Rural Communities In Malaysia Research Articles

Agropreneurship Training Evaluation Model for Sustainable B 40 Rural Community in Malaysia

Entrepreneurial training is one of the key elements that address poverty among the B40 (i.e., the lower-income group) in Malaysia. However, the results of accomplishing the introduced training program have not been proven empirically. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of agropreneur training in sustainable agropreneurship involvement in Malaysia. The four-level Kirkpatrick model and the self-regulation theory have been adopted in this study. A total of 200 respondents participated in a survey a year after the implementation of the program. The respondents perceived that the training program has been a success. The results showed a strong relationship between certain measures of reaction and learning regarding the respondents’ behaviour. More importantly, training has led to significant behavioural changes, which contributed to people’s continuous involvement in agropreneurship. The results have also shown that effective entrepreneurship training has created a significant, positive impact on rural agropreneur sustainability among the participants.

Review on socioeconomic and sustainability of oil palm plantations among rural communities in Malaysia

Malaysian oil palm plantations contributed 2.7% of Malaysian Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2020 and became the world’s second largest producer of palm oil after Indonesia. Unfortunately, the expansion of oil palm plantations has always been linked to deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and soil erosion. Despite the negative environmental repercussions, there is no denying that the rapid expansion of oil palm plantations has had beneficial social and economic impacts. Therefore, in this study, researchers aim to review recent studies on the socioeconomic impacts of oil palm plantations in Malaysia for the last decade (2012 – 2022). This study also identifies challenges faced by rural communities who are participated in oil palm cultivation. Since this is a conceptual paper, secondary sources, such as research articles, government reports, and published research works, are used in this study. We employed desktop study method to search the academic papers and reports from online databases. Most the papers agreed that land development for oil palm enhances socioeconomic levels, especially among rural communities by providing job opportunities, creating small businesses, reducing poverty, and improving their livelihoods. However, the involvement of farmers and planters in oil palm downstream activities and multiple crop cultivation remains low since small-scale farmers highly depend on selling fresh fruit bunches (FFB) to get their income. The drop in crude palm oil prices because of the international market has severely affected oil palm smallholders’ income. Most of previous research also believed sustainable oil palm plantation helps smallholders improve their socioeconomic conditions. The authorities may also make more efforts to promote sustainable plantations, especially among smallholders.

DISASTER RESILIENCE RURAL COMMUNITY (DRRC) COMMUNITY CAPITALS: CASE STUDIES IN THE RURAL AREA OF EAST COAST, PENINSULAR MALAYSIA

According to scholars in disaster and resilient-related studies, the focus in building a resilient community in disaster is the need to understand three capitals particularly economic, social, and environmental. This study aims to identify the capitals of internal and external resilience factors for the flood-related disasters experienced by three rural communities in Malaysia. A total of 43 resilience factors were identified from the three key capitals. Field research was carried out to identify the internal and external factors that had contributed to the resilience of the rural communities to floods in Malaysia. Case studies and a questionnaire survey were conducted in the following households: (1) Lubok Setol village in Kelantan state; (2) Teladas village in Terengganu state; and (3) Gajah Mati village in Pahang state. A total of 90 respondents participated in the survey that was carried out from January 2018 (right after the major flood occurred in December 2017) to mid-February 2018. Data analysis was carried out using the Relative Importance Index (RII) method mainly for prioritising and categorising answer key components of community resilience. Responses that received higher RII scores were ranked higher or given a higher priority compared to factors with a lower RII score. Findings indicate that the respondents agreed that all three community capitals strongly influence DRRC.

Sustaining the Environment: Critical Success Factors and Barriers of Solid Waste Management through Composting Practices by Rural Communities in Malaysia

Generally, rural areas can contain large amounts of organic and household wastes, which on average, is rarely managed well. Meanwhile, composting is a waste management method that decomposes organic waste biologically, thus contributing toward better waste management and environmental sustainability. However, exposure to more efficient waste management methods and the knowledge of the importance of composting are still low among rural communities. These communities also do not realise that composting has the added potential benefit of increasing household income. Therefore, this exploratory study was performed guided by two objectives, first to identify the critical success factors of composting practice for improving the economy and quality of life among rural communities, and second, to identify factors that hinder this composting practice. A quantitative approach was used for this purpose, where data were obtained through non-probability sampling from respondents located in 32 rural villages in the Kubang Pasu District of Kedah, Malaysia. The results of this study revealed that villagers living outside of city limits do not practice composting as part of their waste management. Among the barriers that were identified as preventing composting practice in these rural village communities, were the lack of knowledge, awareness, and interest in composting. However, some of these respondents indicated that they were aware of composting through television, radio, social media, newspapers, and from various programmes organised by certain organisations. In conclusion, this study has provided information as a guide to stakeholders for them to act by further educating rural communities about composting, perhaps highlighting more the potential benefits of earning a side income through the adoption of composting practices by producing and selling compost fertilisers.

A Study on Quality of Life and Satisfaction Level with Physical Facilities among Rural Communities in Malaysia

A Study on Quality of Life and Satisfaction Level with Physical Facilities among Rural Communities in Malaysia

The Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic Towards Socioeconomic Wellbeing of Rural Community in Malaysia

The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted the socio-economic well-being of people either in urban or rural areas. The Covid-19 cases and fatalities that concentrated in major urban areas in Malaysia. However, as the pandemic progressed, the rural community faced health vulnerability due to the Covid-19 pandemic threat. Among the significant impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic are income generation, economic activity work, and health vulnerability, especially the rural community involved in rural economic activities such as agriculture and fishery. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the socio-economic well-being of rural communities in Malaysia. The case study selection is in Mersing, Pontian and Batu Pahat involving three villages using GIS mapping. The methodology used is quantitative research through a household survey conducted using 182 heads of households based on the economic and social dimensions. The finding reveals that most of the target group experienced a decline in income generation, economic activity restriction, and education issues. Furthermore, there are also decreasing in the economically active population (age 15-60) in the village. As a result, this study is essential in formulating a post-Covid-19 recovery plan regarding socio-economic well-being impacts and the revival of rural community well-being in Malaysia through Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping.

Contamination of Waterborne Parasites at Water Treatment Plants and a Gravity-feed System: a Highlight on Water Safety for Urban and Rural Communities in Kuching, Sarawak

Waterborne parasites, particularly Cryptosporidium and Giardia, are emerging pathogens implicating the safety level of drinking water globally. The aim of this study was to determine the distribution pattern of waterborne parasites in raw and treated water at urban and rural water treatment plants and untreated water from gravity-feed system in Kuching, Sarawak. This study focused on water treatment plants (four urban and two rural) and Bong rural community that utilise gravity-feed system in Kuching, Sarawak. A total of 69 raw and treated water samples were collected and processed before being used in detection of Cryptosporidium and Giardia using Aqua-Glo™ G/C Direct and 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole stains, as well as other parasites that were detected using Lugol’s iodine staining. Parameters which were temperature, pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids, conductivity, faecal coliform of the water as well as rainfall intensity were determined. Correlation of the parameters with distribution of the waterborne parasites was analysed. Out of 69 water samples collected across all localities, 25 samples were contaminated with waterborne parasites with varying waterborne parasite concentration in the water samples. The presence of waterborne parasites in the raw and treated water of water treatment plants in this study signifies public health threats do exist despite being conventionally treated. This study also highlights that the gravity-feed system which is commonly depended by rural communities in Malaysia may facilitate waterborne parasitic infections.

Family Dynamics and Well-Being among Rural Communities in Malaysia During Covid-19 Pandemic

Family Dynamics and Well-Being among Rural Communities in Malaysia During Covid-19 Pandemic

A framework for incorporating the global environment of rural community

The major problem with economic capital in rural communities around the world is income. There are many challenges for rural communities to developing their socioeconomic sustainability with their limited recourse. The rural community in Malaysia is also facing problems as a result of the disparity in development between urban and rural regions, particularly in terms of public amenities, infrastructure, utilities, and economic opportunities. In addition, rural communities are also often marginalized due to global issues of insecurity as well as the various challenges they often face in improving the economy of rural areas. Rural communities also often face socioeconomic problems, such as marginalized households and having different socioeconomic backgrounds. The purpose of this paper is to determine the factors incorporating economic capital in assessing rural community resilience in term of socioeconomic background. Next this paper also discusses the method that will be implement in this study but the data collection not being conducted yet. This paper also provides a framework incorporating the factors of economic capital and variables of socioeconomic background. This framework will measure the relationship between economic capital and the socioeconomic background of the rural community. Using this framework, we will understand the relationship between economic capital and the socioeconomic background of rural communities.

Challenges in Implementation of Digital Culture Environment among Rural Community in Malaysia: An Overview

The purpose of the article is to assess the current challenges in the implementation of the Digital Culture Environment among the rural community in Malaysia. The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the online environment where a drastic usage of digital tools has been observed among Malaysian. The digital culture is defined as the culture shaped by the emergence of digital technologies and their usage in the community. The literature survey approach has been applied as the methodology of study to explore the current challenges in the implementation of the Digital Culture Environment among the rural community in Malaysia. Several challenges have been identified, including the rural sustainable issues, digital divides, demographic factors, Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) factor, individual, as well as behavior factor. According to the literature review conducted, these challenges have been revealed to significantly hurdle the government’s movement in implementing the digital culture within the rural community. To overcome these challenges, a strong and effective supporting model should be formulated to assist the government in building and establish a digital culture environment in Malaysia, particularly among the rural community. Hence, a further in-depth study is required to acquire comprehensive literature information to address this issue.

Understanding the Digital Capabilities of Rural Communities in Low Literacy Rate Areas in Malaysia towards Digital Society

Despite several activities been focusing on urban areas, rural areas are no exception in being a digital society. Since the year 2000, various initiatives such as rural libraries establishment and Universal Service Provision (USP) programs tend to narrow down the digital divide between rural and urban areas in Malaysia. However, few empirical studies have been carried out on information access and usage of digital technologies among rural communities in Malaysia. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the digital capabilities of rural communities in low literacy rate areas in Malaysia towards a digital society. This study is a quantitative method and descriptive kind of study using questionnaires as an instrument to collect the data. Multi-stage clusters and simple random sampling were employed and 400 respondents were selected. Analysis performed confirms that rural communities in Malaysia, are digitally connected and informed society (Digital Society). Smartphones and the Internet were the highest types of ICT tools used by the rural communities in the study. The result did reflect on the ownership of their ICT tools, which most of the rural communities afford to have their own smartphones regardless of the level of age. A better understanding of digital capabilities towards information access and usage of digital technologies among rural communities could produce a better understanding of the adoption and usage of digital technologies. The findings are also expected to provide useful inputs in ensuring that the advancements in communications infrastructure and services contribute to the inclusion and participation of all segments of the population in the realization of a Digital Society. Meanwhile, able to understand the human and social factors, which affect and contribute to the adoption and usage of digital technologies and services.

Impact of antenatal care on pregnancy outcomes: A cross-sectional study in a rural community in Malaysia

Background: Malaysia has a high standard of health-care system, including antenatal care (ANC) services. Objective: This cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the impact of regular ANC visits on outcome in a rural community in Malaysia from September to November, 2019, in village Kampung Merbok in Kedah, Malaysia. Method and Materials: A pretested semi-structured questionnaire was used as a tool for data collection among the women who gave birth in public or private health-care centers. Association between the various components of ANC and pregnancy outcome was examined using multivariate logistic regression analysis, and Chi-square test/Fisher's exact test was used to interpret the association between the ANC visits and the outcome variables. Result: Among the respondents, 39 (78%) had more than four ANC visits. Fourteen (28%) respondents had adverse pregnancy outcome. All nonattendees had adverse outcome. Only 6 (12%) women (95% confidence interval: 3.22, 20.78) had a history of cesarean section. This study found statistically significant association between maternal ANC visits and maternal and neonatal outcome variables (P < 0.05). Pearson's correlation test also revealed the strong relationship between ANC and the outcome variables (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: In this study, mothers having regular ANC visits experienced better pregnancy outcome compared to those nonattendees. Nevertheless, it is necessary to adhere to a minimum level of four ANC visits for all pregnant women. More health promotion programs are required focusing on improving women's awareness of the necessity of ANC throughout their pregnancy.

Income Inequality in Quality of Life among Rural Communities in Malaysia: A Case for Immediate Policy Consideration.

Quality of life (QOL) is a proxy of health and social well-being. Hence, it is vital to assess QOL as it informs the strategies of policymakers to enhance the living conditions in communities. Rural areas in emerging economies are underserved in terms of modern facilities and technologies, which impact QOL. To address this, this study investigated whether income played a role in the QOL of rural residents within emerging economies using a large survey of Malaysian adults above 18 years old. The study extracted data from a sample of 18,607 respondents of a health and demographic surveillance system survey. A generalized linear model was used to estimate the impact of three income groups, the bottom 40%, middle 40% and top 20%, on perceived QOL, controlling for sociodemographic, chronic disease co-morbidities and mental health status. Results of the study showed a statistically significant association between income and the physical, psychological, social and environmental QOL domains. Using the bottom 40% as a reference category, the middle 40% and top 20% income groups showed a significant and positive association across the four domains of QOL. Hence, intervention programs are necessary to escalate the income levels of rural communities, especially the bottom 40%, to uplift perceived QOL among rural residents.

Assessing the Impact of University Ambassador Program Through Social Innovation for Rural Community Development in Malaysia

Social innovation is a driver for change and a solution for social challenges. Literature review shows the difficulties in defining, identifying and measuring social innovation especially in rural community development. However, given the emerging social innovation in rural communities, this article aims to measure social innovation based on the University Ambassador Program (UAP). This program is one of the successful programs under the National Transformation and Blue Ocean Strategy. The program aims to improve people’s living standards through several useful programs. It involves youths elected from among rural university students with the characteristics of student leaders who are concerned with the local community. The findings are obtained by interviewing 20 respondents involved with UAP in depth. SWOT analysis is used to identify the impact of university ambassadors in the context of social innovation towards the development of rural communities in Malaysia. Social innovation is an approach to meet the needs of the community through the creation of new methods, products, services and means. The context of social innovation assessment is through the three main elements of education, economy and social. The findings show that UAP needs to be strengthened in the context of the skills and knowledge of ambassadors or students in delivering information to rural communities, in order to benefit effectively.

Molecular detection of pathogens from ectoparasites recovered from peri-domestic animals, and the first description of a Candidatus Midichloria sp. from Haemaphysalis wellingtoni from rural communities in Malaysia

Rural communities in Malaysia have been shown to be exposed to Coxiella, Borrelia and rickettsial infections in previous seroprevalence studies. Further research is necessary to identify the actual causative agents and the potential vectors of these infections. The arthropods parasitizing peri-domestic animals in these communities may serve as the vector in transmitting arthropod-borne and zoonotic agents to the humans. Molecular screening of bacterial and zoonotic pathogens from ticks and fleas collected from dogs, cats and chickens from six rural communities in Malaysia was undertaken. These communities were made up of mainly the indigenous people of Malaysia, known as the Orang Asli, as well as settlers in oil palm plantations. The presence of Coxiella burnetii, Borrelia, and rickettsial agents, including Rickettsia and Anaplasma, was investigated by performing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing. Candidatus Rickettsia senegalensis was detected in one out of eight pools of Ctenocephalides felis fleas. A relapsing fever group Borrelia sp. was identified from one of seven Haemaphysalis hystricis ticks tested. The results from the PCR screening for Anaplasma unexpectedly revealed the presence of Candidatus Midichloria sp., a potential tick endosymbiont, in two out of fourteen Haemaphysalis wellingtoni ticks tested. C. burnetii was not detected in any of the samples tested. The findings here provide evidence for the presence of potentially novel strains of rickettsial and borrelial agents in which their impact on public health risks among the rural communities in Malaysia merit further investigation. The detection of a potential endosymbiont of ticks also suggest that the presence of tick endosymbionts in the region is not fully explored.

Knowledge of solid waste management through composting: A comparative study of rural communities in Malaysia and Indonesia

Along with increasing human activity, the waste generated from these activities more and more. Waste at this time has become one of the causes of disasters in the world. One type of waste produced is organic waste. Organic waste is one of the solid wastes produced from domestic waste. Research is conducted to understand how people carry out organic waste processing into compost, to improve the quality of life, especially in economic terms. In addition, it can be identified factors and obstacles that affect the community when processing organic waste into compost. Primary data collection is done through interviews and field observations in selected rural communities. While secondary data collection is done by literature study. This research was conducted by taking samples in rural communities in Indonesia and Malaysia. The results obtained show a comparison of the patterns of success of rural communities in Indonesia and Malaysia in processing waste into compost.

Connecting Solar Generated Electricity during Flood Disaster in the FELDA Communities of Malaysia: The Public Perception

Solar electrification is a significant solution for supplying electricity at the evacuation centre during power shortage or blackouts in a flood disaster situation. However, it is a challenge to connect this technology to the local communities, especially for the rural people due to the limited accessibility of the technology. Strong support from the Government is needed in disseminating this technology for the locals, especially during a flood disaster where victims need the power aid relief during the power interruption. By using solar technology, the power can be generated and stored ahead of time at the flood relief centre. This paper will investigate on the perception of rural communities in Malaysia; focusing FELDA communities, in connecting the solar electrification during a flood disaster. The significant approaches for connecting FELDA communities with solar electrification need to be explored strategically. In order to investigate the acceptance of FELDA communities in connecting solar electrification in the flood evacuation centre, survey research through questionnaires has been obtained from the respondents. Interestingly, the result shows that the back-up electricity supply system is needed in order to accommodate the electricity supply at the evacuation centre when flood occurs. The research found that the local people are ready to use the solar electrification as a supportive electricity system during flood disaster. This paper has elaborated on the significance approaches towards connecting people with the technology.

The Goodness of Mobile Library and User Satisfaction among Rural Community in Malaysia

This study presents a perception on the goodness of mobile library, which focused on; outreach, economical, and accessibility and its relationships with user satisfaction. Questionnaires were distributed randomly to 124 mobile library users who are using the library services in Bentong, Pahang, Malaysia. The analyses are undertaken using SPSS. Descriptive findings showed higher perceptions in five variables measured where the mean value was in the range 4.1 to 4.3 on a 5-point likert scale. The results also indicate a positive and moderate relationship between outreach, accessibility and convenient, and user satisfaction. Meanwhile, the relationship between economical and user satisfaction are positive and highly correlated. The findings of the study are useful for the library to serve better to the rural community and improve services so they can serve effective and efficient in the particular area.

Molecular characterization of Trichuris species isolated from humans, dogs and cats in a rural community in Peninsular Malaysia

Trichuris trichiura (whipworm) are soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) that causing trichuriasis in human. Trichuris vulpis, a canine whipworm has also been reported occasionally in humans. However, an overlapping dimension in the morphology and due to limited external characters between both species may lead to the potential for misidentification. Although there has been an extensive study on the distribution of whipworm in both human and animal hosts, little is known about the molecular epidemiology of Trichuris species in both hosts. To investigate to characterize the whipworm species and to determine the genetic relationship between species infecting both humans and animals, we sequenced the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) regions of Trichuris egg isolated from humans, dogs and cats in a rural community in Malaysia. A total of 524 fresh fecal samples were collected from humans and animals. The overall prevalence of Trichuris was 59.9% as determined by microscopy examination. The molecular analysis showed that 98.7% were identified as T. trichiura in the human fecal sample. Interestingly, 1.3% were identified as T. vulpis. As for animal fecal sample, 56.8% and 43.2% were identified as T. trichiura and T. vulpis, respectively. Phylogenetic and sequence analysis demonstrated that T. trichiura isolates were genetically distinct from T. vulpis isolates from both hosts. This finding implies that companion animals can be a reservoir and mechanical transmitter for T. trichiura infection in human and also highlighting the possible zoonotic potential of T. vulpis. This finding may also suggest that cross-transmission between humans and animal hosts in sympatric setting may be a source of infection in both hosts. More studies are needed to better understand the transmission dynamic and public health significance of Trichuris infection in both hosts.

Improving Breast Health Literacy Through an Innovative Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign Using the Know Your Lemons (KYL) Materials in Malaysia

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in Malaysia but has the worst survival in the Asia Pacific region. Main drivers identified in previous research include late-stage disease at presentation, poor adherence to treatment and sociocultural barriers. Factors affecting late presentations include lack of awareness on basic symptoms of BC and poor access to early detection. Although BC awareness campaigns have been done, Hadi et al., showed low BC awareness among university students in Malaysia. This is an evaluation of the “Show You Care, Be Aware” campaign that was done in University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur in October 2017. The campaign was carried out using KYL materials through use of posters, awareness booths and public forums. The materials contain information on the normal breast, 12 symptoms of BC, information on breast self examination (BSE), screening and diagnostic (detection) pathways in Malay and English language. Aim: To evaluate the campaign effect on breast health literacy. Methods: A quasi-experimental research was conducted. The KYL materials were forward and backward translated by 2 native bilingual individuals. The context and content of the translation was ensured to be accurate and fitted into the KYL design. A total of 679 participants participated in the study. A self-designed questionnaire was used to assess effectiveness of the materials. Educational intervention sessions were provided in the form of KYL materials (leaflets, posters and banners) displayed in awareness booths in the campus. Discussion on leaflets and questions and answers, and practical demonstrations of BSE dummy were done. The questionnaire was administered through face to face interview. The data were analyzed via SPSS 20; descriptive and Wilcoxon matched paired signed rank test was performed. Results: 72% (n=492) of our participants were Malay, 19% (n=119) Chinese and 10% (n=68) Indians and others. Majority of our participants were female (94.2%), age 30 or below (61%), single (62.9%), had college or university education (85.7%). Most of our participants, 96.2% stated that the language used in the KYL materials were clear and understandable; 95.3% thought materials were attractive and 89.2% found them acceptable in Malaysian culture. 52.7% preferred Malay materials, 40.4% English and 6.5% in both Malay and English. The materials improved perceived knowledge on the process of detecting BC (96.5%). 92.8% agreed or strongly agreed that they felt more confident in recognizing the symptoms of BC themselves. There was an increase in self reported knowledge of BC; mean scores before and after exposure to KYL materials were 2.83 versus 4.30 respectively ( P &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: Health education using KYL materials promoted breast cancer awareness, confidence in detecting symptoms and knowing processes of diagnosis among urban and educated Malaysians. Future research in lower educated and rural communities in Malaysia is warranted.