Region Of Malaysia Research Articles

Burden and mortality of congenital gastrointestinal anomalies: insights from a nationwide cohort study.

Improved perioperative care has enhanced survival in children with congenital gastrointestinal conditions and abdominal wall defects (AWD). However, epidemiological and surgical outcomes in developing nations are still scarce. Our aim was to assess the burden and mortality of common congenital gastrointestinal anomalies and AWD in Malaysia, and their influencing factors. Using the Global PaedSurg study protocol with permission, we performed a prospective cohort study on children presenting for the first time between October 2021 and April 2022 with these conditions: Esophageal atresia (EA), congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), intestinal atresia, gastroschisis, exomphalos, anorectal malformation (ARM) and Hirschsprung's disease. We compared mortality and 30-day outcome data across different geographical regions in Malaysia. There were 228 patients with 242 study conditions (EA n = 28, CDH n = 36, intestinal atresia n = 49, gastroschisis n = 12, exomphalos n = 8, ARM n = 77, Hirschsprung's disease n = 32). Our mortality rate was 8.8%; 60% of these were CDH patients. Factors significantly associated with mortality were CDH diagnosis, central venous access requirement, higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, blood transfusion and ventilation requirement. Diagnosis of CDH is the most important predictor for sepsis on arrival and mortality, therefore measures should be taken for early recognition and aggressive management.

The Role of Knowledge Management, Kaizen Culture and Training on Employee Performance

The study establishes the relationship between employee performance, training, knowledge management and Kaizen culture. Primary sources, specifically questionnaires distributed to respondents via online Google Forms and printed copies, provided the data for this study. This study included a convenience sample of 113 respondents from selected private companies in Johor, Melaka, and Negeri Sembilan. The study found no statistically significant relationship between training and knowledge management about employee performance. The introduction of Kaizen culture in certain organizations in the southern region of Malaysia proved to have a significant influence on employee performance. This study highlights the significance of implementing a kaizen culture to enhance employee performance. Implementing the kaizen principle would immediately affect several aspects such as employee engagement, empowerment, communication, and recognition. Although earlier studies have examined employee performance and its management antecedents, there is a lack of understanding of the relationship between training, knowledge management, and the kaizen culture, specifically within the private sector in Malaysia.

Advanced Landslide Detection Using Machine Learning and Remote Sensing Data

Landslides can cause severe damage to infrastructure and human life, making early detection and warning systems critical for mitigating their impact. In this study, we propose a machine learning approach for landslide detection using remote sensing data and topographical features. We evaluate the performance of several machine learning algorithms, including Tree, Random Forest, Gradient Boosting, Logistic Regression, Naïve Bayes, AdaBoost, Neural Network, SGD, kNN, and SVM, on a dataset of remote sensing images and topographical features from the Sikkim region in Malaysia. The results show that the SVM algorithm outperforms the other algorithms with an accuracy of 96.7% and a F1 score of 0.97. The study demonstrates the potential of machine learning algorithms for landslide detection, which can help improve early warning systems and reduce the impact of landslides.

Management Roles in Promoting Safety Awareness Among Teaching Staff in TVET Institutions

The recent government focus on Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) underscores its pivotal role in developing a highly skilled workforce. TVET institutions primarily offer diploma and certificate courses in technical and vocational fields, which involve teaching and learning activities in workshops and laboratories. These settings pose inherent hazards which present risks to both students and staff. Therefore, ensuring safety awareness is essential to prevent industrial accidents. This quantitative cross-sectional study examines the impact of the management's roles in promoting safety awareness among teaching staff in selected Government TVET Institutions. The study focuses on three critical independent variables representing the management's duties: safety policy, safety and health committee functions, and safety training. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires distributed to 119 teaching staff across four institutions in the central, northern, and east-coast regions of Peninsular Malaysia. The findings highlight the significant role of management in shaping safety awareness among teaching staff within Government TVET Institutions. Based on these results, it is recommended that institutions prioritize implementing robust safety policies, enhancing the effectiveness of safety and health committees, and investing in comprehensive safety training programs to further increase safety awareness levels among staff members.

Analysing Dominant Returns: Skill Development and Fulfilment in SDG Solution Projects in Eastern Malaysia

Despite numerous solution funded by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on the Sustainable Development Goals (APPGM-SDG) in the Eastern regions of Malaysia, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the impact of different domains of Returns on Value (ROV) on beneficiaries, particularly within the context of TVET. The initiated solution projects often align with the objectives and principles of TVET, since they involve skills training, work-based learning, curriculum development, promotion of lifelong learning, community engagement, and alignment with SDG. The objective of this paper is to analyse the impact of the two predominant domains on beneficiaries and identifies the critical contributing factors. Using a mixed-method approach, this study categorizes sixteen solution projects from six different Parliamentary constituencies into two groups. The findings demonstrate that the domains of skill enhancement (“Clear”) and deep fulfilment (“Deep”) remain dominant in both groups, whether through self-reporting by solution providers, or through validation processes. Numerous pivotal elements have contributed to these dynamics, encompassing the local socio-economic backdrop, the locality, and the inherent characteristics of the APPGM-SDG initiatives. These findings also highlight the critical importance of integrating comprehensive skill development and fostering personal profound connection to achieve sustainable development, suggesting that future APPGM-SDG initiatives should continue to prioritize these elements to maximize their impact particularly in Malaysia’s Eastern zone.

The effect of academic librarians’ trust and relationships on their knowledge-sharing practice using the theory of planned behaviour

This study investigates how trust and relationships influence knowledge-sharing practices among academic librarians in Malaysia. Drawing on the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), the research examines how trust affects librarians’ attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control, ultimately shaping their intentions and knowledge-sharing behaviours. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected from librarians in selected public and private university libraries in the Klang Valley region of Malaysia. The findings reveal a significant positive impact of trust and relationships on librarians’ willingness to share knowledge. The study also highlights that trust and positive relationships can indirectly influence knowledge-sharing practices by first shaping librarians’ attitudes, perceptions of social pressure, and confidence in their ability to share knowledge effectively. These results emphasize the importance of fostering a supportive library culture to promote knowledge sharing. Practical steps for libraries to cultivate such an environment are discussed, including (e.g. team-building activities and training programmes). Finally, the implications of these findings are explored, offering valuable insights for future research and library management practices.

Golden Horizons: Investigating Shariah-Compliant Gold Investment Awareness Among Youth

Gold has long been regarded as a reliable medium of exchange and a store of value, owing to its inherent traits and functions associated with money. In the context of Malaysia, gold investment emerges as a lucrative and secure asset category for investors. They have the option to either physically possess and safeguard gold or opt for a more modern approach by establishing a gold investment account. Over recent years, there has been a noticeable growth in awareness among the public and seasoned gold investors in Malaysia. However, this upward trend has not been as pronounced among the younger demographic. This research aims to investigate the extent of awareness regarding Shariah-compliant gold investment among the young Muslim population in Terengganu, Malaysia. Utilizing a quantitative research methodology, data was collected through a survey administered by researchers via a Google Form, disseminated across various social media platforms. The study successfully obtained data from a sample of 120 respondents. The findings of this study reveal that, on the whole, the young Muslim generation in Terengganu exhibits a high level of awareness regarding Shariah-compliant gold investment. The significance of this research lies in shedding light on the dynamics of gold investment awareness, particularly within the context of Shariah compliance, among the youth in a specific region of Malaysia. The results provide valuable insights for financial institutions, policymakers, and educators seeking to tailor their strategies to enhance financial literacy and promote Shariah-compliant investment practices among the younger population. As Malaysia continues to evolve as a financial hub, understanding and addressing the investment preferences and awareness levels of its diverse demographic groups become crucial for fostering a robust and inclusive financial landscape. Since this study was conducted with small sample size and focusing in Terengganu only, it is strongly recommended to expand the research to other states in Malaysia.

Assessment of Gut Microbiome Variations in the Mother and Twin Infant of Captive White-handed Gibbons (Hylobates lar) Reveals the Presence of Beneficial and Pathogenic Bacteria

The white-handed gibbon (Hylobates lar) is one of the three Hylobatidae species found in the Peninsular Malaysia region. Studies on primate gut microbiota have yet to be conducted in Malaysian Hylobatidae, but previous studies have covered Cercopithecidae. Knowledge of the gut microbiota of endangered captive Malaysian Hylobatidae primates is important for health assessment and conservation management. Thus, the main objective of this study was to determine the gut microbiota profile of captive white-handed gibbons using the metabarcode 16S rRNA gene. Two H. lar fecal samples collected from the mother and twin infant at Zoo Melaka were used for DNA extraction. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) of the 16S rRNA gene was performed. The NGS data were analyzed on the basis of amplicon sequence variation. The gut microbiota of H. lar was dominated by Firmicutes and Bacteroidota because of their important roles in fermentation and nutrient assimilation from plant-based food sources. Predominance of Prevotella in the gut microbiota of H. lar indicates that the captivity condition causes the gut microbiota of gibbons to resemble that of humans. Treponema, a pathogenic bacterium, was also detected in the mother and twin infant. Variation in the bacterial community profile between the mother and the infant indicated differences in dietary adaptations and physiological state. This study provides an overview of gibbon health levels through gut microbiome screening and can be used when considering Malaysian primate health welfare and captive management.

The Management System of Dairy Buffalo in Peninsular Malaysia

Background: In Malaysia, there has not been enough the research on the cost of producing buffalo milk and the in different management system and insight into the industry’s current state is inadequate. This study aims to determine the cost of dairy buffalo milk in selected regions of Peninsular Malaysia Methods: A survey was conducted on 14 dairy buffalo farms from selected regions in Peninsular Malaysia: Selangor (six farms), Kedah (four farms), Penang (three farms) and Pahang (one farm) using a developed questionnaire. The questionnaire consists of farm management aspects like the socio-economics of the farmers, nutrition management, health management, dairy production management and the calculation of the production cost. The collected data were edited in Excel and analysed descriptively using IBM SPSS Statistics. Result: Based on the surveyed, The net profit was RM79,444.56, RM1,924,24.82 and RM2,220,519.02 in traditional, semi-commercial and commercial farms, respectively. This study reveals that milk costs are lowest at commercial farms, indicating the efficiency of farms. When more output is produced, the cost per production unit is reduced. Hence, the government should initiate and encourage the farmers to expand their farm business from traditional to commercial business and, at the same time, produce more skilful farmers.

Performance Analysis of Internet-based DGPS and Commercial Satellite-based Augmentation System: A Case Study in Peninsular Malaysia

Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) has become an essential component in modern times for positioning, navigation, and timing. A fast-growing economic region in Malaysia required a GNSS-based augmentation positioning and navigation service. To improve navigation solution, several augmentation techniques exist, such as a differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) assisted by reference station, or augmentation service provided by commercial communication satellite. The DGPS correction is applied through a real-time communication medium and can be received at the user side by several communication methods including internet-based, and this method is favourable for land and near-coast areas. This case study aims to investigate the reliability of internet-based DGPS and SBAS along the Peninsular Malaysia. A test was conducted and data were collected over 15 hours at a rate of 1 Hz from the available GNSS satellite using a geodetic-grade receiver mounted on a moving vehicle. The obtained results showed that DGPS and SBAS perform better than the navigation solution with an accuracy of 1.536 m and 0.955 m respectively, compared to the navigation solution with an accuracy of 3.159 m. The limitations of both augmentation techniques were also analysed and discussed in this study.

Livestock waste management adoption among livestock farmers: A study in the southern region of Peninsular Malaysia

Livestock waste management adoption among livestock farmers: A study in the southern region of Peninsular Malaysia

Awareness and Risk Factors of Heart Attack Among the General Population in the Southern Region of Peninsular Malaysia: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Heart attacks, or acute myocardial infarctions, continue to be a leading global health issue. In Malaysia, cardiovascular diseases have been the primary cause of death since the 1980s, with a significant increase in heart attack-related fatalities over recent years. Public awareness of heart attack risk factors is crucial for reducing mortality rates. However, there remains a critical gap in understanding the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) regarding heart attack risks in certain regions of Malaysia. This study aimed to assess these factors and identify demographic characteristics associated with them in the Southern region of Peninsular Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire to evaluate the KAP toward heart attack risk factors among 432 participants from the Southern region of Peninsular Malaysia. Convenience sampling was employed. Chi-squared tests were used to assess the relationship between sociodemographic factors and KAP. Multiple logistic regression was performed to determine predictors of KAP. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and p-values <0.05 were considered significant. Results: The findings revealed that 81.7% of respondents had inadequate knowledge of heart attack risk factors. While 66% exhibited a positive attitude toward heart attack prevention, 83.6% had poor preventive practices. Significant predictors of KAP included education level and ethnicity, with higher education associated with better knowledge, attitude, and practices. Gender was a significant predictor of attitude, with women showing lower awareness of their risk. Conclusion: This study highlights a significant gap in heart attack-related knowledge and preventive practices within the Southern region of Malaysia. Education and tailored public health interventions are necessary to improve awareness and promote effective prevention strategies. Addressing these gaps is vital to reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases in Malaysia and achieving better public health outcomes.

Changing trend of cataract blindness and visual outcomes after cataract surgery in adults aged 50 years and older: findings from the national eye surveys in Malaysia

Background/aimsPopulation surveys are required to measure the prevalence of cataract blindness in the community. We conducted simultaneous surveys in two regions in Malaysia in 2023 to estimate the prevalence of...

FACTORS EFFECTING PADDY PRODUCTIVITY IN THE MADA REGIONS, MALAYSIA

Rice commodity is becoming increasingly important for most countries worldwide, particularly those where rice is the main staple meal. This study examines the socioeconomic attributes of farmers, their perspectives on management practises, and the implementation of paddy machinery technology in the four MADA (Muda Agricultural Development Authority) regions in Malaysia. The study aims to determine the main factors effecting paddy productivity in the MADA regions. Primary data was collected from paddy farmers in the four MADA zones using a standardised questionnaire. The data was collected from 673 respondents from four regions of MADA. The analysis employed both descriptive statistics and regression analysis. The results indicate that variables such as land area, selection of paddy planting as the primary occupation, increased time spent on paddy farms, gender, and the educational background of farmers have a significant impact on paddy productivity in the MADA regions. The findings also show that, only a small percentage of respondents (6.2%) followed the crop schedule, and 93.8 percent of them were late. The utilisation of machinery in paddy cultivation achieved the following results: nine farmers achieved a success rate of 85.71 percent, while a majority of farmers (662 farmers) achieved a 71.43 percent utilisation rate, with one farmer earning the lowest usage rate of 57.14 percent. In conclusions the study has found that it is imperative to promote the use of management practises and advanced machinery technologies among paddy farmers to effectively increase productivity.

A time-to-event modelling of sputum conversion within two months after antituberculosis initiation among drug-susceptible smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients: Implementation of internal and external validation

Delayed sputum conversion has been associated with a higher risk of treatment failure or relapse among drug susceptible smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients. Several contributing factors have been identified in many studies, but the results varied across regions and countries. Therefore, the current study aimed to develop a predictive model that explained the factors affecting time to sputum conversion within two months after initiating antituberculosis agents among Malaysian with drug-susceptible smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients. Retrospective data of pulmonary tuberculosis patients followed up at a tertiary hospital in the Northern region of Malaysia from 2013 until 2018 were collected and analysed. Nonlinear mixed-effect modelling software (NONMEM 7.3.0) was used to develop parametric survival models. The final model was further validated using Kaplan-Meier-visual predictive check (KM-VPC) approach, kernel-based hazard rate estimation method and sampling-importance resampling (SIR) method. A total of 224 patients were included in the study, with 34.4 % (77/224) of the patients remained positive at the end of 2 months of the intensive phase. Gompertz hazard function best described the data. The hazard of sputum conversion decreased by 39 % and 33 % for moderate and advanced lesions as compared to minimal baseline of chest X-ray severity, respectively (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR), 0.61; 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CI), (0.44–0.84) and 0.67, 95 % CI (0.53–0.84)). Meanwhile, the hazard also decreased by 59 % (aHR, 0.41; 95 % CI, (0.23–0.73)) and 48 % (aHR, 0.52; 95 % CI, (0.35–0.79)) between active and former drug abusers as compared to non-drug abuser, respectively. The successful development of the internally and externally validated final model allows a better estimation of the time to sputum conversion and provides a better understanding of the relationship with its predictors.

Functional disability among the older adult population in Kedah, Malaysia

BackgroundFunctional disability, defined as acquired difficulty in performing basic daily tasks or more complex tasks needed for independent living. Functional assessment among community dwelling elderly is critical due to the changes taking place during the normal aging process, acute illness, worsening chronic illness, and hospitalization which compromises their performances necessary to live independently. Measuring their functional ability can provide objective data to assist with targeting individualized care plan for older adults being the highest consumers of medications due to greater burden of medical conditions in addition to being vulnerable to the effects of medications. It is crucial for the pharmacists to be aware of the geriatric functional disability as pharmacies are often the first point-of-care this elderly group may encounter in community settings. MethodsThis study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of functional disability and the common difficulties in the daily task performance among elderly from a state in the Northern region of Malaysia. Besides, the differences in terms of functional disability in both genders were also explored. Among a total of 266 elderly participants. ResultsAround 42 % was estimated to face at least one difficulty with Activities of Daily Living while more than half, 57 %, had at least one difficulty with Instrumental Activities of Daily Living. The most common difficulties reported with Activities of Daily Living and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living were transferring (22 %) and transportation (33 %), respectively. ConclusionIn order to deliver effective pharmaceutical care plan emphatically, both senior-friendly pharmacy curricula and pharmacy settings are imperative to address the most common difficulties faced by this vulnerable group.

Microsporum canis and Sporothrix schenckii: Fungi Causing Skin Infections in Cats

Companion animals such as cats help to reduce stress among people as they delight their owners in their ways. Good management and hygiene practices of pets help in keeping them in a healthy condition. Nevertheless, since fungal infection develops rapidly, there is a high tendency for them to get infected. The paucity of data regarding skin mycoses among cats in Malaysia leads to this study. Private veterinary clinics from the Central Region of Peninsular Malaysia were approached for participation in this study. Sampling was conducted for one year, collecting hair plucked, skin scrapings, and swabs from lesions of the cats with skin problems and inoculating onto Sabouraud Dextrose Agar media. Diagnosing the fungal colony was conducted through a direct examination method using lactophenol cotton blue stain and molecular identification of the isolates using polymerase chain reaction targeting the fungi species’ internal transcribed spacer region and β-tubulin gene. Of the 127 cats, 93 were positively infected, mainly with Microsporum canis (n = 38) and Sporothrix schenckii (n = 26). Saprophytic fungi detected on cats were Alternaria sp., Aspergillus sp., Candida sp., Chaetomium sp., Chrysosporium sp., Curvularia sp., Fusarium sp., Geotrichum sp., Penicillium sp., Talaromyces sp., Trichoderma sp., Trichosporon sp., and Xylaria sp. This finding represents the number of cats infected with fungal dermatitis in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, and Putrajaya.

Challenges in Insulin Therapy: Perspectives of Malaysian Diabetes Educators

Background Individuals with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) commonly need insulin therapy as their condition advances. Healthcare providers often face difficulties in managing patients who require insulin treatment. Gaining insight into the views of healthcare professionals on the obstacles encountered by patients using insulin can aid in improving care and developing effective treatment plans. Objective This study explores the views of Malaysian diabetes educators on the barriers faced by patients in using insulin. Methods Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with diabetes educators (n=8) from the northern, central, and southern regions of Malaysia who were involved in diabetes care. We used an interview guide to facilitate the in-depth interviews, which were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using a thematic approach. Results Five themes were identified: the occurrence of side effects, the need for better patient education, negative perceptions towards insulin, the financial burden, and the complexity of adherence to treatment. There is a lack of patient education on proper glucose monitoring and how to optimize insulin therapy. The cost of treatment and patient ignorance are highlighted when discussing patient self-monitoring of blood glucose. Diabetes educators recognize that the absence of an effective follow-up mechanism is a major issue, particularly for those patients who fail to maintain consistent appointment schedules. Conclusion This research highlights five significant obstacles to maximizing the effectiveness of insulin therapy. Diabetes educators who identify and address these challenges can empower patients to manage their condition effectively. To overcome systemic barriers, government involvement is needed in creating insulin follow-up initiatives, establishing multidisciplinary teams for diabetes care, empowering education strategies, and providing financial support for self-monitoring.

Purchase Intention on Cars among Malaysian in the Central Region of Malaysia

Profits are necessary for the survival of every business in the world. However, this could be challenging if the company is unable to bring in new clients or satisfy their requirements, which is especially problematic in a competitive market dominated by enterprises related to vehicles that may be dependent on monthly sales in order to remain in business. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance to establish the factors that influence the intention to purchase a car for transportation. To achieve this goal, a quantitative methodology was applied to this research, and residents living in the central region of Malaysia were given questionnaires to fill out. collected 381 questionnaires, which were then given out to the respondents when they were successfully gathered. Analyses were performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software and Smart Partial Least Square (PLS) software. The measurement and structural model were tested with the use of SPSS and Smart PLS during the demographic analysis that was carried out. Various variables were analysed, including customers’ belief, product quality, brand information, and customers’ perception, that might influence purchase intention. According to the findings of the study, a considerable positive association exists between purchase intention and customers' beliefs, information regarding brands, and perceptions of those brands. The explanation of the current research provides important theoretical and practical value, as well as recommendations for expanding the number of customers who purchase vehicles from car companies.

Comparing Antimicrobial Effects of Heterotrigona itama Propolis from Two Regions of Malaysia Against Enterococcus faecalis

Objective: This present study aimed to determine and compare the antimicrobial properties of Malaysian propolis (MP) produced by Heterotrigona Itama from different regions of Malaysia, against E. faecalis. Methods: The propolis were obtained in Lenggong MLP (North Peninsula Malaysia) and Raub MRP - (Central Peninsula Malaysia). The antibacterial activities of the ethanolic extracts of propolis were conducted using antimicrobial susceptibility test (AST), minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). The effect of these extracts on the cell morphology were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Calcium hydroxide and 5% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) were used as controls. Results: Statistical analysis was done using unpaired t-test to differentiate the difference of the two averages. The ethanol extracts of MLP showed higher activity compared to MRP at 50mg/ml on E. faecalis with zone of inhibition of 14.33mm and 10.00mm respectively. MIC test for MRP and MLP was 0.78125mg/ml and 3.125mg/ml respectively. Whereas the MBC value for both MRP and MLP was 12.50mg/ml and 50.00mg/ml respectively. SEM analysis showed that MP disrupted the size, cell morphology and the structure of the bacteria cell wall. Conclusion: Our study showed MRP outperformed MLP against E. faecalis via MIC, MBC and SEM. Dissimilarities of surrounding trees in Raub and Lenggong may provide the variable chemical source contributing to this contrast. Thus, these stingless bees have a very special relationship with plant resins, relying on them for the very survival of their nests.