Structure In Malaysia Research Articles

Latent Hidden Factor Model for Malaysia Consumer Price Index

The consumer price index (CPI) is one of the significant indicators that can be used to track the inflation rate of a country and assess changes in the cost of living. Generally, the CPI measures the change in the average price of goods and services used by households. The increase in inflation can have a negative socioeconomic effects and the changes in the CPI value needs to be monitored to ensure that the country does not experience a serious inflation rate. In this work, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was employed to interpret the importance of each variable in the CPI and determine how the latent factors influence the CPI structure in Malaysia for the period of 2003–2022. The findings showed that there are two main latent factors that can be formed. Factor 1 can be classified as ‘Household Expenditures and Lifestyle Choices’ and consists of six variables, namely, ‘alcoholic beverages and tobacco’, ‘housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels’, ‘decoration, hardware, and household maintenance’, ‘health’, ‘recreational and cultural services’, and ‘education’. In contrast, Factor 2 can be classified as ‘Daily Necessities and Lifestyle Convenience’ which consists of six variables, namely, ‘food and non-alcoholic beverages’, ‘clothing and shoes’, ‘transportation’, ‘communication’, ‘restaurants and hotels’, and ‘various goods and services’. In addition, the results of our analysis showed that Factor 1 is more dominant in influencing the CPI structure in Malaysia.

Development of elastic design response spectra with emphasis on far-source earthquakes for low to moderate seismic region

The development of design response spectra is crucial for earthquake design of structures. However, there are disagreements from the engineering community on the suitability of design values proposed by the existing design code which underestimates the long-period responses for flexible soils, typical of far-source earthquakes. This study uses soil response analysis to investigate the effect of near and far sources’ earthquakes on the response spectral acceleration of Malaysia in three seismically different regions, namely Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak. 1923 borehole data have been collected and analysed under 5 near and 4 far sources earthquakes, subjected to the intensity from the probabilistic seismic hazard analysis. The results show that for Peninsular Malaysia, the far-source earthquake will govern the response at a period of more than 1 s, indicating its importance for structures with long periods such as tall buildings. It is also found that the corner period TC is slightly higher than the code recommended and is dependent on the soil property, while TD is significantly higher for far-source earthquakes due to the larger magnitudes. The finding of this research shows that the Eurocode 8 supplemented by the Malaysian National Annex (MS-EN1998-1, 2017) can be used to design structures in Malaysia, with some adjustments to the longer period motion for Peninsular Malaysia. Finally, it is recommended to perform an enhanced analysis for important structures of long periods to ensure their loadings are not underestimated.

Study on Energy Efficiency Using Building Information Modelling (BIM) at Shared Library Pagoh Higher Education Hub

Structures in Malaysia, particularly commercial buildings, have been exceeding the benchmark of building energy usage over the past few years. By maintaining thermal comfort of building under hot climate in Malaysia, air-conditioning system became a basic demand which incessantly operating to fulfil comfort requirement for the occupants in the library. Regards to this, research on energy efficiency using Building Information Modelling (BIM) software by simulating energy analysis was carried out in order to increase energy efficiency of the library. Mineral wool and Polyurethane Foam (P.U.F.) are the materials which proposed to apply in existing wall of building as the thermal insulation layer to increase thermal resistance when external heat transfer through the walls. The Objective of the study is to determine the existing building energy consumption and compare with energy analysis of mineral wool and polyurethane foam. The findings of the building energy analysis simulated by Green Building Studio (GBS) are then compared to discover the most appropriate walls for reducing the building’s energy consumption. P.U.F with its characteristics of high R-value and low U-value, obtain the most effective energy analysis which provide benefits of lowering total annual energy consumption of 294,651 , total annual energy cost of RM 107,645, and energy use intensity (EUI) of 121.7.

Determining In-situ Frequency Independent Attenuation and Complex Modulus of Pavement Materials using Wavelet Power Density of Vibration Method

The features of vibration sources, site characteristics, the propagation of surface and body waves in the ground, and the reaction of structures are all important to consider when analyzing vibration-related issues, including those caused by traffic loading. Pavement vibration analysis can be used to determine the impact of damaging vibrations on the road and surrounding buildings or structures. Furthermore, this vibration can be utilized to calculate the dynamic properties of road pavement materials, such as the attenuation factor and damping ratio of the material, as well as the complex modulus of the pavement material. To minimize vibration damage, an environmental zone that is effective in reducing ground vibration amplitude is frequently used. However, estimating the degree of decrease in vibration amplitude at a given distance is challenging. In general, vibration attenuation with distance is made up of two components: geometric damping and material damping. Geometric damping is related to the qualities of the ground and the magnitude of the vibration, while material damping is dependent on the nature of the source of the vibration. The majority of ground vibrations are now monitored mainly at the ground surface, rather than in deep layers, and propagation patterns are not properly considered. The wavelet power density of vibration technique was used in this study to quantify the frequency-dependent attenuation of geometric damping at a variety of pavement structures in Malaysia and Indonesia. At each location, the energy in a seismic wave signal was calculated as a function of the Gaussian of the derivative wavelet in signal amplitude. The vibration source's propagating waves were described by examining the recorded particle motions and significant energy components in the time-frequency domain. The complex modulus of pavement materials was then calculated using the frequency-dependent attenuation factors. The results reveal that the wavelet power density of vibration method can properly define the physical properties of the dynamic pavement material, such as attenuation frequency, damping ratio, and complex pavement modulus. This approach has the advantages of being quick, cost-effective, and nondestructive.

Re-establishing traditional stilt structures in contemporary architecture–The possibilities

PurposeThe study aims to explore factors affecting stilt construction and the possibilities of using innovative materials and construction methods to re-establish the traditional stilt structures.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs a qualitative research method using an in-depth interview with selected architects to document experience and insights of the architects on the challenges and possibilities of using innovative materials and construction methods to re-establish the traditional stilt structures. Purposive sampling was used to determine the respondents for the study. Architects with experience designing stilt houses in architects' architectural practice were selected to take in the study.FindingsStudy revealed that generally architects are keen on using stilt structures. Building materials and costs associated with designing and constructing stilt structures were identified as the key challenges. However, architects suggest using recycled building materials as possible solutions to encourage the construction of stilt structures in Malaysia. The architects also preferred to use hybridized recycled materials for stilt structures as hybridized materials have improved structural properties and functions. Additionally, the study identified “psychological hesitation” or “accessibility” as a factor affecting the construction of stilt buildings.Research limitations/implicationsThroughout this study, some limitations have been dealt with. The first is the limitation of sample size. Contemporary stilt architecture is not very common in Malaysia today, and not many architects have experience in designing stilt houses. Although the method of purposive sampling was used, a larger sample size could have generated a more diverse result. The second limitation is the dearth of research on contemporary stilt houses in Malaysia. As stilt construction is uncommon in Malaysia and the existing material focuses primarily on traditional Malay houses, this has been one of the major challenges. Finally, most of the literature on stilt construction is from Southeast Asia, limited or insufficient studies and literature on local stilt construction would have a greater benefit to the study.Practical implicationsThe outcomes from this study would benefit the scholars who have an interest in exploring stilts construction in contemporary architecture as well as innovative construction materials and construction methods. As the study brings forth the challenges and possibilities of restoring the traditional stilt constructions, the study can be used as a reference by designers to garner a deeper understanding of the traditional stilt construction and encourage designers to focus on possible innovations for stilt construction from the aspects of materials and methods in ensuring the traditional element is present in future design and construction.Originality/valueThe study is a response to an obvious dearth body of knowledge in stilt construction in the Malaysian context. The study identifies the key challenges and possible and practical solutions. The findings of this study represent a scholastic effort that can be used as a reference by academics and scholars.

Compressive Strength Characteristic Values of Nine Structural Sized Malaysian Tropical Hardwoods

The design practice of timber structures in Malaysia is still based on permissible stress codes as stated in Malaysian Standard (MS) 544: Part 2 and MS 544: Part 3, which was adopted from the British Standard (BS) 5268. The British Standard was later completely replaced by Eurocode 5 (EC5) in 2009. Therefore, to preserve the continuity of design concepts specified in the British code of practice, local designers should adopt an EC5 limit state design to generate safe and economical designs. However, new strength data based on characteristic values which comply with EC5 for Malaysian tropical hardwoods are still lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the compressive strength properties of nine structural-sized Malaysian tropical hardwood species namely Balau, Kempas, Kelat, Resak, Kapur, Keruing, Mengkulang, Light Red Meranti and Geronggang tested according to European Standard (EN) 408. A compression test was performed to measure the compressive strength and modulus of elasticity of the timbers and were used to derive characteristic values. The equation for determining characteristic compressive strength given in EN 384 was also assessed to verify that whether it is suitable for high density Malaysian hardwoods, as this equation was derived from softwood and European hardwoods. The results revealed that the derived characteristic values are higher than the values given in EN 338 for the relevant strength classes, particularly for heavy and medium hardwood with densities greater than 700 kg/m3. A verification of the equation used in EN 384 to determine compressive strength characteristic value yields a different equation, fc,0,k=2.2 fm,k0.7. This shows that the EN 384 equation is not suitable to be used with hardwood timber with a density more than 700 kg/m3, since it will underestimate the strength value.

Structure Vulnerability and Risk Analysis of 4-Legged Offshore Structure

Offshore structures are commonly used in oil and gas collecting sector. This industry is one of the major economic sector in Malaysia. Since distant earthquakes from neighbour countries (Indonesia and Philippines) had caused significant structural damages in the past few years, the perfomance level of offshore due to seismic effect need to be undergone detailed investigation. Therefore, this research aims to investigate the vulnerability and analyze the risk of 4-legged fixed offshore structure under different excitations. In order to achieve the objectives, SAP 2000 was chosen to analyze the offshore structure modelling by referring to the API (American Petroleum Institute) criteria. Time history, response spectrum and free vibration analysis have been performed. The behaviour of the offshore structure was observed and evaluated through the natural frequencies and periods. Meanwhile, results outcome of the joint displacement, velocity, and acceleration represented the dynamic characteristic of the structure. The 4-legged fixed offshore structure categorized as Immediate Occupancy (IO) based on FEMA 356 guidelines. From the results, it showed that existing 4-legged offshore structures in Malaysia are capable to resist seismic loads and in stable condition.

Modelling of River Catfish (Cephalocassis Jatia) Population in Malaysia

This research presents the mathematical modeling of the economic cycle of fish-population structures in Malaysia. This paper shows how to develop a model of river catfish based on system dynamics and simulates the model for policy planning and sustainable development. These experiences are essential if dynamic systems are to be modeled and simulated. The mathematical model predicts long-term trends for hatching, growth, and harvesting of the river catfish population. Simulated results suggest that the economic harvesting of adults entering the rivers has been discussed and effective strategies for sustainable fish production. Management strategies are put in place to harvest juvenile mortality and spawn adult harvesting, sustainable development of catfish could be maintained.

The Impact of Base Lending Rate on Capital Structure in Malaysia

This paper investigates the pattern of capital structure of 4,127 Malaysian companies from 2005 to 2015. We, then specify the sample into two periods, the pre-recession period from 2002 until 2007 and post-recession period from 2009 until 2015, to determine whether there is any significant different in term liabilities between the two periods. For the third objective of this paper, we examine the impact of base lending rate (BLR) in the capital structure between pre- and post-recession periods, indicating the companies drastically change their capital structure after recession occurs. In this paper, we find a sharp downwards movement in long-term debt and total debt after 2008 year of recession. We also document the level of total debt and long-term debt to significantly higher before the recession hit. Interestingly, we find base lending rate to have negative relationship with long-term and total debts only after recession has occurred but not during the economic expansion (pre-recession period), thus supporting the study’s hypotheses.

Does internal and external governance reduce earnings management in family owned firms in Malaysia

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect internal and external governance have on corporate governance effectiveness in highly-condensed family ownership structures in Malaysia. The establishment of RMCCG (2007) focuses more on the roles of audit committee independence adopted from developed countries' corporate governance standards. However, given the highly concentrated ownership structure in Malaysia, independence directors' fiduciary roles may be comprised as family firms' attempts to meet stakeholders' expectation. The sample of this study is from 1,206 firm level observations between the years 2004 to 2009 of firms listed in Bursa Malaysia. Our findings indicate that external governance as measured by stock market informativeness influences earnings management. Our research offers insights into the importance of external governance factors such as stock market volatility and market efficiency in promoting good governance in Malaysian family firms.

Development of seismic resilience index methodology for RC structures via functionality curve

Seismic resilience index (SRI) approach describes the post-seismic recovery phase of a single building by incorporating the time dimension. In recent decades, numerous quantitative frameworks have been developed to quantify earthquake resilience. The seismic resilience of existing reinforced concrete (RC) structures in Malaysia under far-field (FF) and near-field (NF) earthquake scenarios is examined in this research methodology using a seismic resilience index (SRI) and functionality curve. SRI is implemented to a four-story RC school building and a five-story RC hospital structure damaged by the 2015 Ranau earthquake. In addition, a total of 25 existing RC structures have been selected as target case studies for evaluating the SRI and presenting the results graphically using the Geographical Information System (GIS) platform. These buildings are primarily divided into three clusters: low, mid, and high rise. Non-linear dynamic analysis (NL-DA) is utilized in this approach to analyze the case studies and the selected buildings using the Finite Element platform (FE). Moreover, a group of seismic records encompassing of far-field and near-field are selected for simulation process using non-linear time history analysis (NL-THA). Eventually, Incremental Dynamic Analysis, fragility and vulnerability assessment, functionality assessment, time of recovery (TREC), loss of resilience (LOR), robustness (R) and SRI indicator are all part of this approach.•SRI helps decision-makers create or suggest repair or retrofitting solutions with acceptable recovery time and cost.•The consequences of failures for people's lives, properties, as well as the economy, will be mitigated.•Improve the sustainability and serviceability of structures to ensure seismic safety and meet Sustainable Development Goal 11.

Development of a uniform seismic vulnerability index framework for reinforced concrete building typology

This paper presents a uniform framework for seismic vulnerability assessment of selected reinforced concrete (RC) structures in Malaysia based on an improved seismic vulnerability index (SVI) approach. To establish the formulated framework, three stages of validation are applied to two reference buildings damaged during the 2015 Ranau seismic event in Malaysia. Throughout the first stage, field examinations for the addressed building damages (Hospital and School Buildings) are identified, and then a detailed diagnosis of physical damage elements across field visual observation has been performed. In the second stage, a transitioning progress from empirical field examination into an analytical assessment is utilized using finite element simulation to derive an improved seismic vulnerability index (SVI). This is achieved by finding the proper parameters such as beam-column joint connection; support boundary condition; horizontal diaphragm system; type of soil; ductility level; horizontal and vertical mass irregularity, and material strength. To achieve this aim, the buildings have been explicitly modeled using nonlinear parametric analysis (NL-PA) and their vulnerability groups have been categorized based on the earthquake-resistant design (ERD). The improved seismic vulnerability index is used to predict the susceptibility of the structures after performing a nonlinear parametric analysis. Eventually, using probabilistic seismic risk assessment with the compatibility of field real damage and the location of the plastic hinges in the structural members, the modeling verification process is achieved. It is concluded that the use of the new analytical vulnerability index damage indicator can be used as a guidance for earthquake impact assessments in Malaysia and can be applied uniformly to any country irrespective of the differences in construction and seismicity.

The Behaviour of High-Rise Building with or without Shear Wall under Different Earthquakes

On the 5th June 2015, an earthquake hit Ranau, Sabah with a magnitude of 6.0 that caused 18 casualties and several injuries are one of the examples that show Malaysia is not safe from any seismic event. Most of the structure in Malaysia was designed not to include seismic action. Furthermore, an area that has a high density of population such as in the central region (Klang valley) and several main cities in Malaysia has less available land to build landed housing and uses high-rise apartments as an alternative. High-rise buildings that are normally having problems with soft story mechanisms and plan irregularity which could lead to severe damage when earthquakes happen. This study aims to observe the response of high-rise buildings when under different earthquakes in the presence of shear walls. To achieve this objective two models were modelled and analyzed by using ETABS software, the one with a shear wall and the one with no shear wall. The methods used in this study were the response spectrum method and time-history analysis. In the end, the parameters observed were base shear, story stiffness, story drift, and story displacement. The observations highlighted that the effect of earthquake intensities shows a significant effect. The acquired results indicated that the building with the shear wall is more resistant and strong structures as compared to buildings without shear wall when undergoing seismic analysis.

The Evaluation of TVET Instructor’s Training Needs Analysis Using Curriculum Development Based on Vocational Ability Structure in Malaysia

The Evaluation of TVET Instructor’s Training Needs Analysis Using Curriculum Development Based on Vocational Ability Structure in Malaysia

Blockchain Technology – Towards Complementing the Structuring of Sukuk: A Literature Review

Blockchain is a new innovative technology that offers various benefits to society because it can be applied in various industries, including the financial industry. Several issues have arisen concerning sukuk practices in Malaysia, some of which are default payments, ambiguous risks, publishing process, lengthy transactions and high costs. In line with the digitalisation era, blockchain technology has the capability to improve the present sukuk structure in Malaysia by applying its characteristics to make the sukuk structure more efficient because sukuk plays an important role in a nation’s development and progress. However, sukuk is vulnerable to various risks. Therefore, this study is a preliminary survey aimed at identifying issues pertaining to sukuk, capability of blockchain technology and how this technology can complement the structuring of sukuk in Malaysia. This qualitative literature review study used the document analysis method to collect data. Findings show that the blockchain technology’s characteristics enables it to improve the structure of sukuk as well as complement and become a new addition to the Islamic capital market in Malaysia. This study hopes to contribute to the existing corpus of knowledge in all levels of society, especially those directly involved in sukuk, so that the sukuk market continues to expand with the times as well as contribute to the nation’s progress and comply with Shariah principles.

Environmental radio frequency radiation (RFR) safety assessment at the vicinity of telecommunication structures in Malaysia

Radio Frequency Radiation (RFR) from the existing and newly erected telecommunication structures has turned out to be a major public health concern in many countries of the world including Malaysia. The public in general are not only apprehensive about the growing weight of scientific evidence associating health effects to mobile phone use, nevertheless they are also increasingly concerned about the chronic, low-level RFR exposure from the stated structures. The paper highlights the study on the RFR emanated from the antennas installed on the telecommunication structures in Malaysia. The objectives of the study are to determine the level of RFR present and to assess the potential exposure received by the general public at the vicinity of the telecommunication structures. The study encompassed on the assessment of the RFR emitted by the antennas which displayed the results in the power density unit measured in microwatts per square centimeter (μW/cm2) at each identified locations. The results obtained from the study showed that the RFR level present in the area assessed were well below and less than 1% of the reference level for exposure stated in the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) Mandatory Standard and International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).

NDT methods in inspecting road and highway structures

This paper presents an overview of the non-destructive testing (NDT) methods that can be used to determine the quality and safety of road and highway structures in Malaysia. These NDT methods offer a relatively quick and inexpensive mean for regular inspection, which shall help alert the responsible agencies of critical structural damages even before heavy deterioration is visually apparent.

The Changing Aspect of Partnership Business Structure in Malaysia

Partnership business structures have been accepted as a major venture capital vehicle, which is generally opted for by small and medium businesses, or by professionals that are prohibited from incorporating under the respective laws. The main objectives of this paper are first to highlight the changes in the legal attributes of general partnership structures, resulting from its evolution to limited liability partnerships (LLP). Secondly, it investigates the suitability of the LLP structure for some business partners, particularly professionals, as businesses grow with rising trade costs and litigation issues that have forced partners to take precautions regarding business liabilities. These situations have led to a tendency for existing partnerships to change from general to a hybrid entity (LLP). Thirdly, it also analyses the benefits and drawbacks of LLPs as an option for general partnerships. This paper adopts doctrinal and statutory analysis as the research methods, whereby secondary analysis of relevant documents and legal acts that govern partnership businesses are referred to. Some interviews were conducted with the LLP partners, registration bodies, and bankers, to review the current implementation issues related to LLPs. This research found that the general partnership business structure has many problems, mainly related to unlimited liability and accounting procedures, which affect the obligations and protections of partners’ benefits. To conclude, the question of whether LLPs is the best alternative for partners to opt for from a general partnership finds that it is the easiest choice, compared with incorporation, but many impediments occur in its implementations that must be considered by partners. although partners can protect themselves in LLPs with the partnership agreement, there are still many loopholes in its business implementation when it comes to integrity, trust, financing, reporting, sharing of profits, and other issues.

A comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) of concrete and steel-prefabricated prefinished volumetric construction structures in Malaysia.

In recent years, off-site volumetric construction has been promoted as a viable strategy for improving the sustainability of the construction industry. Most prefabricated prefinished volumetric construction (PPVC) structures are composed of either steel or concrete; thus, it is imperative to carry out life cycle assessments (LCAs) for both types of structures. PPVC is a method by which free-standing volumetric modules-complete with finishes for walls, floors, and ceilings-are prefabricated and then transferred and erected on-site. Although many studies have examined these structures, few have combined economic and environmental life cycle analyses, particularly for prefinished volumetric construction buildings. The purpose of this study is to utilize LCA and life cycle cost (LCC) methods to compare the environmental impacts and costs of steel and concrete PPVCs "from cradle to grave." The results show that steel necessitates higher electricity usage than concrete in all environmental categories, while concrete has a higher emission rate. Steel outperforms concrete by approximately 37% in non-renewable energy measures, 38% in respiratory inorganics, 43% in land occupation, and 40% in mineral extraction. Concrete, on the other hand, performs 54% better on average in terms of measures adopted for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Steel incurs a higher cost in the construction stage but is ultimately the more economical choice, costing 4% less than concrete PPVC owing to the recovery, recycling, and reuse of materials. In general, steel PPVC exhibits better performance, both in terms of cost and environmental factors (excluding GHG emissions). This study endeavors to improve the implementation and general understanding of PPVC.

Malaysia’s linguistic landscape and language practices in Chinese private clinics

Abstract This paper reports on the organization of Malaysia’s linguistic landscape and the implications of this situation for contacts between providers of medical service and patients. The main purpose of this study is to clarify the position of Chinese private clinics in Malaysian society and to better understand language use between Chinese medical personnel and Chinese patients. The fieldwork focused on clinics in the Klang Valley, Malaysia and was carried out between December 2016 and March 2017. The results reveal the complex linguistic situation in the medical domain reflecting the general hierarchical social structure in Malaysia. Chinese patients have different wishes as regards their preferred language environment in these clinics, but generally prefer to use Mandarin Chinese for interaction with doctors. Medical staff also tend to prefer the use of Mandarin Chinese but also understand the need for dialect based interactions to create a feeling of harmony and belonging. The data are used to clarify existing problems in doctor-patient interaction and contribute to the debate of communication discordance in the healthcare domain.