State Of Penang Research Articles

E-dengue System Insights: Exploring the Factors Influencing Dengue-related Deaths in an Urbanized State in a Low-Middle Income Country (LMIC)

BackgroundDengue has emerged as a rapidly escalating health issue in low- and middle-income countries, with its burden and geographic spread increasing over the years. Malaysia, in particular, has witnessed a significant rise in dengue cases, accompanied by a spike in mortality rates. Several studies have identified various factors, primarily focusing on the 27 clinical aspects of severe dengue infection and the development of dengue-related fatalities. Expanding on this focus, this study aims to identify the demographic, clinical, and environmental factors contributing to dengue mortality, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the variables influencing dengue-related fatalities.MethodsThis study utilized a 1:2 case-control design, analyzing data from the E-dengue system database and medical records from January 2015 to December 2022, involving 219 participants (73 dengue fatalities as cases and 146 recovered patients as controls). Dengue deaths were confirmed by the Penang State Mortality Review Committee, and controls were randomly selected from laboratory-confirmed dengue cases. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software, including descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression to identify predictors of dengue mortality, with variables included in the multivariable model if p < 0.05.ResultsSeveral significant predictors of dengue-related mortality, including clinical and environmental factors were identified. Key predictors were a platelet count below 50,000/µL (OR 15.70; 95% CI: 5.65–43.53), presence of one comorbid condition (OR 2.90; 95% CI: 1.22–6.90), more than two comorbid conditions (OR 10.15; 95% CI: 3.53–29.23), bronchial asthma (OR 12.00; 95% CI: 1.08-132.13), and outbreak locality status (OR 2.3; 95% CI: 1.11–4.79). An interaction was also found between locality status and platelet levels.ConclusionThe study emphasizes the need for developing risk profiles for dengue patients by integrating factors such as platelet levels, comorbidities, and locality status to improve clinical care. Nuanced protocols are needed to address the specific challenges of single-case and outbreak areas. In single-case localities, patients with low platelet counts (below 100,000/µL) should be prioritized for rapid intervention to mitigate severe outcomes. In outbreak areas, healthcare systems should bolster resources and apply comprehensive triage approaches considering platelet levels and other risk factors. Implementing predictive models that account for geographical factors can enhance resource allocation and preparedness for dengue outbreaks. These recommendations aim to empower public health personnel, healthcare providers, and communities to collectively reduce dengue-related mortality rates.

TRAVEL MOTIVATIONS OF DOMESTIC TOURISTS TO PENANG, MALAYSIA

The services provided by those operating in the tourism industry, including destination managers, tourism strategists and tourism distributors, can be improved through a good understanding of the factors which prompt tourists to travel, or to opt for particular destinations. This study delves into the push and pull (P&amp;P) theory, to identify the travel motivations (TMs) of domestic tourists, who visit the Malaysian state of Penang. A survey involving the participation of 504 domestic tourists, revealed these TMs as: (a) the natural sights and cultural experiences presented, (b) the gourmet dining and shopping attractions available, as well as (c) the quality tourist support infrastructure and services provided. It is our recommendation, that the findings derived through this investigation, be taken into consideration by local government officials and players in the Penang tourism industry, to enhance the quality of the tourism products available, as well as to promote the tourism products deemed most attractive to visitors.

The Business of Governing Penang: Workarounds as Remedy?

The state of Penang, including city councils for island Pulau Pinang (with urban-core George Town) and mainland Seberang Perai, has negotiated at least a degree of political marginalisation since independence. Ruled previously by a secondary partner in the ruling Barisan Nasional (National Front), and since 2008, by the Democratic Action Party and its coalition partners, the economically powerful state has negotiated constrained autonomy and resources. While to some extent, these governing challenges are common to all states in Malaysia's highly centralised federation, in other ways, they reflect Penang's specific political position. Penang's leadership has sought in particular ways to circumvent inertia or divided loyalties among bureaucrats from the federal, rather than a state-level, civil service. Central to that solution has been reliance on an array of state government-linked corporations, facilitating administration, but at possible cost to clear accountability, transparency, and promised empowerment of civil society.

Proposed improvements to Istibdal implementation management in the state of Penang

Purpose This study aims to examine the factors of implementing istibdal waqf and generating cash waqf funds through istibdal in Penang. This study was based on the previous problem statements, stating that waqf property could not be developed due to lack of cash funds. This has allowed the study to explore the factors for implementing istibdal waqf property and the extent to which the istibdal method can generate cash waqf funds in Penang. Design/methodology/approach This study adopted a qualitative method by conducting semi-structured interviews to achieve its research goals. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to comprehensively understand the current practice on istibdal cases in Penang State Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP) through official institutions concerned with waqf management practices in Penang. This research relied on purposive sampling to select the informants. It is a sampling strategy to select the informants in advance based on the research question. To achieve the purpose of this study, two officers from MAINPP were selected based on their working experience and specialisation criteria. As a result, several themes were successfully defined from the interview data before being analysed based on the content analysis method. Findings The results present three istibdal implementation processes outlined by MAINPP, namely, the istibdal implementation process for waqf land involved in the acquisition by state authorities (PBN), non-productive waqf land and istibdal applications from certain parties. The results also reveal two factors in implementing istibdal in Penang: the acquisition of waqf land by PBN and the application of istibdal for cemeteries by the Islamic Centre of Universiti Sains Malaysia. From the point of cash fund generation, no case of istibdal implementation records the generation of cash funds to MAINPP. Thus, this study ends with proposals for improving the process and implementing istibdal in Penang to generate cash funds to help MAINPP manage waqf properties. Research limitations/implications The study only focused on implementing factors and generating cash waqf funds through istibdal in Penang. At the same time, it can be expanded to other states like Terengganu, Johor and Kelantan. This study only interviewed officers who manage matters related to the affairs of waqf properties. Therefore, it is believed that the study can be extended to other respondents, such as experts in cash fund generation investments and others. Practical implications This study proposed improvements to the policy and practice of istibdal waqf property to MAINPP after the shortcomings were identified throughout this study. If improved, these proposals will significantly impact the waqf properties involved in implementing istibdal, where it can generate cash and ensure the constant economic value of waqf properties. Social implications This study has great implications for society through the development of a cash waqf fund that can provide great benefits to the needy, in addition to increasing funds for the welfare expenditure of Muslims through rental income, investment and development. Progress and significant impact on waqf property can provide a high indicator of the efficiency of an organisation in managing waqf property. This can attract the interest of the public, especially the wealthy, to always fulfil welfare through the waqf mechanism and share the wealth with the needy. Originality/value This study contributes to comprehensive field data on the implementation of istibdal in Penang. The data analysis results are significant to be used by the waqf property management.

Embracing Self-collecting cervico-vaginal Human Papilloma Virus testing for cervical cancer screening: An exploratory study of acceptability among women in Penang

Objective: This study aims to assess the acceptability and awareness of Penang women regarding self-collected cervico-vaginal specimens for HPV testing. Method: The study was conducted in Penang State throughout January to December 2020, in collaboration with the Penang West Hat Community Programme. The study's target population included women aged 25-60 from the Little Siradan, North West, Terenga, and Barat daya communities, who self-collected cervicovaginal samples using a cervicovaginal brush. Following sample collection, participants completed brief questionnaires to gauge their acceptance and perceptions of this self-sampling approach. They also received counseling and guidance at local health departments for Pap test follow-ups. Result: Vaginal microbiota examination revealed a significant correlation between baseline (W0) and twelve weeks later (W12) across various parameters, encompassing the Women's Health Questionnaire (WHQ), blood samples, fecal samples, distributed products to subjects, and vaginal samples (p &lt; 0.001). Analysis of DNA concentration (VM) demonstrated a substantial difference in A260/280 ratios (p &lt; 0.001), while A260/230 ratios showed no statistical significance (p=0.212). Additionally, the vaginal microbiome results displayed noteworthy distinctions between fecal and vaginal samples. Conclusion: The findings of this study hold promise for the initial community-wide implementation of HPV testing, which is anticipated to be introduced in Malaysia in the near future.

Importance of Forest Services in the Provision of Water Sources to the State of Penang, Peninsular Malaysia

Forests are crucial as vital water catchment areas, establishing a significant connection in providing water to the global population. Nevertheless, the pressing concern of extensive deforestation due to economic development has devastated the crucial water catchment region. Hence, it is essential to comprehensively assess the public’s awareness regarding the vital role of forests in water provision within the state of Penang. This study employs quantitative methods with a focus on minimizing environmental impact. Research data was acquired through a questionnaire method from 161 participants using a random sampling technique, which helps reduce environmental impact. Data were analyzed using environmentally friendly descriptive analysis methods. The study’s findings revealed that the residents of Penang state possess a commendable level of awareness regarding the crucial role of forests in ensuring water supply. Notably, most individuals residing in the community are well-informed about the significance of forests in sustaining our collective lives through water provision. Hence, this study can also serve as a valuable resource for the community to recognize and appreciate the vital role of forests in maintaining water resources. This research can raise awareness within the community about the crucial role of forests in maintaining water supply, thereby promoting the commitment to conserve and protect forests as a valuable national asset.

Safety Including Health Factors Contribute the Female Victims to Escape from Domestic Violence: A Qualitative Analysis

Domestic violence is one of the public health problems, and most of the victims are female. This vulnerable group can no longer bear the suffering caused by the atrocities committed by their husbands. The various abuses that the victim experiences not only impact their health but can also threaten the level of safety of everyone in the family system. This research aims to identify the safety factors including health aspect that contribute to the female victim’s violent actions being separate from their husbands. In line with the qualitative approach, in-depth interviews with 15 female informants of domestic violence were conducted around the state of Penang and this analysis using NVIVO 8 software. The results found that the theme of victim safety factors, including injury and social systems, especially children, motivates victims to free themselves from domestic violence and seek help for personal protection. The findings of this study have yielded several recommendations in the context of social work interventions to increase the positive health and social well-being of family system life, especially among female victims of domestic violence. Keywords: Female victim of domestic violence, Public Health Issues, Safety, Social work intervention.

Ways of establishing rigour in the Abductive Research Strategy (ARS)

ABSTRACT This article examines how rigour is achieved in the Abductive Research Strategy (ARS). It begins with a review of some of the arguments about objectivity and rigour in social sciences, which shows that quantitative and qualitative researchers hold different meanings of objectivity and therefore different ways of achieving rigour in their research. ARS as a qualitative methodology is then described and, using a study of the experience of work of life insurance sales workers in the state of Penang, rigour in the ARS is illustrated. Three ways of establishing rigour in ARS are stated and expounded. While two of them are from the traditions of doing qualitative research, the third is from the logic of abduction.

PILIHAN RAYA UMUM (PRU) NEGERI DI MALAYSIA 2023: SATU ANALISIS GEOGRAFIKAL DAN SOSIOLOGIKAL

The 2023 General Elections (GE) in the state of Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah in Malaysia is an important election to see the impact of GE-15 in 2022 on the parties in the Unity Government namely Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) and political parties from Sabah and Sarawak; with and Perikatan Nasional (PN) either continue or create a new pattern. The intended impact is the support pattern of Malay and Chinese voters, as well as the policies or policies of the Unity Government carried out by PMX. Voter support for political parties in the 2023 state election is also influenced by the relationship between voters and other individuals as well as the influence of the environment. Therefore, it is the purpose of writing this article to analyze the geographical and sociological factors in the State General Election in Malaysia in 2023. Based on the data analysis of the State General Election 2023 in Malaysia, observations in the field and analysis of secondary sources such as journal articles and conference papers, the findings of the study show that from a geographical point of view, PH and PN each remain in control of the states they won in GE-14 2018, namely PH remains in control of Penang, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan but with a decrease in seats in rural Malay areas; while PN remains in Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah. From a sociological point of view, the narrative that "green wave" or "referendum against PH-BN" needs to be rethought and should not be accepted in totality. This article explains that based on the analysis from the sociological and structural dimensions it clearly shows that the results of the 6 State PRN contain different narratives that can be raised and considered, namely the strengthening of the "red wave" and the "referendum of UMNO members" against the UMNO party which is now the main ally. PH-BN in a unity government. Therefore, geographical and sociological factors will continue to influence the direction and pattern of voter support in elections in Malaysia.

PREDICTING GEOTECHNICAL AXIAL CAPACITY OF REINFORCED CONCRETE DRIVEN PILE USING MACHINE LEARNING TECHNIQUE

Modified Meyerhof method is a popular method to calculate pile geotechnical axial capacity in Malaysia currently. From past experience, pile design based on empirical and analytical method produce variability of predicted capacity, in which, there is a wide scatter of predicted capacities and tendency for the predictions to be conservative, i.e. to underestimate the load capacity. This study provides options of machine learning and statistical approach for prediction of pile capacity based on soil investigation and dynamic pile load test result. It serves as an additional checking for engineer during design of pile based on conventional empirical method. It also helps to provide deeper insights of non-linear variables related to pile capacity through machine learning and statistical approach. This study helps engineer to design pile foundation optimally, economically and safely. The prediction of pile geotechnical axial capacity with machine learning technique and statistical approach for local marine clay soil in Penang, Malaysia is proposed in this study. The information from soil investigation report and dynamic pile load test report are gathered from six projects at Batu Kawan and Nibong Tebal located in Penang state that contributed 439 numbers of data. The skin friction factor, end bearing factor and pile geotechnical axial capacity are computed and predicted using empirical method, machine learning model and statistical model. Support Vector Machine illustrate best fit model for predicting skin friction factor with R2 of 0.517 while Random Forest seems to be the best fit model for predicting end bearing factor with R2 of 0.264. Random Forest is found to be the best model in predicting the geotechnical pile axial capacity compare to other models as it explains 96.2% of the variability of pile capacity.

Affordable housing and public administration of a historic city: the perspective of a local community in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, George Town, Penang State of Malaysia

ABSTRACT Urbanization process accelerates the economic growth of cities through offering economies of scale in productivity and public investment. It is a monumental responsibility for an urban government to ensure socially inclusive public administration to warrant the city’s sustainability, historic cities notwithstanding. George Town together with Melaka, has been inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS) in 2008. As a joint UNESCO inscription, George Town World Heritage Site (GTWHS) which has a high proportion of formerly controlled rental housing, and is noteworthy for its multicultural community has witnessed significant gentrification. Gentrification, the repeal of Control of Rent Act, and the inscription of GTWHS have led to house price and rental hike. Generally, this study aims to investigate if there is a research gap pertaining affordable housing in WHS via literature search. Specifically, it seeks to examine housing affordability issues of GTWHS from the perspective of local communities. The findings demonstrate that affordable housing issues and its public administration are very much understudied in GTWHS. The majority of the study’s respondents perceived rentals in GTWHS as “Unaffordable,” and none of the 318-surveyed respondents has been engaged by the government on affordable housing issues. The article ends with a discussion of implications of the study’s findings.

Survivability of patients admitted for stroke in a primary stroke center, Penang, Malaysia: a retrospective 5-year study

BackgroundStroke is one of the most common noncommunicable diseases, with significant public health implications both globally and in Malaysia. The aim of this study was to evaluate post-stroke survivability as well as the major drug classes prescribed for hospitalized stroke patients.MethodsA 5-year retrospective study was carried out on the survival of stroke patients admitted to Hospital Seberang Jaya, a main stroke center in the state of Penang, Malaysia. Patients admitted for stroke were first identified using the local stroke registry database, and their medical records were then accessed for data collection, which included demographic information, comorbid conditions, and medications prescribed during admission.ResultsThe Kaplan-Meier overall survivability analysis performed indicated 50.5% survival for the duration of 10 days (p < 0.001) post-stroke. Ten-day survivability differences (p < 0.05) were observed for the categories of type of stroke (ischemic stroke (60.9%) and hemorrhagic stroke (14.1%)); stroke episodes (first (61.1%) and recurrent (39.6%)); anti-platelets (prescribed (46.2%) and not prescribed (41.5%)); statins (prescribed (68.7%) and not prescribed (28.1%)); anti-hypertensive (prescribed (65.4%) and not prescribed (45.9%)); and anti-infectives (prescribed (42.5%) and not prescribed (59.6%)) respectively. Higher risks of mortality were observed among patients with hemorrhagic stroke (HR: 10.61, p = 0.004); with 3 or more comorbidities (HR:6.60, p = 0.020); and not prescribed with statins and anti-diabetic. Patients prescribed anti-infectives, on the other hand, had a higher risk of mortality when compared to patients who did not receive anti-infectives (HR: 13.10, p = 0.019). The major drug classes prescribed for stroke patients were antiplatelet drugs (86.7%), statins (84.4%), and protein pump inhibitors (75.6%).ConclusionThe findings of the study are intended to encourage more non-stroke hospitals in Malaysia to increase their efforts in treating stroke patients, as early treatment can help reduce the severity of the stroke. With the incorporation of evidence-based data, this study also contributes to local data for comparison and improves the implementation of regularly prescribed stroke medication.

A study of community slope risk and awareness in Penang, Malaysia

Malaysia faces a high probability of experiencing landslide disasters, particularly during rainy weather. Copious rain would result in landslide prone areas with low slope strength; thus increasing the possibility of landslide disasters occurring and threatening the safety of surrounding communities. The locations of this study are in the state of Penang that has been listed as landslide prone areas, namely Mukim 17 at Batu Ferringhi, as well as Tanjung Bungah and Tanjung Tokong, two areas which are in Mukim 18. This research aims to map community slope risk areas and to evaluate the understanding, knowledge, and awareness of the community on slope risk and landslides. There are two methods involved, namely GIS and survey. The findings show that the estimated community slope risk mapping is 24.71% and 20.62% of inhabitants living in high risks landslide zones in Mukim 17 and 18. 62 respondents participated in the survey and the result analysis shows that more than 50% have a strong fundamental knowledge of slope risks, while less than 50% are aware of possible landslide risks, and 42.6% will always obey an evacuation order. Overall findings show that most of the community does have a general awareness of slope risks and landslides.

Marital Communication during Conflict: A Study on Attachment Dimensions and Interaction Patterns

Conflict is increasingly present and could be severe in many adult romantic relationships including marriage, yet understudied in the context of adult attachment style. This study set out to investigate the underlying relationship between adult attachment styles and patterns of interaction in a Malaysian setting. By means of survey method, data was collected using self-reporting questionnaire involving 400 married individuals in the state of Penang, Malaysia for the duration of six months, with Partial Least Squares (PLS) employed for data analysis. The application of Attachment Theory in this study was established via two dimensions of anxiety and avoidance. Result from the analysis yielded all the constructs have composite reliability value of more than 0.6 and convergent and discriminant validity with an average variance extracted (AVE) value greater than 0.50. The findings indicated that, married individuals who are high in anxiety will exhibit destructive and avoidance patterns during conflict. Similarly, married individuals who are high in avoidance will exhibit destructive, avoidance and low level of constructive pattern during conflict. The study concludes that conflict pattern of interaction among married individuals is a function of adult romantic attachment styles. This study also addressed the gap in research literature by providing a non-western context by basing research within a Malaysian setting. Keywords: Anxiety, avoidance, conflict, marital communication, married individuals.

Analysis of User Feedback on Penang State Income Zakat Calculator

Income zakat calculator is an instrument used by state zakat management institutions to determine whether an individual is eligible to pay zakat or not. This calculator was developed based on online to make it easier for zakat payers to access the calculator. This study aims to analyze the content of the calculation calculator website used in Penang Zakat (ZPP) and analyze the response of Penang state income zakat payers. The methodology used is an online content study by browsing the website of the state zakat center and focusing on the income zakat calculator. Next, the second methodology used is data collection also using the focus group discussion (FGD) method to get responses from income zakat payers in the state of Penang. The findings of the study found that the zakat payers agreed that there are items and parameters of the zakat calculator that need to be updated based on the current economic situation in order to benefit the community.

Total Maximum Daily Load Application Using Biological Oxygen Demand, Chemical Oxygen Demand, and Ammoniacal Nitrogen: A Case Study for Water Quality Assessment in the Perai River Basin, Malaysia

Water shortage has been an issue for urbanized areas. For the Penang state in Malaysia, it is forecast that there will be a significant increase in water demand in the future. Penang authorities in Malaysia are trying to find an alternative water source to overcome the problem, with one of the options being the Perai River catchment. However, the river water quality was found to be polluted and not suitable to be used for water extraction for domestic consumption. This paper aims to study the pollution level variation due to changes in rainfall during the year in the Perai River Basin, and estimate the TMDL of the river in a particular case for BOD, COD, and NH3N parameters. A water quality model was developed for the Perai River, Jarak River and Kulim River using InfoWorks ICM. The year 2016 was selected as a model event due to data availability. BOD, COD and NH3N concentrations were used for TMDL calculation, and the load duration curve approach was used to estimate TMDL. The tidal effect at the downstream of the Perai River was found to impact the data analysis in the river stretch. It was found that pollutant load exceedance was the highest during the rainy season and the problematic pollutant was NH3N. Thus, local authorities need to focus on tidal and seasonal change factors when developing action plans to manage water quality issues in this basin.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) on The Mental Health of Parents of Children With Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND)

The knowledge, attitude, and practices are very significant to maintain the good mental health of the parents of children with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND). The purpose of the study is to explore knowledge, attitudes, and practices in influencing the mental health of the parents of children with SEND. The objectives of the study are (i) to identify the level of mental health of parents of children with SEND and (ii) to identify the knowledge, attitudes, and practices in influencing the mental health of parents of children with SEND. The research design of this study is a descriptive survey using a quantitative approach, whereby the questionnaire was used to collect the data from 159 parents of children with SEND in Penang state through purposive sampling. This study has used The Health Belief Model. The questionnaire was then validated by three professional experts. The descriptive analysis was used for data analysis by using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS). Thus, this study found that (i) the mental health of parents is at a moderate level (M= 2.51, SD= 0.84) (ii) knowledge, attitudes, and practices in influencing the mental health of parents of children with SEND are at low level (M= 1.50, SD= 0.66). Therefore, the result showed that knowledge, attitude, and practice had predicted the mental health of parents of children with SEND. This study gives implications to the concerned parties such as the counseling department or psychologists to focus on the mental health of parents of children with SEND so they can get professional support to manage mental health issues. Therefore, concerned parties such as the Ministry of Education should provide a more comprehensive knowledge of children with SEND and activities for managing mental health issues.

QGIS Application for Spatial and Temporal Visualisation of Data for Food Safety Audits in Malaysia

Introduction: Advancement in digital technology opens new doors for food safety auditors when it comes to performing food safety audits. Surge of Covid cases since year 2020 has seen an unprecedented switch to remote auditing by the Food Safety and Quality Programme under the arm of Ministry of Health in Malaysia. Methods: This paper presents the use of QGIS, an open-source cross-platform for geographic information system (GIS) to store, manage and visualise 2 types of data, i.e. real time data collected via a mobile device using QField, an open-source mobile application and also fixed data retrieved from existing database. New data from obtained from field sampling and surveillance presents updated information for food safety auditing and enforcement purposes. A total of 4972 datasets were obtained from the Ministry of Health’s Food Safety and Quality Division database on food factories from all 13 states and 3 federal territories in Malaysia. These datasets were transformed and stored into QGIS point layer for performing data classification analysis on clustering of HACCP, GMP and MeSTI certifications. Results: The Penang state has the most HACCP certified companies in fish and fish product category, Selangor is the highest for confectionery industry and Sabah for food services. The general output of mobile GIS provides a big picture of distribution of food safety certifications in Malaysia while more specific adoption of QField can assist in effective field work planning for enforcement officers and auditors leading to cost calculation via information on location, distance and time. Conclusion: QGIS application for spatial and temporal visualisation of data benefits the food safety auditing in Malaysia.

AMALAN KEPIMPINAN AUTENTIK GURU BESAR DAN PENGARUHNYA TERHADAP MOTIVASI KERJA DAN KOMITMEN GURU-GURU SEKOLAH RENDAH NEGERI PULAU PINANG

The purpose of this study was to examine the authentic leadership practices of headmasters and its influence on the work motivation and commitment of primary school teachers in Penang. Data were collected through a survey of 69 respondents consisting of headmasters representing the state of Penang. Data of 69 respondents were analyzed using multiple correlation and regression analysis. Based on the results of correlation analysis showed that all dimensions of headmaster leadership style have a significant relationship at p&lt;.01 moderate level with organizational commitment while multiple regression analysis found that the main predictor of headmaster transformational leadership style is individual consideration dimension contributed 11.4% to organizational commitment in the regression model 1. The findings of the study show that the authentic leadership practices of headmasters have a relationship and influence on the commitment of primary school teachers in Penang

The Value of Services for Water Catchments for Kedah Permanent Forest Reserves

Kedah’s forest area for water catchments plays an important role as it serves the demand of water for the state of Kedah, Penang and Perlis intended for domestic, agricultural and industrial used. Forest plays an important role as water catchment not only providing water in term of quantity but also provides the good quality of clean water. This process called purification services. But, how to assess the important of the services based on its value, because most of ecosystem services are not monetized. Therefore, this paper aims to estimate regulating services value of Kedah’s Permanent Reserved Forest (PRF) as water catchment especially for domestic used. The information of 36 Water Treatment Plants (WTP) intakes data collected and information of forest land uses from National Forest Inventory (NFI) were used as data input for the analysis. A comparative analysis results the value of services for water purification services for Kedah’s PRF is RM49,140,171/year, approximately RM 21.93/hectare/year. Results show a significant impact to protect catchment areas within forest reserves for clean water.