Sabah Research Articles

Socialization of aquaponics techniques for business efficiency at Aling Hydroponic Farm, Sandakan Sabah Malaysia

Aquaponics is the application of integrated agricultural techniques between the cultivation of fish and vegetables that are environmentally friendly with efficient use of inputs and optimizing production. Aling Hydroponics Farm has long applied hydroponic techniques for cultivating vegetables, apart from also cultivating fish using fiber ponds. However, the application of these two techniques has not been integrated so that it is not efficient in using production inputs. This international collaborative community service activity aims to socialize aquaponic techniques to Aling Hidroponik Farm partners as an effort to increase the efficiency of resource use in farming. The method of implementing activities uses visits and discussions at hydroponic cultivation and fish cultivation locations. This activity was attended by lecturers from the Faculty of Agriculture, Muhammadiyah University of Makassar and lecturers from the Faculty of Sustainable Agriculture, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, students and the community. The results of the activity showed that the participants were very enthusiastic about taking part in the activity, the participants actively asked questions and expressed opinions regarding the opportunities and obstacles to implementing the aquaponic system from economic and social aspects.

Unsung Heroes in Sabah’s Historiography: The Indigenous Community in the Anti-Japanese Movement in North Borneo, 1942–1945

The Petagas War Memorial, erected in 1946, is the official symbol of Sabah’s anti-Japanese resistance between 1942 to 1945. The memorial focuses on the predominantly Chinese Kinabalu Guerrilla Defence Force (KGDF), which managed to secure vital assistance and cooperation from Sabah’s peribumi (indigenous) community. However, it does not adequately capture their contributions despite becoming the backbone of KGDF. Without them, the anti-Japanese movement would not have run smoothly nor achieved any form of success (albeit short-lived). On the 21st of January, the war memorial hosts an annual commemoration of KGDF against Japan. However, it tends to ignore the contributions of indigenous fighters. Therefore, this study seeks to examine the recognition that should have been given to Sabah’s indigenous fighters against the Japanese occupation in Sabah, exploring the cooperation between Sabah’s indigenous community and the KGDF in the anti-Japanese movement between 1942 and 1945. The aim is to place the role of former fighters in its proper context. This study is based on library research as well as interviews. The primary resources from the library research are derived from reports, files and newspapers found in the Sabah State Archives. Interviews are utilised to complement archival sources, especially in the absence of written records.

Evaluating the Sabah Pay Mobile Application (e-Wallet) using the Technology Acceptance Model

The Sabah Pay e-wallet has been introduced as a digital payment solution in the state of Sabah, Malaysia, as part of a digital transformation initiative. However, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding its user acceptance and the factors influencing it. Specifically, there is a need to investigate whether users perceive Sabah Pay as useful and easy to use. This research problem arises due to the importance of user acceptance in the success and sustainability of the e-wallet. Hence, we used the technology acceptance model (TAM) to analyse the perceived usefulness (PU) and customer satisfaction in using the Sabah Pay mobile application and the relationship between perceived ease of use (PEOU) and customer satisfaction using the Sabah Pay mobile application. The Cronbach's Alpha and composite reliability values are higher than 0.7, and the average variance extracted (AVE) is higher than 0.5, which supports the TAM constructs' convergence validity. The square root of AVE for each construct is higher than the corresponding correlations between constructs, which suggests the discriminant validity of the constructs. We used the Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to assess the data from the 173 respondents who reported using the Sabah Pay mobile application. We found that PU did not significantly affect customer satisfaction (CS), with a p-value of 0.207, although the path coefficient is 0.109, thus disproving the null hypothesis (H1). However, we supported the second hypothesis (H2) by observing that PEOU substantially impacted CS, with a p-value of 0.000 and a path coefficient of 0.614. The correlation indices demonstrated a satisfactory relationship between the data and the model. This research adds to the body of knowledge on mobile payment platforms by shedding light on perceived usefulness and ease of use factors that most affect users' happiness with Sabah Pay. The study suggests and identifies extensive research into potential customer satisfaction aspects like safety, trust, and value. This study's findings have real-world applications for practitioners and regulators looking to improve the mobile payment platform user experience and, by extension, boost customer happiness and adoption rates.

Social and Economic Aspects of The Scavengers at The Waste Disposal Site in Sandakan Sabah Malaysia

Abstract Solid waste management is a pressing global issue, particularly in Malaysia, where population growth has led to increased waste generation, especially in urban areas. Landfills, while unavoidable, have inadvertently created job opportunities for individuals struggling to find employment in the formal job market. This study focuses on a group known as “scavengers,” who collect recyclable materials as a means of livelihood. The primary aim is to explore the social and economic conditions of scavengers at the Sandakan District Council garbage disposal site, located adjacent to Kg Melayu. Through in-depth interviews with thirty respondents, the research reveals that many scavengers are illegal undocumented, often working in groups, whether related or not. The findings indicate that their working conditions expose them to harsh weather, impacting their health. Economically, scavengers sell the collected materials daily, which is crucial for their sustenance. The study emphasises the need for local authorities to consider the role of scavengers in waste management planning to enhance recycling efforts in the district.

Quantifying non-target seahorse fisheries and domestic traditional medicine-based trade in Malaysia

Seahorses (Hippocampus spp.) are sold primarily for traditional medicine (TM) uses in Southeast Asia. Although Malaysia is reportedly an important global seahorse exporter, documentation on the current extent of seahorse catch and trade of seahorse-based TM within the country is limited. This study aimed to quantify patterns of seahorse bycatch, gear-specific biological parameters of caught seahorses, and trade characteristics in Malaysia. Questionnaire-based fisher and TM surveys were administered nationwide from March 2021 to March 2023. Seventy-one percent of fisher respondents (612 out of 860) reported catching seahorses, with gill or drift net fishers (73 %) more likely to have caught seahorses than trawlers (12 %). Significant spatial differences in species composition was observed between Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo (Sabah state). The total estimated annual seahorse catch within Malaysia was approximately 3376 kg per year, with 77 % of the catch attributed to gill or drift nets and 23 % to trawling operations. Almost half (40 %) of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioners/ traders (n = 138), 3 % of Malay TM practitioners (n = 3), and 88 % of other TM traders (n = 7) reported selling seahorse species. This study is one of the first to quantify the often overlooked but critical contribution of small-scale fisheries, especially gill and drift nets, towards seahorse bycatch. The current supply volume and selling price of seahorses were observed to be relatively high, while the present-day demand was reportedly low. Almost half of TCM practitioners/ traders interviewed were still actively selling seahorses, indicating that there is still considerable demand. To ensure the sustainability of seahorse populations in Malaysia, efforts in both small-scale and trawl fisheries must be reduced while strictly enforcing seahorse trade regulations.

Flowering Phenology and Evaluation of Pollination Techniques to Achieve Acceptable Fruit Quality of Red-fleshed Pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus) in Sabah, East Malaysia

As red-fleshed pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus) is not native to the tropical environment of the Malaysian state of Sabah, Borneo, little is known about its flowering phenology, pollination requirements, and potential pollinators, which has discouraged many farmers from growing this crop. Therefore, this study aimed to examine better pollination techniques to achieve acceptable fruit quality for red-fleshed pitaya production under local climatic conditions. For this purpose, stingless bees (Tetragonula laeviceps), self-pollination, natural pollination, and hand pollination were used. Pitayas were planted in the field from January 2018 to February 2022, and 40 flowers were observed to obtain data on flowering phenology and fruit quality. This study observed that anthesis of red-fleshed pitaya took about 24 hours in all treatments, depending on the local climate, starting at 6.30 p.m. and ending at 6.30 p.m. the next day. Besides self-pollination, the pitaya flowers were also successfully pollinated by natural, hand, and stingless bees. However, the fruits pollinated by stingless bees were the heaviest, longest, and thickest, indicating that the integration of pitaya cultivation and stingless bees is likely to improve the yield and quality of the fruits on the farm.

Bornean Orangutan Nest Classification using Image Enhancement with Convolutional Neural Network and Kernel Multi Support Vector Machine Classifier

Preserving wildlife habitats is crucial in mitigating climate change. Species like orangutans and monkeys contribute to fruiting and planting in forests. The World Wide Fund Sabah Malaysia faces challenges in manually identifying and classifying orangutan nests for studying their behaviour and conserving their habitats. To address this, we propose automating the classification of captured images using machine learning algorithms. This research involves three key components: image processing, feature extraction, and image classification. Our proposed image processing includes several steps, such as image pre-processing and enhancement techniques like local contrast enhancement, sharpening, intensity adjustment, histogram equalization, and colour thresholding. We applied four different Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) to extract and identify orangutan nests’ features. Subsequently, we utilize Support Vector Machine (SVM) for image classification. The results reveal that the Inception Residual Network Version 2 (ResNet-v2) achieves the best performance. This architecture is then combined with a kernel SVM to classify Bornean orangutan nests. Our approach demonstrates impressive results, boasting an accuracy of 96.60%, an F1-score of 96.60%, a precision of 96.59%, and a recall of 96.58%. These metrics underscore the high accuracy and effectiveness of our proposed methodology for classifying Bornean orangutan nests. By reducing the need for extensive human intervention in image analysis, our method presents a valuable tool for conservationists and researchers committed to studying and safeguarding these endangered orangutans and their habitats. In future work, we aim to develop orangutan nest detector, contributing to wildlife conservation research.

Children health learning through Project Based Learning (PBL) in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Malaysia

Children who learn through Project-Based Learning (PBL) in preschool can be an environment that gives children the opportunity to gain wider knowledge to understand the reality of life and how to deal with it. This study aims to see the effect of the Project Based Learning (PBL) method on the development level of preschool children's health learning. This study used an action research design involving three boys and three-year-old girls from a preschool in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Data from observations, interviews and related documents were collected and analyzed narratively before and after the implementation of PBL. The results of the study found that the development level of children's health learning increased after being directly involved in the implementation of PBL. Findings also show positive behavioral changes. In addition, the study successfully gave positive implications to the need for preschool teachers to be exposed to the skills of the PBL method in order to create more effective teaching methods.

Parenting style on academic performance among secondary students at Kota Belud, Sabah

This qualitative study explores how different parenting styles influence the academic performance of secondary school students in Kota Belud, Sabah Malaysia. Through in-depth interviews with teachers, this research investigates the nuances of authoritative, authoritarian, permissive and neglectful parenting styles. Thematic analysis revealed that an authoritative parenting style, which balances responsiveness and demandingness, promotes better academic outcomes by increasing motivation and self-discipline. In contrast, an authoritarian and neglectful parenting style often results in lower academic achievement due to increased stress and lack of support. This study underscores the important role of positive and supportive parenting in enhancing students' educational experiences and success.

Modeling the distribution of the proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus) in Sabah (Borneo) based on remotely sensed high-resolution global cloud dynamics

Proboscis monkeys, Nasalis larvatus (Wurmb, 1787), are indigenous to the island of Borneo and are considered one of its most emblematic species. Today the conservation status of this primate is classified as Endangered on the the IUCN Red List and listed under Appendix I of CITES, prohibiting all international commercial trade. In the Malaysian state of Sabah, the species is listed as totally protected and cannot be hunted. Continuing studies suggest that the number of proboscis monkeys has been decreasing in recent years. These studies have identified various factors contributing to this decline and its potential consequences. In order to carry out a thorough assessment of the conservation status of the species it is essential to have a good understanding of the animal`s ecology and habitat requirements and to use research-based approaches. One of such are species distribution models (SDMs) which in recent decades have become widely used tools in ecology by relating species occurrences to environmental data so as to gain ecological insights. In this work we specifically evaluated the effect of environmental parameters such as cloud cover to predict the potential distribution of the proboscis monkey in Sabah. Cloud cover, a seemingly simple atmospheric phenomenon, exerts a profound influence on a wide range of ecological biological processes, yet the assessment of its importance has remained remarkably limited. For modeling purposes the ‘flexsdm’ R (v. 3.3.3) modeling package was employed for testing out the Maximum Entropy (Maxent) algorithm, one of the most widely used SDM modeling methods. Model evaluation gave satisfactory results and the resulting model found a high level of suitability for proboscis monkeys in nearshore areas. A concerning discovery is that perhaps less than 13% of Sabah's area is suitable for proboscis monkey habitats, raising questions about their long-term viability. Cloud cover, particularly average annual cloudiness, is a key environmental factor influencing the distribution of proboscis monkeys in Sabah. The conversion of Borneo's forests to oil palm plantations can negatively impact cloud properties, potentially threatening the monkeys' habitat.

New taxa of the genera Peracca and Oxylakis (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Conocephalinae)

A new material on the Indo-Malayan genera Peracca Griffini, 1897 and Oxylakis Redtenbacher, 1891 are examined. The feminine gender for the names of these genera as well as for some other but derivative generic and subgeneric names (generic names Amblylakis Redtenbacher, 1891, Odontolakis Redtenbacher, 1891, Paroxylakis Ingrisch, 1998, Bispinolakis Ingrisch, 1998, Depressacca Ingrisch, 1998 and Viriacca Ingrisch, 1998; subgeneric names Ocellakis Gorochov, 2013, Spinolakis subgen. nov., Sumatracca Gorochov, 2013 and Robustacca Ingrisch, 2020) is more definitely designed, and the necessary corrections of some species names are made. The composition of the genus Peracca is briefly discussed, and P. (Robustacca) setosa Ingrisch, 1998, comb. nov. is transferred from the subgenus Odontoconus Fritze et Carl, 1908 to the subgenus Robustacca. The subgeneric composition of the genus Oxylakis is expanded to four subgenera: Oxylakis s. str., Indolakis Gorochov, 2013, Ocellakis Gorochov, 2013 and Spinolakis subgen. nov. The key for subgenera of the genus Oxylakis is given. The following new species and subspecies are described and illustrated: Peracca (Peracca) simplex sp. nov. from Aceh Province (Sumatra) of Indonesia, Oxylakis (Spinolakis) spinosa sp. nov. from Sabah State (Borneo) of Malaysia and O. (Oxylakis) singaporensis aceh subsp. nov. from Aceh Province (Sumatra) of Indonesia.

A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study: Proportion of Authenticity and Complete Product Information of FarmaTag Hologram on Registered Pharmaceutical Products among Selected Mainstream Medicines’ Sellers in the State of Sabah (ProvoS)

FarmaTag Hologram is a two-dimensional QR code sticker that is required on all registered pharmaceutical products (RPP) in Malaysia. By scanning the QR code, the authenticity and product information of the hologram are displayed. However, FarmaTag holograms with incomplete product information may be susceptible to being misused by manufacturers/distributors/suppliers (MDS) for different pharmaceutical products, unregistered pharmaceutical products, or counterfeit products. In addition to misusing, these callous acts may lead to consumer distrust, doubt, and a lack of confidence in the authenticity of RPP. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among Selected Mainstream Medicines’ Sellers in the State of Sabah between January 2022 and September 2022 to evaluate the proportion of authenticity and complete product information of FarmaTag Hologram on registered pharmaceutical products (RPP) available among selected Mainstream Medicines’ Sellers (MMS) in the state of Sabah. The total sample size was 5048 registered pharmaceutical products. There was no formal sample size calculation performed because this was the first study to explore this topic. All samples being selected from MMS were authentic (100%), which included 31.7% (n = 1600) from private medical clinics, 18.8% (n = 948), from retail pharmacies, and 49.5% (n = 2500) from Non-Pharmacy Drug Stores (NPDS). However, only 268 (5.3%) samples were found to have complete product information. The findings of this study provide preliminary information to relevant authorities on the authenticity and complete product information of FarmaTag Hologram on registered pharmaceutical products among selected MMS in the state of Sabah.

Assessment of immediate and five-year earthquake impacts on river systems in sabah, Malaysia using multi-temporal satellite imageries

BackgroundEarthquake is one of the most destructive natural disasters, which cause immediate and long-term changes to the river systems. This research aimed to examine the immediate and five-year impacts of the 2015 Ranau Earthquake (6.0 Mw) on river systems in Malaysian state of Sabah, a region of low earthquake hazard.MethodsWe used object-based classification on Landsat 8 (2014 and 2015) and Sentinel-2A (2020) satellite imageries to derive land cover time series for investigating the impacts on the riparian areas.ResultsThe earthquake removed vegetation in the riparian zones of four rivers, the highest being the Penataran River (69.21 ha). During the immediate impact period (2014–2015), river bar formation occurred in all rivers, with the largest increase occurring in the Kadamaian River (56.97 ha), followed by the Panataran River (54.36 ha), which had no river bar before the earthquake. The river bar of the Kadamaian River continued to increase, whereas the river bar of the Panataran River decreased five years after the earthquake. Land cover transition analysis revealed that 78.39 ha of vegetation, barren land, and river water areas changed to river bars in the Kadamaian riparian area during the immediate impact period. Except for 26.87% of river bars in the Kadamaian riparian area in 2015, most river bars transitioned to other land cover types five years later. During the period of immediate impact, 22.05 ha of vegetation and 10.71 ha of river water were transformed into river bars along the Penataran River. Five years later, except for 16.2 ha, all river bar areas had transitioned to other cover types. Additionally, 17.7 ha of new river bars were formed. This study provides crucial data on post-earthquake land cover changes, particularly river bar formation and changes, for assessing the earthquake impacts on the river systems and supporting impact mitigation.

Strategic alternatives for Muslim-friendly homestay in Sabah Malaysia: a SWOT/TOWS analysis

PurposeThis study aims to explore the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) of the Muslim-friendly homestay business in Malaysia to help identify and recommend practical strategies to capitalize on the strengths and potentials while overcoming the current shortcomings and threats.Design/methodology/approachThe Muslim-friendly business owner and operators in Sabah, Malaysia, were the subject of a series of focus groups and expert opinion interviews. The data was transcribed, and then the variables were categorized into the four SWOT categories using content and thematic analysis. Meanwhile, threats, opportunities, weaknesses and strengths (TOWS) analysis is used to identify the best strategy alternatives.FindingsThe SWOT analysis identifies several strengths (e.g. diverse and unique Islamic culture and heritage [S1], iconic Islamic landmarks [S2], rich natural beauty [S3], well-established halal tourism industry [S4]); weaknesses (e.g. limited awareness [W1], limited infrastructure and facilities [W2], limited human resources and trained personnel [W3], lack of Islamic tourism products and experiences [W4]); opportunities (e.g. growing demand for Islamic tourism [O1], increasing disposable income [O2], potential for collaborations [O3], potential for partnerships [O4], potential for expanding Sabah’s halal tourism offerings [O5]); and threats (e.g. competition [T1], political instability [T2], economic downturns [T3] and environmental and social challenges [T4]).Practical implicationsThis paper could serve as a guideline and supplementary information for stakeholders in the homestay industry to grasp their business environment better.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study of its type to blend SWOT and TOWS analysis with the sector of Muslim-friendly homestays. Hence, the findings might expand understanding of the Muslim-friendly homestays industry and aid businesses in penetrating this growing market.

The Politics of Federalism: Oil Royalty Claim of Sabah

The close relationship between the federal government and the state government of Sabah under the leadership of Barisan Nasional (BN) is considered to give the latter an advantage to claim oil royalty higher than five percent. The concept of federalism implemented in this country is the core of the agreement signed between the federal government, Petronas, and the state government of Sabah. This study used primary data obtained through interviews with two politicians and information from the Sabah State Legislative Assembly Statement. It also gathered secondary data from relevant articles and local newspapers pertaining to the issue. The findings revealed that despite the close relationship between the federal government and the Sabah state government, it did not give an advantage for the latter to claim for higher oil royalty.

Expansion of Toxic Algal Blooms in Coastal and Marine Areas in the Philippines and Malaysia: Is It Climate Change Related?

This paper provides a review of toxic algal blooms in the Philippine and Malaysian coastal and marine systems, considering relevant available knowledge, including climate change dimension/s in the assessment of their recorded recent expansion. The first record of human toxicity in the Philippines associated with HABs/toxic algal blooms specifically was during the bloom of Pyrodinium bahamense in the Sorsogon, Samar, and Leyte waters in 1983. Since then, the species has been identified to occur and cause blooms in about 44 sites/areas in the country. Recent government reports, i.e., 2021, 2022, and 2023, have also identified other paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) causative organisms (Gymnodinium catenatum, Alexandrium spp.) in the country. New records indicate that the presence of PSP causative species has been reported almost year-round in the Philippines. In Malaysia, PSP caused by P. bahamense was initially confined in 1981 to the state of Sabah, Malaysia Borneo, but since then, blooms of this species have been reported almost annually at different scales across the coastal waters of Sabah. P. bahamense and other cyst-forming dinoflagellates could be transported naturally or through human activities. Other eco-physiological and environment factors from the field and the laboratory have been used to study the bloom dynamics and transport of PSP causative species in several areas in the Philippines and Malaysia. More recently, plastics and other marine litter have been considered potential vectors of invasion/transport or expansion of dinoflagellates with other microorganisms. ENSO events have been observed to be stronger since 1950 compared with those recorded from 1850 to 1950. The extreme phases of the ENSO phenomenon have a strong modulating effect based on seasonal rainfall in the Philippines, with extreme ENSO warm events (El Niño) often associated with drought and stresses on water resources and agriculture/aquaculture. In contrast, cold events (La Niña) often result in excessive rainfall. The La Nina Advisories from 2021 to 2023 (18 advisories) showed the persistence of this part of ENSO, particularly in regions with recurrent and new records of HABs/toxic algal blooms. More studies and monitoring of another type of toxic algal bloom, Ciguatera Fish Poisoning (CFP), are recommended in tropical countries such as the Philippines and Malaysia, which have extensive reef areas that harvest and culture marine fish for local and export purposes, as accelerating reports of this type of poisoning have apparently increased and causative organisms have been identified in several areas. There is an urgent need to enhance HAB/toxic algal bloom research and monitoring, particularly those related to climate change, which has apparently impacted these blooms/occurrences directly or indirectly. Local researchers and managers should be made aware of the knowledge and tools already available for their utilization and enhancement to meet local conditions and challenges for potential recurrence and expansion of HABs/toxic algal blooms. Regional and international HAB research and collaboration should be further advanced for the protection of public health and marine resources.

Anticancer agents and genetic identification of Pterospermum, an indigenous plant of Sarawak, Malaysia

In Malaysia, Pterospermum is distributed in the states of Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak, and Sabah. For centuries, the Bidayuh tribe in Sarawak has been using an indigenous plant to cure patients diagnosed with breast cancer. The plant is called Bayur by the tribe, which is the similar local name known for several Pterospermum species in Sarawak, Sabah, and Indonesia. This study was carried out to genetically identify the indigenous plant using the core barcode loci, rbcL and matK, as well as profiling anticancer agents from this plant. Phylogenetic analyses based on both rbcL and matK loci did not show clear species resolution for the indigenous plant, however, the analyses showed consistent relationships among congeneric species of Pterospermum. Interestingly, UHPLC-QQQ/MS analysis showed the presence of anti-cancer agents in the bark extract, thus supporting the potential of the indigenous plant for breast cancer treatment.

A Sandakan Childhood

This narrative is on recalling foods enjoyed in my childhood in Sandakan, a town in the Malaysian state of Sabah on Borneo island. It is more stream of consciousness than reflective, more descriptive than analytical. In recollecting my memories of foods eaten in years gone I realise it is not an exercise in isolation. When we consume food it is not merely for sustenance as our food practises are invariably intertwined with a whole lot of experiences, rituals and habits of old. The act of remembering favourite or comfort foods can set off triggers of feelings and emotions long past. My family, like most Chinese families of the time, express their love for each other through food. It is through food that I acknowledge the caring family environment that our parents created for us.

Analysis of household consumption function based on permanent income hypothesis in Sabah, Malaysia: A conceptual framework

In the past, Sabah has often been reported as Malaysia’s poorest state, with the recorded highest incidence of absolute poverty among all the other states. The consumption patterns of households in Sabah have been significantly impacted by such circumstances. This further draws light on the adverse impact on the broader economy, as low levels of spending may restrict demand for products and services, stifling economic growth. The understanding of households’ consumption functions based on the Permanent Income Hypothesis (PIH) will advance knowledge in identifying the key factors that influence the households’ spending decisions. Pointing out the scant number of past studies done within this very context, and focusing on the Sabah state in particular, further motivated this study, this paper aims to develop a conceptual framework that can estimate and examine the households’ consumption functions in Sabah. As such, the methodology of drawing upon narrative reviews from research in the past will be used in this paper to develop the conceptual framework. The result of this study built upon the framework developed will help in identifying the factors that explain the households’ consumption patterns, in particular, whether the function estimated will be consistent with the Permanent Income Hypothesis (PIH). It is hoped that the conceptual framework built will aid in providing valuable empirical insight for policymakers in designing effective policies that can uplift households that are living in poverty.

Public Perception Toward the Malaysian National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme (PICK) in the State of Sabah, Malaysia: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

The Malaysian Government has initiated the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme, known as PICK, to be a national strategy for addressing the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic across the country. Although the government intensified public awareness to increase program registration, the total number that registered in the state of Sabah, located in East Malaysia, was relatively low during August 2021, accounting for only 42.9% as compared to that of Peninsular Malaysia. Therefore, this paper examines the public perception toward the PICK program in Sabah based on 4 main components: safety, communication, psychology, and milieu. This study is based on the empirical findings drawn from 1024 respondents across Sabah using online Google Form surveys. This study adopts 5 methodologies for data analysis by using K-means clustering, mean score, Mann-Whitney U test, spatial analysis, and frequency analysis. It has been revealed that the percentage of respondents (categorized as Cluster 1) who have a negative perception toward the vaccination program is higher (55.9%) than those who have a positive perception (44.1%). This study further discovered that Cluster 1 has shown high skepticism regarding the vaccination program, which can be explained through the communication component (M = 3.33, SD = 0.588), especially Co2, Co3, Co1, and Co4. Following the communication factor, a chain of negative perceptions also affects other components such as safety, psychology, and milieu among Cluster 1, all of which contribute to poor participation in the PICK program. The study outcomes are extremely useful for informing local authorities to establish policies related to public interests, primarily in the areas of public health. Understanding the community's perspectives and their obstacles in participating in such programs may assist local authorities in developing or implementing public policies and campaigns that ensure such related public programs can be conducted more effectively in the future.