among COVID-19 patients before implementing the vaccination program in Malaysia. These meta-analysis data are critically useful for designing screening and vaccination programs and improving disease management in the country.

The lived experiences of a COVID-19 immunization programme: vaccine hesitancy and vaccine refusal

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a global health emergency and lock-down measures to curb the uncontrolled transmission chain. Vaccination is an effective measure against COVID-19 infections. In Malaysia amidst the national immunisation programme (NIP) which started in February 2021, there were rising concerns regarding the prevalence of vaccine hesitancy and refusal, and therefore, vaccine uptake among Malaysians. Although there are many quantitative studies on COVID-19 vaccination, the subjective experience of individuals was understudied. This study aims to explore the lived experiences of Malaysians regarding vaccine hesitancy and refusal, and facilitating factors that could enhance vaccine acceptance and uptake.MethodsThis qualitative study employed the hermeneutic phenomenological study design. Purposive sampling strategies were used to recruit Malaysians that had direct experiences with friends, family members and their community who were hesitating or refusing to accept the COVID-19 vaccines. A semi-structured interview guide was developed based on the expert knowledge of the investigators and existing literature on the topic. A series of focus group interviews (FGIs) was conducted online facilitated by a multidisciplinary team of experts. The group interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed.ResultsFifty-nine participants took part in seven FGIs. We found that “incongruence” was the overall thematic meaning that connected all the 3 main themes. These themes comprise firstly, the incongruence between the aims and implementation of the National Immunization Program which highlighted the gap between realities and needs on the ground. Secondly, the incongruence between Trust and Mistrust revealed a trust deficit in the government, COVID-19 news, and younger people’s preference to follow the examples of local vaccination “heroes”. Thirdly, the incongruence in communication showed the populace’s mixed views regarding official media and local social media.ConclusionsThis study provided rich details on the complex picture of the COVID-19 immunization program in Malaysia and its impact on vaccine hesitancy and refusal. The inter-related and incongruent factors explained the operational difficulty and complexity of the NIP and the design of an effective health communication campaign. Identified gaps such as logistical implementation and communication strategies should be noted by policymakers in implementing mitigation plans.

An Extended Model of the Theory of Planned Behavior to Predict Households Response to Net Energy Metering Program in Urban Malaysia

Malaysian government have seen solar Photovoltaic (PV) as one of the most promising renewable energy technology to combat climate change and decrease dependency of fossil fuels. At the end of 2016, Net Energy Metering (NEM) program has been implemented to encourage the use of solar PV to produce electricity in a greener way. However, the adoption rate for solar Photovoltaic (PV) under NEM Program among households still remain low. The factors of low participation of household in NEM program is an issue that need to be addressed. Therefore, in this research, the factors that affect household intention to adopt solar PV were studied, using Extended Theory of Planned Behaviour (ETPB) which consist of four variables which were attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control and perceived cost. This study was conducted in the Klang Valley, Malaysia. The 500 questionnaires were distributed using non-probability stratified random sampling at the selected area in Klang Valley and yielded 410 respond rate. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the hypotheses. The results confirmed that attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control have significant influence on intention to install solar PV. The findings also found that perceived cost has a positive influence on intention to install solar PV which differs from past studies. In the other words, perceived cost is not a barrier to the adoption of solar PV among household in Malaysia. Nevertheless, the findings have contributed towards the advancement of knowledge in the field of solar PV under the NEM program in Malaysia. Moreover, this study also contributes to the literature by adding new variable in TPB theory that are relevant to solar energy adoption. These findings also significantly contribute to those involved in the marketing of solar products.

The Implementation of Needle Syringe Exchange Program in Malaysia: A Short Communication

The Implementation of Needle Syringe Exchange Program in Malaysia: A Short Communication

The Effect of Government Transformation Programme on Government Investment: Evidence from Malaysia

The study aimed to examine the effects of the Government Link Companies Transformation (GLCT) Programme in Malaysia on Government Link Investment Companies (GLICs) as the major shareholders of the Government Link Companies (GLCs). A series of semi-structured interviews were undertaken with key individuals from two GLICs in Malaysia. Our findings revealed that the existence of GLICs are still relevant as GLICs believed that their investments in GLCs are to protect the welfare of relevant parties of their institutions. The GLCT programme has not reduced the government’s share in GLICs, but instead it improved the governance and polished new talent management in GLICs. In addition, the study findings revealed that the improvement of GLICs after GLCT is due to effective leadership with good governance and integrity implemented in the GLCT. The findings are crucial to consistently enhance the effectiveness of Government Transformation Programmes (GTP) towards better performance among GLCs in Malaysia.

The Exploration of Empowerment: Participation of Urban Agriculture Communities with Presence of Social Capital

In Malaysia, Urban Agriculture program’s initiative has brought local communities together to grow their own food in designated areas and at the same time to empower the community (Bernama, 2020). According to Strzelecka et al (2017) participation is important in strengthening community empowerment. However, lack of participation among UA community resulted investment and initiative done by government to waste. This study aims to identify dimension of participation (planning, implementation and evaluation) level of Urban Agriculture (UA) program’s respondents towards economic and social empowerment independently, where their effect is design to be moderated by social capital consisting of bonding, bridging and linking. This study recorded majority of the respondents were male, aged between 41-60 years old, married and has obtained secondary school/vocational. Majority of them have family members between 5 to 12. Addition to that, relationship between participation, social capital towards empowerment among respondents were found to be insignificant. Hence, resulting social capital (bonding, bridging and linking) do not have moderator function on participation to empowerment. Several recommendations for future studies were discussed. First, other new variable should be examined and future research will consider using qualitative methods to conduct in-depth discussions in order to identify any additional variables with the potential to influence empowerment of UA program’s respondents. Secondly, future studies should consider in looking factors effecting of weak networking social capital, and the aspects of strengthening participation of UA program’s respondents. Thirdly, other possible factors that possibly influence the empowerment of UA program’s respondents should be investigate. It is anticipated that findings can be used as a basis for the future research related to UA program in Malaysia.

Nutrition-Focused Physical Examination Knowledge and Practice Changes in Clinical Dietitians and Dietetic Educators Who Completed a 12-Month Hybrid Training Program in Malaysia

This pilot study explored nutrition-focused physical examination (NFPE) knowledge and practice changes in clinical dietitians and dietetics educators who completed a hybrid training program in Malaysia. Integration of NFPE into dietetics curricula was also assessed. Mean knowledge scores increased significantly from baseline to posttests immediately posttraining and at 6 and 12 months (P ≤ .001) posttraining. Dietitians were significantly more likely to report they perform versus not perform all NFPE tasks (P < .001). Educators included all NFPE tasks in their curricula 12 months posttraining. Participants demonstrated increased NFPE knowledge and curricular and clinical practices. The hybrid approach to teaching NFPE was feasible.