Malaysian Youth Research Articles

A Mixed-Method Research on Recreation Space for Youth in Malaysia

This research applied a mixed-methods analysis of the recreation space for youth in Malaysian urban and rural areas applying both the qualitative and quantitative approach. For qualitative research, four (4) focus group discussions (FGD) with 24 youth and 22 stakeholders have conducted while for quantitative research, a total of 800 youth selected as respondents. The quantitative research questionnaire based on the outcome of the FGD. The results found that the provision of recreational space in urban and rural areas including location, adequacy ratio, current condition, proximity, accessibility and level of maintenance required to reviewed for improvement. Keywords: Youth, Space, Qualitative, Quantitative eISSN: 2398-4287 © 2020. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. DOI: https://doi.org/ 10.21834/ebpj.v5iSI2.2518.

A Survey on Daily Activity Inclination and Health Complaints among Urban Youth in Malaysia.

Environmental influence is one of the attributing factors for health status. Chronic interaction with electronic display technology and lack of outdoor activities might lead to health issues. Given the concerns about the digital impact on lifestyle and health challenges, we aimed to investigate the daily activity inclination and health complaints among the Malaysian youth. A self-administered questionnaire covering lifestyle and health challenges was completed by 220 youths aged between 16 and 25. There were a total of 22 questions. Seven questions inspected the patterns of indoor and outdoor activities. Fifteen questions focused on the visual and musculoskeletal symptoms linked to both mental and physical health. The total time spent indoors (15.0 ± 5.4 hours/day) was significantly higher than that spent outdoors (2.5 ± 2.6 hours/day) (t = 39.01, p < 0.05). Total time engrossed in sedentary activities (13.0 ± 4.5 hours/day) was significantly higher than that in nonsedentary activities (4.5 ± 3.8 hours/day) comprised of indoor sports and any outdoor engagements (t = 27.10, p < 0.05). The total time spent on electronic related activities (9.5 ± 3.7 hours/day) was were higher than time spent on printed materials (3.4 ± 1.6 hours/day) (t = 26.01, p < 0.05). The association of sedentary activities was positive in relation to tired eyes (χ2 = 17.58, p < 0.05), sensitivity to bright light (χ2 = 12.10, p < 0.05), and neck pain (χ2 = 17.27, p < 0.05) but negative in relation to lower back pain (χ2 = 8.81, p < 0.05). Our youth spent more time in building and engaged in sedentary activities, predominantly electronic usage. The health-related symptoms, both visual and musculoskeletal symptoms, displayed a positive association with a sedentary lifestyle and a negative association with in-building time.

FACTORS AFFECTING ADOPTION OF E-WALLETS AMONG YOUTHS IN MALAYSIA

This study aims to identify the current level of e-wallet adoption among the youths in Malaysia and to examine the factors that drive them to get adapted to the ongoing implementation and development of e-wallet in Malaysia. This study extended the TAM model with perceived security and social influence factors for assessing the attitude among the Malaysian youths towards e-wallet adoption. 200 sets of questionnaires had been gathered from the Malaysian youths, Quantitative data analysis was performed via SPSS and Smart-PLS 3.0 program. The results indicate that perceived security, perceived ease-of-use, and social influence were the significant factors that influence or predict the intention of using e-wallets but leaving the perceived usefulness as an insignificant predictor towards the e-wallet adoption among the Malaysian youths.

Validity and Reliability of the Modified Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A) among Malaysian Youth

This study aims to measure the level of validity and reliability of Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A) in Bahasa Malaysia in measuring Malaysian youths' level of fitness. The absence of Bahasa Malaysia questionnaire in measuring the level of Malaysian youths' fitness further strengthens the study carried out. Descriptive statistics are applied to describe respondents' demographic distribution such as sex, race, height, weight and BMI. A total of 60 respondents were involved in this study, 29 of them are males (48.3%) and 31 others are females (51.7%). Reliability of PAQ-A is determined by doing test retest after 12 days. Convergent validity and criterion validity were measured by comparing PAQ-A and IPAQ as well as PAQ-A and pedometer overall pace. Pearson Correlation (r), Alpha Cronbach (α), and ICC were used to assess the degree of reliability while Spearman Correlation (rho) was used in deciding level of validity of PAQ-A. Overall correlation between first and second PAQ-A administration is r=0.719, p<0.05. Coefficient α PAQ-A was 0.836, with the value of ICC=0.718 and 95% range CI =0.569-0.822. Correlation value between PAQ-A and pedometer overall pace is low (rho=0.167, p=0.202). Meanwhile, the correlation between PAQ-A and IPAQ was high (rho=0.516, p<0.05). In conclusion, PAQ-A questionnaire has high degree of reliability and convergent validity and is acceptable in measuring Malaysian youths' fitness level but is low in measuring criterion validity level.

Gender Variations in Coping Mechanisms Used after Disagreements in the Home Domain: The Case of Malaysian Youths

Gender Variations in Coping Mechanisms Used after Disagreements in the Home Domain: The Case of Malaysian Youths

Halal Certification of Korean Food in Malaysia: The Challenges and Steps Ahead

Korean Wave or also known as 'Hallyu' in the Chinese Language, symbolises the global acceptance of the Korean cultural industries. It started in the 1990s and became a recent phenomenon all over the world. The Korean Wave also impacts the Malaysian youths. It can be seen in the Malaysians' youth followings of trends where it gradually influenced the lifestyle choices of foods, cosmetics, entertainment, and technology from the influence of Korean products. A growing demand for Korean food leads to increasing number of Korean food establishments in Malaysia. Nevertheless, only a few of the establishments have halal JAKIM certificates. Getting a halal certification from JAKIM (Malaysia's Halal authority) is necessary for business, but certain food industry players are left wondering if the effort is worth it. Therefore, this study aims to explore challenges to get the Malaysian Halal Certification for Korean food restaurants in Malaysia. After identifying the obstacles involved, this research also examines the challenges in obtaining Halal Certificates among Korean Food Entrepreneurs in Malaysia. The approach of this study involves data collection methods through literature review followed by field study through numerous interview sessions with selected Korean restaurants in Kuala Lumpur and members of Malaysian Korean Fans Club. It is found that there is now more than 60 per cent of Korean food operators that are successful in getting halal certification compared to the past. The data from this study can help the industry understand that getting halal certification is not complex, with clear cut procedures, despite many challenges the industry needs to go through.

Lifelong Islamic Education: Positive Youth Development Through Ulul Albab Tahfiz Model

Education is one of the social challenges faced by youths in Malaysia. According to the Malaysian Youth Policy, (2015), youths aged 15 to 18 years are categorized as early youth. They are under school youth category and education are emphasized on them. The education ecosystem is very important as a basis for the formation of a developed country. Continuous education as Lifelong Islamic Education (LIE) applied in the implementation of Ulul Albab Tahfiz Model (UATM) is seen as one of the important elements in education that can lead to positive youth development (PYD). Thus, using the qualitative case study methodology, this paper exploring on how LIE that takes place in the UATM can attain PYD. Data are obtained through analysis documents and semi-structured interview involving 8 students, 2 teachers and 2 guardians. The findings of the study found that the implementation of LIE able to develop individual assets and ecological assets in youth and lead to PYD. In conclusion, the implementation of UATM has a potential to develop PYD and subsequently strive to be one of the initial efforts to highlight the potential in the youth rather than the deficit approach aimed at addressing the social problems of youth.

Exposure to secondhand smoke among school-going adolescents in Malaysia: Findings from the tobacco and e-cigarettes survey among Malaysian adolescents (TECMA).

INTRODUCTIONMany studies have revealed that exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) substantially increases the risk of smoking related diseases especially among the vulnerable groups, yet data on the location of SHS exposure among youth in Malaysia are still lacking. The study aims to describe the prevalence and factors associated with SHS exposure at home, outside the home, and inside the school among school-going adolescents in Malaysia.METHODSWe derived the data from the TECMA study, which used a cross-sectional study design and multi-stage sampling method to obtain a representative sample of school-going adolescents aged 11–19 years in Malaysia in 2016. Data were collected through a self-administered approach using a pre-validated standard questionnaire. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were used to analyze the data, and results are presented as adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI).RESULTSSHS exposure for the past seven days was higher outside the home (51.2%; 95% CI: 49.2–53.2) compared to at home (37.8%; 95% CI: 35.8–39.9) while 27.3% (95% CI: 25.1–29.5) of school-going adolescents reported exposure to SHS inside the school in the past one month. In the regression analyses, older adolescents, those of Malay and Bumiputra Sarawak ethnicities, adolescents from rural areas and current smokers had higher likelihood of exposure to SHS at home, outside home and inside the school. Our study also found that adolescents who were current smokers had higher odds of being exposed to SHS at home (AOR=2.87; 95% CI: 2.57–3.21), outside the home (AOR=3.46; 95% CI: 3.05–3.92) and in the school (AOR=2.25; 95% CI: 2.01–2.51).CONCLUSIONSHealth promotion measures should target parents/guardians and household members to reduce SHS exposure among adolescents. In addition, smoke-free regulation should be fully enforced in school. Furthermore, more public places should be designated non-smoking areas to reduce SHS exposure and denormalize smoking behavior.

Study of Hand and Finger Indices for Prediction of Sex and Estimation of Stature in a Sample of Egyptian and Malaysian Youth

Identification is a cornerstone in forensic investigations. The present study aimed to evaluate hand indices as a potential tool for determination of sex and estimation of stature in a sample of Egyptian and Malaysian people. The study included 200 Egyptian and 100 Malaysian participants. Stature was measured using a stadiometer. Hand length, hand breadth, index finger length, and ring finger length were measured using Vernier caliper. The hand index was computed by the following formula: (hand breadth/hand length) x 100. The ratio of the index to the ring finger (D2:D4 ratio) was calculated by dividing the length of index by the length of the ring finger of the same hand. All measurements were significantly higher in male than female subjects, except for the D2:D4 ratio which was significantly higher in female than in male subjects in either population. In Egyptian participants, the best measurement for sex discrimination was hand length in both hands (AUC: Rt=0.892, Lt: AUC=0.898). In Malaysian participants, the best measurement for sex discrimination was hand breadth in both hands (Rt: AUC=0.949, Lt: AUC=0.959). In all groups, there was positive, significant, moderate-strong correlation between stature and each of hand length, hand breadth, index finger length, and ring finger length. Backward elimination multiple regression was performed to developed models for stature estimation for each population using measurements from one hand. In conclusion, hand dimensions can serve as a tool to predict sex and calculate stature with reasonable accuracy in Egyptian and Malaysian youths.

Demographics Differences on Media Social as Representation Awareness Volunteer Among Youth in Malaysia

Demographics Differences on Media Social as Representation Awareness Volunteer Among Youth in Malaysia

Students’ perceptions on ethnic tolerance in Malaysia: A study in three public universities

This study is an attempt to develop an index on ethnic tolerance among the Malay, Chinese and Indian undergraduate students of three Malaysian public universities. It focuses on three main domains: religious practices, ethnic‒cross relationship and governance. The data of 378 respondents were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) software version 22. The calculation and the measurement of the index are based on the method and equations used in calculating the index among Malaysian youths in 2015 that were capable of incorporating many domains. All the domains are significant in contributing to ethnic tolerance the composite index value of 4.13 out of 5 was obtained which shows the students are at the level of highly tolerant.

Implementation Strategy of Harmony between Ethnics among Youths in Malaysia through National Service

This paper discusses the implementation strategy to achieve harmony between ethnic groups among the Malaysian youths. The study focuses on Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) students who have joined the National Service Training Program (PLKN). PLKN is a national agenda which aims to train the young people to be an excellent future generation, especially in the context of multiethnic Malaysians. The main goal of PLKN's implementation is; (i) to enhance the spirit of patriotism and love the nation among the younger generation; (ii) to foster national unity and national integration; (iii) to develop positive character through the application of good values; (iv) to promote the spirit of volunteerism among the youth; and (v) to produce a young generation with strong physical and mental as well as high self esteem. There are 207 respondents participated in this study which is comprising of Malay and Chinese youths. The findings show that almost all measured dimensions are at a high level of intensity. The intensity of the Malay youths was higher than the Chinese youths. In general, the implementation of PLKN is the best strategy in establishing harmony among ethnic groups, especially among youths who are the future generation of the nation. However, the national service program has been abolished after the conversion of the federal government in the 14th General Election.

Performance Anxiety in Western Classical Music: A Malaysian Study

Although performance anxiety is a common problem in life, there are only a few studies on this subject in Malaysia. This article presents the expansion to the body of literature on this important relationship between performance anxiety in Western Classical Music. Millions of people suffer and may experience from performance anxiety, which commonly called as ‘stage fright’. Worst of all, it may prevent a musician from doing what they enjoy or quit from performing which can effect the career. The knowledge affecting to symptoms and signs anxiety during adolescence among students could help if possible areas can be highlighted for the mediating and prevention on the subjects which may assist Malaysian youths in the university setting so they can control the emotions and reduce the anxiety

We “Meme” Business: Exploring Malaysian Youths’ Interpretation of Internet Memes in Social Media Marketing

Social media marketing is gaining momentum in recent years due to its ability in reaching out to the target audience in a short period of time. Many forms of social media marketing strategies have been introduced and tested and one that is widely used is Internet memes. Despite its widespread use, there is a need to know if iconicity of memes would be affected when they are used in local contexts. Iconicity refers to the match between form (images and texts) and meanings. This paper reports findings from a qualitative study that investigated the iconicity of memes used in marketing by analysing their language features in relation the feedback obtained from the target respondents namely Malaysian youths. A total of 50 respondents were involved and they were told to rate 30 memes in terms of their level of understanding and interpretation. The subsequent in-depth interviews were conducted on five respondents. The findings show that most of the memes were high in terms of iconicity and only seven of them were low. The predominant language features were also analysed and memes with low iconicity tend to use complex sentences, full of short forms and slangs as well as imperative words. The findings from this study may not be generalised but it has provided insightful outcomes for local businesses in planning their social media marketing especially those that plan to capitalise on the rising trend of Internet memes.

Prudent Financial Management Practices among Malaysian Youth: The Moderating Roles of Financial Education

Prudent Financial Management Practices among Malaysian Youth: The Moderating Roles of Financial Education

Home Ownership Motivation in Malaysia: A Youth Perspective

The government of Malaysia has implemented many housing policies and programs to increase the rate of home ownership among youths. However, this rate remains low as the motivation in having a home has decreased over the years, whilst renting became the youths’ alternative. Besides, a high frequency of job changing has influenced them in purchasing a house. Hence, to verify the gap, this research has performed to understand the relationship between perceived job alternatives and home ownership motivation among Malaysian youths. Local amenities investment, social capital investment, financial benefits, and residential stability are dimensions of home ownership used to study its relationship with perceived job alternatives. Whereas, job insecurity used as a mediating factor between perceived job alternatives and home ownership motivation. The research data collected through an online survey and 379 usable respondents were obtained. Results showed perceived job alternative does have a significant relationship with home ownership and its dimensions. There is also a partial mediating effect of perceived job insecurity on the relationship between perceived job alternatives and home ownership motivation. These findings will be useful for the government to understand the Malaysian youth’s motivation in purchasing a house with a job being an influence.

MEDIA BAHARU: MEDIUM PENYUBURAN NILAI PATRIOTISME DALAM KALANGAN BELIA

New media is closely linked to the field of communication. This medium plays a very important role in society in general. The main function of this medium is to disseminate various information, in particular, to raise awareness of the patriotism value. This issue needs to be emphasized in detail and should be nurtured among Malaysians. Such research is being carried out to see the role of the new media can spread the patriotism value through national information by focusing on youth. New media technology has become a form of communication for the youth to raise awareness of the patriotism spirit. Recent studies have shown that the level of youth awareness through patriotism, is less favorable and needs to be enhanced. The existence of this phenomenon is influenced by many factors. The issue of patriotism is an important aspect and should be given serious attention as it is capable of being part of a national entity. Therefore, based on Cultivation Theory by George Gerbner and Larry Gross (1976), this conceptual paper discusses in more detail how the patriotism values that disseminated with new media medium through national information can create awareness of patriotism among youth in Malaysia.

Dataset to develop self-report measure of emotional instability and behavioral difficulties for Malaysian youths.

The article presents reliability statistics data in relation to the development of emotional instability and behavioral difficulties scale for youths in a Malaysia context. The data were obtained from youths participants in Kuala Lumpur and Klang Valley, Selangor, Malaysia. The data has four different subscales in describing emotional instability and behavioral difficulties. The data were analyzed using Cronbach's alpha, McDonald's ω, and Gutmann's λ6 to examine internal consistency test. The data showed that this new scale can be used to measure three subscales of emotional instability and one subscale of behavioral difficulties among youths in a Malaysia context.

Postcolonial Civic Identity and Youth (dis)organizing Environment: A Growth into Citizenship Analysis

The fluid realities of youth in postcolonial nation-states can reflect changing and challenging landscapes. Their engagements with environment, for example, are not only elaborated in social, political, and economical contexts, but also generated through values, beliefs, and identities. This article adds to contemporary debates by positing that discussions on postcolonial civic identities have to be accompanied by youth narratives and their considerations on nature, time, and digital world(s) by taking Malaysian youths as examples. Specifically, it attempts to theorize youth civic identity within postcolonial context(s) by scrutinizing personal narratives that are symbiotically yoked with discourses on ecology and technology. Through administering personal narratives at a suburban district in West Peninsular Malaysia, this paper opens ‘windows’ into what it means for youths to participate in civic projects. Reading these narratives from the lens of growth into citizenship , their wide-ranging experiences in civic affairs can be understood in four ways, namely, recognition, responsibilities, reconciliation, and reciprocity. Two of these emerging themes, recognition and responsibilities, will be discussed in this article. Our attempt at depicting postcolonial civic identity, therefore, is part of a large-scale investigation on civic mindedness that will compel us to reflect on unofficial, continuous accounts of youth reflecting on a sense of belongingness and what the future might bring.

Understanding Second Language Anxiety: Feedback from ESL Learners in TVET

Anxiety in language classrooms has been acknowledged by local scholars as detrimental to Malaysian learners' English proficiency. Part of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions' mission is to provide immediate workforce of holistic and great communicators. However, language learning anxiety lent support to the poor English performance among learners and is misaligned with the vision by the government as stipulated in the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2015–2025 (Higher Education). The blueprint was developed in 2013 to keep the education system in line with the global trends to help prepare Malaysian youth to survive in the rapidly-changing future. One of highlights is the government's aspiration for high bilingual proficiency among the people. Thus, understanding the types of anxiety in English as a Second Language (ESL) classrooms is pertinent to customised efforts for pedagogical intervention. Adapting the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS), the current study aims to investigate the factors of learning anxiety in ESL classrooms among 236 respondents from various TVET institutions from the Southern states of Malaysia. The questionnaire was distributed online with the items reflective of three types of anxiety in ESL classrooms: communication apprehension, test anxiety, and fear of negative evaluation. Findings of the study indicated that the respondents suffered from anxiety across the components which confirm the perpetual concern by educators over the reasons why most Malaysian learners still grapple with English proficiency despite years of learning it in formal settings. The study also revealed interesting insights from a psychological perspective by reporting constant anxiety about speaking and presenting in the presence of an audience as well as anxiety when receiving negative feedback from teachers and peers. Implications of the study for practice, subsequent research, and policy are presented with some recommendations for future research to mitigate language anxiety in ESL classrooms.