Southern Region Of Malaysia Research Articles

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.

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.

Exploring the interaction between learning styles and mathematics anxiety among secondary school students: A correlational study in southern Malaysia

Mathematics is a subject that is extensively used in real-life situations, but it has been found to be a difficult subject to master. Accordingly, mathematics anxiety has been found to be highly prevalent in students’ lives, whereby learning styles have been underlined as one of the factors that may impact attainment of mathematics skills. This study aims to determine the relationship between learning styles and mathematics anxiety. The correlational study was conducted by using questionnaire adapted from Dunn and Dunn Model and Mathematics Anxiety Scale; involving 389 secondary school students located in the southern region of Malaysia. The study's findings revealed a positive correlation and distinguished between learning styles and mathematics anxiety. It shows that learning styles have an impact on mathematics anxiety. Hence, this study helps the students to embrace and improve their learning styles to minimize the level of anxiety towards mathematics, while the teachers may find it useful in guiding the students to control their mathematics anxiety.

Effect of Organisational Factors on Intrapreneurial Behaviour of Public University Academicians in Malaysia

Academics in Malaysia have been working hard in recent years to move towards a more innovative and intrapreneurial culture with the support of the government. The aim of this study is to particularly look at the organisational factors that influence their intrapreneurial behaviour, as it is thought that organisational factors may have some effects on their intrapreneurial behaviour. It is also argued that a good environment and support from an academic institution will not be enough if an academician does not have intrapreneurial attributes. Alternatively, an academician with adequate intrapreneurial attitude may be demotivated to innovate in respective research and teaching activities, if his/her institution does not provide adequate support. An online survey questionnaire was circulated to 4 universities in the southern region of Malaysia from where 250 respondents took part in the survey. It was found that all four organizational factors considered in this study have a significant effect on intrapreneurial behaviour. The mediating role of gender was also sought. It was found that recognition of intrapreneurial activity does not show a significant effect on the intrapreneurial behaviour of academicians in the presence of gender. However, the other three variables (managerial support, flexible organisational structure, and favourable organisational culture) show significant effect on intrapreneurial behaviour while gender acts as a mediating variable.

Effect of Organisational Factors on Intrapreneurial Behaviour of Public University Academicians in Malaysia

Academics in Malaysia have been working hard in recent years to move towards a more innovative and intrapreneurial culture with the support of the government. The aim of this study is to particularly look at the organisational factors that influence their intrapreneurial behaviour, as it is thought that organisational factors may have some effects on their intrapreneurial behaviour. It is also argued that a good environment and support from an academic institution will not be enough if an academician does not have intrapreneurial attributes. Alternatively, an academician with adequate intrapreneurial attitude may be demotivated to innovate in their respective research and teaching activities if his/her institution does not provide adequate support. An online survey questionnaire was circulated to 4 universities in the southern region of Malaysia, from which 250 respondents took part in the survey. It was found that all four organizational factors considered in this study have a significant effect on intrapreneurial behaviour. The mediating role of gender was also sought. It was found that the recognition of intrapreneurial activity does not show a significant effect on the intrapreneurial behaviour of academicians in the presence of gender. However, the other three variables (managerial support, flexible organisational structure, and favourable organisational culture) show a significant effect on intrapreneurial behaviour while gender acts as a mediating variable.

Machine learning based predictive model of Type 2 diabetes complications using Malaysian National Diabetes Registry: A study protocol.

The prevalence of diabetes in Malaysia is increasing, and identifying patients with higher risk of complications is crucial for effective management. The use of machine learning (ML) to develop prediction models has been shown to outperform non-ML models. This study aims to develop predictive models for Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) complications in Malaysia using ML techniques. This 10-year retrospective cohort study uses clinical audit datasets from Malaysian National Diabetes Registry from 2011 to 2021. T2D patients who received treatment in public health clinics in the southern region of Malaysia with at least two data points in 10 years are included. Patients with diabetes complications at baseline are excluded to ensure temporality between predictors and the target variable. Appropriate methods are used to address issues related to data cleaning, missing data imputation, data splitting, feature selection, and class imbalance. The study uses 7 ML algorithms, including logistic regression, support vector machine, k-nearest neighbours, decision tree, random forest, extreme gradient boosting, and light gradient boosting machine, to develop predictive models for four target variables: nephropathy, retinopathy, ischaemic heart disease, and stroke. Hyperparameter tuning is performed for each algorithm. The model training is performed using a stratified k-fold cross-validation technique. The best model for each algorithm is evaluated on a hold-out dataset using multiple metrics. The prediction model may be a valuable tool for diabetes management and secondary prevention by enabling earlier interventions and optimal resource allocation, leading to better health outcomes.

The role of management accounting on the relationship between corporate social responsibility and performance in SMEs

PurposeThis study aims to explore corporate social responsibility (CSR) implementation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and examines the role of management accounting practices (MAPs) in the relationship between CSR and performance in SMEs.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire survey was conducted among 1,000 SMEs in the southern region of Malaysia, and 203 valid replies were received.FindingsThe results indicate that most SMEs are informed about their social responsibilities across several CSR dimensions. There is evidence that supports the significant direct relationship between CSR and firm performance, and MAPs significantly and indirectly contribute to the effect of CSR on firm performance.Originality/valueThe findings contribute to an understanding of how the integration of CSR and MAPs can amplify the effect of CSR implementation on performance in SMEs. The finding may be useful for the relevant policymakers to increase socially responsible activities among SMEs to spur further growth for SMEs and society. SMEs may acknowledge MAPs as a significant intermediary in making CSR activities financially and operationally feasible.

The Influence of Transformational Leadership on Job Performance Among Government Agency Support Staff in Southern Region of Malaysia

The Influence of Transformational Leadership on Job Performance Among Government Agency Support Staff in Southern Region of Malaysia

Exploratory Study of Multidimensionality Elements of Small Entrepreneurs' Network Change and Development in the Southern Region of Malaysia

The research aims to empirically explore the multidimensionality elements in small entrepreneurs' network change and development during periods when the entrepreneurs face tipping points. Prior scholars have examined the mix of strong and weak links in small businesses and linked them to business development stages. For small firms to continue experiencing business growth, current literature must emphasize the connection between network strengths and overcoming tipping points. This research explores the multidimensional elements of small entrepreneurs' network change and development that contribute to their survival during the era of tipping points in the Southern Region of Malaysia. This qualitative research uses a multiple case study approach involving eight small firms in the southern region of Malaysia. The data collection methods include analysis of secondary documentation and in-depth interviews with the entrepreneurs using the critical incident interview technique. The data has been analyzed using NVIVO software and has employed Miles and Huberman's (1994) flows of analysis activity. Data triangulation was carried out by interviewing individuals who were seen as having strong or weak ties within the network and who were identified through interviews with the entrepreneurs. The findings enlighten two themes: the entrepreneur-level context and the dyadic-level context. The findings show that the multidimensionality of the individual entrepreneur is demonstrated through their demographic factors, personal values, experience, and capabilities. Therefore, they differ in responding to changes in their networks. Dyadic multidimensionality is found in the tie's content, structure, governance, and the dyadic life cycle. Finally, this research provides theoretical and methodological contributions and offers implications for entrepreneurs, government agencies and policy-makers.

The difference in the skills employment, job training satisfaction and job engagement by training duration among NDTS Apprentices in Southern region of Malaysia

Globalization, technological advancements, and changes in work organization have increased the demand for skilled employment in many countries. In the absence of skills, employers are less likely to be able to find employment and are more likely to face skills-related unemployment, which decreases their competitiveness. In order to address the challenge of promoting skilled employability, the National Dual Training System (NDTS) apprenticeship training programme is an essential component. This enhances the ability of employees to find employment opportunities and earn income with the help of their skills. The development of skilled employability is one of the most effective strategies for ensuring a successful transition to the workforce and the access to career-oriented employment. Furthermore, the NDTS provides employees with the skills, knowledge, competencies, and attitudes necessary to find employment and to survive in an unstable economic environment. The performance of an employee is also related to the level of job satisfaction along with the skills of the employee. It has been demonstrated that satisfied employees perform better, resulting in a higher productivity level in the organization. Also, employees must be provided with necessary job training to ensure they develop the necessary skills to fulfill the requirements of their respective roles as well as prepare themselves for employment in specialized fields. The existence of training opportunities is likely to lead to employees remaining satisfied with an organization for a longer period of time. The improvement of employee engagement and workplace excellence can also be observed in this regard. As part of this study, the focus will be on identifying how the duration of the NDTS apprenticeship training program affects the employment of skilled employees. This will affect the satisfaction of job training, and the engagement of employees on the job.

Consumers’ Preferences for Egg Attributes with Tendency Purchase Organic Eggs and Willingness to Pay for the Preferences within Central Region and Southern Region of Malaysia

Purpose: Egg is one of the few foods consists of complete high quality protein source and as a main protein source in Malaysia. Organic eggs industry is an underdeveloped niche market in Malaysia but exponential grow industry in develop countries. The objectives of the study are examined consumers’ preferences toward egg attributes and tendency of consumers choose organic eggs with willingness to pay for the attributes within Central Region and Southern Region of Malaysia. Theoretical framework: Based on previous study, Lancaster’s theory argue that consumers derive utility not from good directly but from the attributes of the good that satisfy consumer need and wants (Lancaster, 1971). TRA explained the relationship between attitudes and subjective norm that influenced human intention and behavior and this theory is used to predict human reaction towards a subject based on the attitudes and behavioral intentions (Fishbein & Ajzen, 1975). TPB is differ from TRA where it has additional of perceived behavioral control, where together with the attitudes and subjective norm, shaped both intention and behaviors (Ajzen, 1991). Design/Methodology/Approach: The target population of this study will focus on consumer adults with the age more than 18 years old and purchase eggs within 3 months. The location of respondents will be within Central Region and Southern Region of Malaysia. The consumers 18 years old above with purchase eggs within 3 months, will be include in the sampling frame from the target population. Any adults not consume eggs within 3 months will exclude in the study. A simple random sampling technique stemmed from probability sampling technique was used to select the respondents (Ajina, 2019), where questionnaires were sent out to all the end-users in the list of sampling frame and all responses will be recorded accordingly. The obtained surveys had gone through a vetting process after the actual data collection. Incomplete questionnaires having a response rate of more than 15% will be deleted from the data set because they compromise the results' reliability and validity. The respondents not purchase any eggs within 3 months will exclude in the conjoint analysis. Findings: Total 156 respondents and 149 respondents were purchasing egg within 3 months selected as sample for conjoint analysis. The results of conjoint analysis indicated price is the most important attribute for consumer preferences follow by size, production type, color and packaging. The best combination of egg attribute with highest total utilities value is RM 0.4/egg, size A, brown color, 10 eggs per pack and organic production type with total utility value 7.477 and WTP RM0.51/egg. The result indicates tendency of consumer toward organic egg and higher than other production type. This is the first study in Malaysia showed positive preference of consumers toward organic eggs with positive WTP RM 0.11/egg for attribute organic egg alone. Research, practical & social implications: The finding of relative importance attributes for this study is different from the study by (Hanis, Nasir, Jinap, Alias, & Karim, 2013) where size is the most important attribute follow by size of packaging, color and functional of egg without consider production type and price. This study allows producers have clear picture and direction to produce eggs with low price, bigger brown eggs, organic or conventional with nutrient enrichment and low size of packaging to fulfil consumers’ need and want. Originality/Value: This study is the first finding showed positive tendency of consumers in Malaysia toward organic eggs and more important than other type of production system. In term of Willing to Pay (WTP), consumer WTP for some of the attribute like size A, size B, organic, conventional with nutrient enrichment and brown eggs. The finding gives a clear picture to industry player to strategy planning the products according to consumers’ preferences and fulfil their need and want.

Resurgence of measles infection among children: findings from a surveillance-based population study

Background There has been a resurgence of measles infection in countries with high vaccination rates, including Malaysia. Understanding the geographical variation in measles resurgence and associated factors is important for measles prevention and control programs, especially where local information is scarce.
 Objective To determine the incidence of laboratory-confirmed measles infection and associated factors in the state of Melaka, in the southern region of Malaysia.
 Methods We obtained measles surveillance data for 4 years (January 2015 to December 2018) from the e-Measles national database. A comparative cross-sectional study was carried out on these data involving children who had been selected through convenience sampling.
 Results A total of 130 laboratory-confirmed measles cases and 213 non-measles cases were included in the study. Among the laboratory-confirmed cases, 56 (43.1%) had not been vaccinated against measles virus. Thirty-eight cases (51.4%) had received at least one dose of measles vaccine, while 36 cases (48.6%) had completed two doses of measles vaccination. There was a higher risk of contracting laboratory-confirmed measles among unvaccinated children (OR 19.39, 95%CI 8.82 to 42.6, P<0.001) and children aged 8–18 years (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.76, P=0.005)
 Conclusion Unvaccinated children and children aged 8–18 years have a higher risk of contracting laboratory-confirmed measles. The policy on routine immunization should be strengthened, the vaccine should be accessible to all children, and all children and adolescents should be given booster vaccinations.

GREEN CONSUMER PURCHASE BEHAVIOUR IN MALAYSIAN SUPER-REGIONAL MALL’S GENERAL MERCHANDISE STORES

Since the establishment of super-regional and mega malls in Malaysia, little is known about green consumers’ purchase intention and behaviour in the malls’ general merchandise stores (GMS). This study first examines the profile of green consumers’ purchase intention and behavior on green products in the GMS. Second, the green consumers’ social classes were segmented to explore social class differences in the purchase intention and behaviour in the stores. The purposive sampling was used to collect the data from the respondents in the southern region of Malaysia. Using the SmartPLS, the data were analysed using the multi-group analysis (MGA) and the measurement invariance of composites (MICOM). The results showed the psychographic variables positively influenced ecologically conscious consumer behaviour (ECCB) on the purchase intention and behaviour. In addition, the middle-class consumers’ shopping lifestyle influences positively on the ECCB and they are more likely to purchase green products than the upper middle-class group. The outcome of the green consumer profile provides an insight into the patterns of purchasing of the consumers in the GMS and the indication of consumer’s consideration of energy conservations from home.

Challenges and Usefulness of Body-Worn Camera Among Malaysian Road Transport Department (RTD) Patrol Officers

Law enforcement namely Road Transport Department (RTD) officers, face challenges in carrying out their duties on the road. The purpose of this study is to highlight on the challenges and issues faced by the officers in Malaysian road and the appropriate use of technology in assisting RTD officers in enforcement duties focusing on the usefulness of Body-worn cameras. The officers involved in the study consisted of the head of the RTD patrol team in the southern region of Malaysia. The results show that this product can assist officers in facilitating their duties. Overall, many respondents point out that this product can facilitate their work easily, provide safer conditions and provide data evidence. It helps in preparing jobs reports and made the officers not burdened in the task. Most respondents were positive about the use of Body-worn cameras especially in alleviating the challenges faced by them.

TECHNOSTRESS IN ENGAGING OPEN AND DISTANCE LEARNING: EXPLORING MALAYSIAN ENGLISH LANGUAGE LECTURERS' LIVED EXPERIENCES

The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic has caused a sudden change in the educational landscape globally and shifted traditional face-to-face classes to open distance learning mode. Due to this transition, it is progressively crucial and of great importance to understand the technostress faced by English language lecturers in adopting open distance learning practices. This phenomenological study explores the lived experiences of eleven English language lecturers from three universities in the southern region of Malaysia regarding the technostress faced in open distance learning practice during the pandemic through the lens of Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge. Fascinatingly, despite the emergency shift to open distance learning, the results have shown that the participants are keen and receptive to the open distance learning deployment. Moreover, due to their Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge competency, the participants agreed that the technostress experienced is considered manageable and did not affect their work performance. This study's results are hoped to offer insights into understanding the unprecedented phenomenon to ensure positive impacts in tertiary education.

A study on the benefits and intention to implement urban agriculture among urban dwellers: Case study in Southern Region of Malaysia

In Malaysia, urban agriculture activity is getting popular, especially during the pandemic of Covid-19. As the pandemic struck, the economic situation in Malaysia faced a downturn. Rapid urbanization, slow income growth, and unstable food prices in the market are the major problem faced by urban dwellers nowadays. This study discussed the intention to implement among urban dwellers in the southern region of Malaysia and the benefits of urban agriculture that influence their intention. The study employs quantitative analysis and was based on the primary data collected via face-to-face and distributed google form in 5 urban areas in 3 states in the southern region of Malaysia. The total sample size was 214 urban dwellers. Intention level analysis, Correlation analysis, and exploratory factor analysis were used in the study to achieve the objectives. The study shows that the majority of the respondents have moderate to high intention levels. The results indicate a positive relationship between the benefits of urban agriculture and the implementation intention of urban dwellers at a 0.01 significant level. The results also indicate 3 factors that affect the intention to implement which are financial, social, and environmental.

Looking Through Different Points of Views: Characteristics of a Good Mathematics Teacher

Mathematics is essentially used in many fields. Due to its importance, nurturing mathematical knowledge in students is deemed crucial in education now. Providing a good mathematics teacher is an important factor in developing students' mathematical skills and knowledge. This study aims to explore the characteristics of a good mathematics teacher from the points of view of teachers and students. In order to investigate the characteristics, this study employed a qualitative method using semi-structured interviews and focus group sessions involving twenty-three informants consisting of mathematics teachers and students. The informants were purposively selected from several schools in the southern region of Malaysia. Once the data were collected, they were qualitatively analysed using thematic analysis. Based on the findings, there are two main perspectives on the characteristics of a good mathematics teacher based on the teacher's and student's perspectives. Teachers define the characteristic of a good mathematics teacher from the aspects of the teacher's knowledge and experience. In comparison, students viewed it from the aspects of teachers' personalities, teaching styles, and delivery instructions. So, in conclusion, mathematics teachers and students have different points of view when describing the characteristics of a good mathematics teacher.

Spatial Dynamics and Multiscale Regression Modelling of Population Level Indicators for COVID-19 Spread in Malaysia.

As COVID-19 dispersion occurs at different levels of gradients across geographies, the application of spatiotemporal science via computational methods can provide valuable insights to direct available resources and targeted interventions for transmission control. This ecological-correlation study evaluates the spatial dispersion of COVID-19 and its temporal relationships with crucial demographic and socioeconomic determinants in Malaysia, utilizing secondary data sources from public domains. By aggregating 51,476 real-time active COVID-19 case-data between 22 January 2021 and 4 February 2021 to district-level administrative units, the incidence, global and local Moran indexes were calculated. Spatial autoregressive models (SAR) complemented with geographical weighted regression (GWR) analyses were executed to determine potential demographic and socioeconomic indicators for COVID-19 spread in Malaysia. Highest active case counts were based in the Central, Southern and parts of East Malaysia regions of Malaysia. Countrywide global Moran index was 0.431 (p = 0.001), indicated a positive spatial autocorrelation of high standards within districts. The local Moran index identified spatial clusters of the main high–high patterns in the Central and Southern regions, and the main low–low clusters in the East Coast and East Malaysia regions. The GWR model, the best fit model, affirmed that COVID-19 spread in Malaysia was likely to be caused by population density (β coefficient weights = 0.269), followed by average household income per capita (β coefficient weights = 0.254) and GINI coefficient (β coefficient weights = 0.207). The current study concluded that the spread of COVID-19 was concentrated mostly in the Central and Southern regions of Malaysia. Population’s average household income per capita, GINI coefficient and population density were important indicators likely to cause the spread amongst communities.

A PRELIMINARY STUDY OF JOB STRESS FACTORS ON JOB SATISFACTION AMONG GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES IN MALAYSIA'S SOUTHERN REGION

Job stress has become a global problem in recent years, and it is rising year after year. The purpose of this research was to identify influential factors of job stress that affect job satisfaction among the employees in the government sector in the southern region of Malaysia. This research is important because it will help the company determine the best way to assist their workers in improving their job satisfaction. Job stress consists of three elements, namely workload, role conflict, and interpersonal relationships. The questionnaires were distributed to 108 respondents who were employees at Lembaga Kemajuan Johor Tenggara (KEJORA). Descriptive statistics, Cronbach alpha, and regression analysis were employed to analyse the result using the SPSS analysis. The findings revealed that a significant positive relationship exists between interpersonal relationship and job satisfaction whereas role conflict and workload does not influence job satisfaction. Finally, limitations and suggestions for this study are also highlighted.

PLB-011 - Their eyes hurt: The culprit and associated risks for microbial keratitis in southern region of Malaysia

PLB-011 - Their eyes hurt: The culprit and associated risks for microbial keratitis in southern region of Malaysia