bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SUSTAINABLE WELL-BEING: AN EMPIRICAL EXPLORATION ON HUMAN NEEDS AND HUMAN INTERDEPENDENCY
Authors: Abu Bakar Aisyah , Bachok Syahriah , Mohamed Osman Mariana , Ibrahim Mansor , Abdullah Muhammad Faris
Published: November 2021

This study is a part of an ongoing research to discover subjective indicators of sustainable well-being for Malaysia. Initial findings recognized two important notions of subjective measures of sustainable well-being. The first notion suggested that sustainable well-being manifested in human interdependency. The second notion suggested that human interdependency is attained when human needs are fulfilled. Maslowâ€™s Hierarchy of Needs was adopted to indicate the stages and examples of each needs. There were eight stages of human needs which were adapted into 24 common human needs substituted under eight components of three human needs dimensions. The dimensions were (i) basic necessities, (ii) complimentary needs, and (iii) desired opportunities. It was hypothesized that human needs influence the level of human interdependency. This paper delivers an empirical analysis testing the effects of human needs on human interdependency. The study intends to determine the influence of human needs on human interdependency. Questionnaire survey was conducted and 894 reliable samples were gathered. 192 Independent Sample T-Tests were conducted to determine statistical difference in levels of eight components of human interdependency, between respondents who claimed difficult and respondents who claimed easy to attain 24 human needs in the past year. There were statistically significant differences in most of the components of human interdependency between groups of 24 human needs. The empirical study conducted in the central regions of a developing and multicultural country, Malaysia, is a useful reference to subjective well-being studies piloted in areas of similar characteristics.
INFORMATION QUALITY FOR FLOOD RISK REDUCTION IN SITE PLANNING: TOWN PLANNERSâ€™ PERCEPTION
Authors: Afida Intan , Idrus Shaharudin , Hashim Halimaton Saadiah
Published: November 2021

One of the main tasks of a town planner in Malaysia is to prepare a Development Proposal Report (DPR) to be submitted together with the layout plan to get planning permission from the local planning authority (LPA). Incorporation of flood risk reduction aspects in site planning in the DPR is important to allow the LPA to make good and effective planning decisions. This study examines town plannersâ€™ perception on information quality for the incorporation of flood risk reduction in site planning in the context of five town planning reference instruments, namely the Town and Country Planning Act 1976, Selayang Municipal Council Local Plan 2020, Town and Country Planning Department Planning Guidelines, Selangor Manual and Planning Guidelines 2nd Edition and DPR Manual 2nd Edition that assist them to prepare the DPR for obtaining planning permission from Selayang Municipal Council, Selangor, Malaysia, where the study was carried out. The findings show that there is a need to improve existing town planning reference instruments and access to information to generally enhance town planners planning activities and specifically improve DPR quality in the future.
THE CRITIQUES TO POSITIVISM DIRECTION OF INQUIRY IN COMPREHENDING THE COMPLEXITY OF GOVERNANCE IN MANAGING CITIES COMPETITIVENESS
Authors: Abdullah Faizul , Yusof Fatimah
Published: November 2021

The complexities in managing cities are real in the ethos of global cities competition and indeed, the governance of urban complexities are further compounded by the discoveries of new tangible and intangible determinants, vehemently contributed by the increased structural changes on a global scale ceased to be the main axes and reference points in societal organization. Whilst deterministic about deploying competitive cities interventions, the initiatives have always exposed local authorities to other related issues in the governance of complexity, which usually infers to their organizing capacity in attaining organizations competitiveness. For most modernistsâ€™ scholars, they tend to agreed that learning is associated with efficiency and thus, it exposed organizations to learn new impositions of social artefacts. Exaggerated from realist ontology definitive foundation of structural functionalism, it clearly underlined Weberian positivism bureaucratic efficiency, which echoed local authorities in attaining the balancing act between â€˜de jureâ€™ and â€˜de factoâ€™ that constitutionally empowered in managing cities in the ethos of globalization. On the contrary, the realism in local authorities suggested otherwise, which perhaps lead to epistemological debates on the governmentality. Apparently, local authorities are facing dramatic challenges not only reframing to achieving global interventions on cities competitiveness and urban sustainability interventions -de jure; but also intensely faced-off with severe ignorance, resentment and dissonance from the entire workforce itself - de facto. As such, it warrants this paper to explore the validity on the dominant used of positivism direction of inquiry among social sciences researchersâ€™ on organizational bureaucratic efficiency, when most positivism line of inquiry researchers suggested that local authorities are learning organization entities, or is it so?
AN INITIATIVES-BASED FRAMEWORK FOR ASSESSING SMART CITY
Authors: Mohd Adnan Yasmin , Hamzah Hasniyati , Md. Dali Melasutra , Daud Md Nasir , Alias Anuar
Published: November 2021

Smart Cities have grown in prominence due to advancement in ICT and the new paradigm of sustainable city management and development. Whilst many authors have proposed guidelines and framework for Smart City implementation, less attention has been given to the assessment of Smart City performance. The mainstream Smart City assessment framework generally entails the quantitative assessment of factors, elements and initiatives categorised under the Smart City dimensions. However, this approach is problematic and impractical because it requires a large amount of different baseline data that is often at times unavailable due to various reasons. This paper describes an alternative framework for smart city assessment, one that is based on the modification of Giffmgerâ€™s to make it amenable to leaner data. The proposed assessment framework was adopted to assess the smart city performances of Seoul, Singapore, and Iskandar Malaysia which were then compared. With the use of the framework for the performance assessment, the city that has performed better than the others is able to be identified.
DEMOGRAPHIC TRANSITION AND SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Elsawahli Hanan , Ahmad Faizah , Ali Azlan Shah
Published: November 2021

As a developing country, Malaysia is undergoing a demographic transition from a high fertility and mortality rural society towards an industrialised society with low fertility and mortality rates. This transition involved an increased growth rate of elderly population. The number of elderly has risen from 1.4 million in 2000 to 2.1 million in 2010 and is projected to be 3.4 million by 2020. A population aging needs to accumulate assets in order to achieve sustainable development goals. This represents the main challenge to planners and policy makers in terms of designing aged-friendly neighbourhoods to meet the elderly needs. This paper aims to review the population aging trends and policy framework available for the elderly in Malaysia. The paper further discusses the sustainable neighbourhoods related to active aging. The paper concludes by identifying fundamental gaps in both knowledge and policy associated with planning for the aging population and successful aging.
SUSTAINABLE HOUSING AFFORDABILITY IN SABAH
Authors: Said Rosli , Ab. Majid Rohayu , Alias Anuar , Mohd Adnan Yasmin , Razali Muhammad Najib
Published: November 2021

Sabah is one of the states in Malaysia has shown remarkable growth in housing industry where its housing sector has thrived owing to growing market and active supply and demand dynamics. However, the rapid increase in housing price has created greater concern among the researchers about the sustainability of the housing sector in this country. The aspect of sustainability has seem been neglected by the industry players. Consequently, it will give impact to the environment which contrasts with the aim of the built environment to create sustainable development. This is because affordable housing is always being associated with cheap and low-quality houses. This research is aim to assess the best area in the state of Sabah to build sustainable affordable housing scheme. The results indicate that area with high utility degree is the best area that conforms to the sustainable housing affordability factors. Likewise, an area with a lower ranking in utility degree can be described as a worst-performing area. The originality of this research has contributed to a real picture of sustainable housing affordability in Malaysia, particularly the state of Sabah.
SUSTAINABILITY CONCEPTS IN MALAY AND ACEH TRADITIONAL HOUSES
Authors: Abdul Majid Noor Hanita , Denan Zuraini , Abdul Rahim Zaiton , Mohd Nawawi Norwina , Hazman Siti Norfakiah
Published: November 2021

The migration of people between Acheh and Malaysia can be seen in sporadic settlements in the northern regions. Both communities share Islam as a religion and might have similarities in culture, ethics and the environment. Due to the Islamic influences in both Malay and Aceh community, it is predicted that the traditional houses in both locations are manifestations of the sustainable concept of hablumminallah, hablumminannas and hablumminal'alam. This concept can be analysed in terms of the Islamic implementations of hablumminallah, social beliefs, and activities in the relationship between man and man (hablumminannas) and climatic influences in the relationship between man and environment (hablumminal'alam). Hence, this paper intends to investigate the implementation of the three concepts in the Malay and Aceh houses. The research methodologies employed are observation (through site visits), pictorial analysis and detail evaluations on the components of the houses. Analysis conducted on Rumah Kutai (RK), Perak and Rumoh Aceh (RA) suggest the realization of the three mentioned sustainable concepts in the houses. In conclusion, the overall findings confirmed the sustainability concepts adopted in the RK and RA through adhering to Islamic guidelines, socio-cultural and climatic aspects.
THE COMPLEXITY OF GOVERNING FISHING VILLAGES IN THE BAGAN AREAS OF SELANGOR, MALAYSIA
Authors: Mohamed Mohd Zin , Hassan Norhaslina
Published: November 2021

This paper examines the current administrative structure that deals with informal fishing villages in Selangor aiming to identify the governance issues of thesecommunities from the local-, district-, state- and federal-level perspectives. Data collection techniques employed were field observations conducted through site visits, in-depth interviews with the state and local planning officials, and focus group discussions involving chairpersons of the Village Development and Security Committees (VDSC). The analysis reveals a sizable number of entities involved in the governance and management of these fishing communities at all levels and accordingly, concludes by outlining a more strategic administrative structure that could effectively govern informal fishing villages that is applicable to Selangor and beyond.
ARE GREEN UNIVERSITIES PRODUCING GREENER FUTURE LEADERS?
Authors: Mohd Ghaus Raihana , Harun Rosta , Kuang Hock Lim , Ponrahono Zakiah
Published: November 2021

In recent years, studies on campus sustainability have been conducted to measure the impact that universities have on the environment and several mechanisms to measure and rank universities globally on how they perform in sustainability have been proposed. The UI Greenmetrics ranks universities based on sustainable performance ratings and focused more on the initiatives and opportunities provided to achieve sustainability but did not address the issue of environmental literacy among the university students. This study aims to understand how sustainable practices and policies adopted by Green Universities as well as demographic factors relate to the level of environmental attitude and responsible environmental behaviour of Malaysian student leaders. A census survey was carried out on student leaders of Malaysian public universities to assess their level of perception, attitude, personal responsible environmental behaviour (REB) and REB with regards to UI Greenmetrics Criteria. The Mann-Whitney U test conducted revealed that there was no significant difference in the level of the assessed components across all demographic factors between green and nongreen universities. Spearman rank order correlation showed that there was a significant positive correlation between perception and personal REB (rs(322) = .385, p < .05) as well student council REB (rs(322) = .542, p < .05). Attitude was found to have a significant negative correlation with student council REB (rs(322) = -.114, p < .05) while a high level of personal REB was significantly correlated with student council behaviour (rs(322) = .579, p < .05).
INNOVATIVE MANAGEMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES: CASE STUDY OF MANGROVE AREA IN KUALA GULA, PERAK
Authors: Nor Azam Salina , Unjah Tanot
Published: November 2021

This paper attempts to identify and explicate sustainability approach through innovative management of natural resources that is able to create balance between conservation and utilization of natural resources. Innovative management of natural resources is related to the act of bringing changes or an introduction to a novelty idea for achieving organisational goal which involves organising people, finances and resources, training, controlling, monitoring, and sanctioning. The study focuses on the mangrove ecosystem, one of the most sensitive natural resources in the country, which has been successfully managed by the government through top down approach. Data was gathered through content analysis and interviews with several key persons from the study area. This paper firstly compares the different management approaches in Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve and Kuala Gula Mangrove, before finally elaborating on the innovative management of the latter.
SUSTAINABLE FOOD WASTE MANAGEMENT IN HOTELS: CASE STUDY LANGKAWI UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK
Authors: Kasavan Saraswathy , Mohamed Ahmad Fariz , Abdul Halim Sharina
Published: November 2021

The hotel sector is one of the key players in developing tourism industry in the islands, and contributing towards islands economy, employment opportunities and the overall development. However, food waste generated by hotels has significantly impacted the environment, social well-being and tourism economy. Sustainable food waste management practices are vital among the business operations of the hotel sector to reduce food waste and operational costs through efficient use of food resources. The aim of this paper is to examine current practice of hotel operators towards sustainable food waste management from purchasing of food resources to food wastes disposal. The data was gathered using structured and self-administered questionnaires, which involved 42 hoteliers from the island of Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark. From the main findings, it was found that there was a lack of emphasis from the hotels on their policy related to wastage of food and unsustainable food consumption pattern by their guests. This reflects on the lack of practices towards sustainable food waste management by the hotel sector. Therefore, planning for sustainable food waste management on island hotels is essential to ensure the protection of environmental resources and to reduce the problem regarding limited capacity landfills on the islands.
CHANGES AND THREATS IN THE PRESERVATION OF THE TRADITIONAL MALAY LANDSCAPE
Authors: Harun Nor Zalina , Mohd Ariffin Noor Aziah , Abdullah Fadziah
Published: November 2021

The cultural landscape is regarded as being of the most complex designs which involves interactions between man, nature, cultural values and the associated built environment. Issues relating to the degradation of the cultural landscape are often caused by rapid urbanisation and industrialisation. The traditional Malay Landscape exists through harmoniously balanced interactions between man, nature and culture together with the traditional house, and contains unique and interesting features that have to be preserved as one of the most important cultural heritage sites. However, the preservation of heritage in Malaysia tends to focus more on architectural buildings rather than adopting a holistic approach that includes the surrounding environment of where the building is located. The absence of such approach has contributed towards the loss of the traditional Malay Landscape. This study highlights the changes and threats in the preservation of the traditional Malay Landscape by focusing on the preservation of a traditional house compound. The research employs a qualitative approach which involves site visits, interviews, and document analysis concerning the research topic. The old Malay villages located in Tumpat, Kelantan and Alor Gajah, Melaka have been selected as case studies. The findings reveal that the changes and threats include four underlying aspects; Unsuitable and inappropriate uses, Ownership Problems, Inadequate fund and consultation and Current development trends. The study concludes that the traditional Malay Landscape is facing numerous changes and threats in terms of its physical characteristics, environmental aspects and cultural values. In addition, the study reveals that traditional Malay landscape is not seen here as an integrating, holistic concept.
THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE MONOCULTURE SYSTEM TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE FARMING PRACTICES AMONG MALAY SMALLHOLDINGS IN KLUANG, JOHOR
Authors: Harun Nor Zalina , Mohd Salleh Anizah
Published: November 2021

Malaysia is known as the largest exporter and second largest producer of world palm oil market. Despite such contributions, a huge amount of forest land has been supplanted by oil palm cultivation. This activity is considered as a major driver of deforestation, which contributes to three-quarters of tropical deforestation globally. Critiques suggest agroforestry systems as option to overcome the issues brought up by the monoculture system of oil palm cultivation. This study is directed to study plant composition and arrangement for agroforestry systems in oil palm smallholdings. Data were gathered using a qualitative approach involving 10 biggest oil palm Malay smallholdings at Kluang, Johor. The study reveals that arrangement involves triangular, double avenue, and boundary planting systems. Further analysis traced that these plant species and arrangement can be categorized into two main categories which are: (i) sustainable plant composition and arrangement, and (ii) unsustainable into sustainable plant composition and arrangement. The study concluded that the transformation of the monoculture system with low sustainability towards more sustainable farming practices of agroforestry systems can actually be achieved through five considerations identified as (i) crop component (ii) maturity of oil palm (iii) market values and demand (iv) belowground and aboveground interaction, and (v) diversification of plant composition and arrangement.
A REVIEW ON THE NEEDS TO IMPROVE MALAYSIAN TREE PRESERVATION ORDER (TPO) (ACT 172)
Authors: Nik Mohamed Sukri Nik Adlin , Othman Noriah , Wan Ariffin Wan Tarmeze
Published: November 2021

Trees are important to human and the environment, and should always be protected to continuously benefit us. The Malaysian government, recognising that the rapid development of the country has put trees at risks of being damaged and killed, thus introduced Tree Preservation Order (Act 172) in 1996. However, recently, there have been cases whereby trees that were meant to be preserved were felled down without consent of the local authorities. This situation has raised questions on the effectiveness of the tree protection legislation. This paper gives information on the progress of the TPO (Act 172) gathered through literature review and proposes improvements of the legislation.
UNDERSTANDING LOCAL AUTHORITY PERFORMANCE THROUGH ROLE THEORY
Authors: Lim Sengboon , Abdul Malek Jalaluddin , Tahir Zurinah
Published: November 2021

Local government performance is frequently interpreted through stakeholders’ satisfaction measured by statistical analyses. Apart from testing the relationship, the perception of satisfaction on services provided is further influenced by the degree of expectation being met, and understanding the customer behaviour. Thus, this study attempts to explore an alternative explanation on the character of the local authority (LA) and put in perspective through the comprehension of the role theory. This was an exploratory case study on Kulim Hi-tech Local Authority, Malaysia. The mixed method approaches were firstly carried out by questionnaire surveys, followed by interviewing stakeholders and ended with site observations. Descriptive analyses were applied to the random samples. Findings showed that the LA has executed its roles of control and collect very well. However, it did not fare well in the role of publish.
REVIEWS ON THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC INDICATORS FOR SPATIAL URBAN SCALE
Authors: Ibrahim Illyani , Abu Samah Azizan , Asmawi M. Zainora
Published: November 2021

In recent decades, socio-economic variables have been widely used to investigate regional scale particularly in climate change studies. This paper aims to review appropriate socio-economic indicators for studies related to environment and climate at the level of spatial urban scale. It has been a challenge to select appropriate indicators because the interrelationship between human interference and the environment has proved difficult to be understood. The method used for the review is content analysis. The finding proposes the future research to choose suitable socio-economic indicators by referring to the scale of study and the spatial coverage of the topic. This article also provides a socio-economic framework to ensure that the appropriate of urban scale is the key aspect for selection of indicators in environmental and climate related studies.
INTRODUCTION TO VOLUME 16, ISSUE 1 : 2018
Authors: Wan Mohd Rani Wan Nurul Mardiah
Published: November 2021

Our environment today is changing because of the rapid urbanization and this scenario has intensified as we face the climate change affect. The challenges and issues that we experience today are more complex, multifaceted and are becoming more visible and frequent. Cities are vulnerable and at the same time have to play significant roles in tackling climate change through various actions of preparedness, mitigation and adaptations. Cities are complex systems combining spatial and non-spatial elements. A system, which consists of interconnected and interdependent elements, can only function well if these elements interact with each other. These elements comprise physical environment, social, infrastructure and economy. The interaction among the elements enable the city to function as a whole. In this context, to achieve a sustainable and resilient city requires a collaborative effort from various disciplines and interrelated expertise to address each element. The increase on the awareness and interest in the related research areas have witness the upsurge on the efforts towards achieving sustainable and resilient cities. Every day new studies and findings emerged from scientists, researchers, academics and scholars deliberating on ways to mitigate, prevent and prepare for the future risks that may pose impact to our cities either physically, socially or economically.
MOSQUE: A STATEMENT OF CITIZENSHIP
Authors: Sapian Abdul Razak , Ismail Mohd Noorizhar , Rashid Mizanur , Wan Mohd Rani Wan Nurul Mardiah
Published: November 2021

Mosque is referred to as a place for Muslim’s congregational prayers, a community centre, and a frontage to the Muslim’s world. Mosque from the start was intended as a sanctuary and home to the Muslims where they can affiliate in their lives. In Australia, the Afghan cameleers have established the major mosques as they were among the early Muslim settlers of the country after the Makassar Muslims. Afghans Cameleers in Australia are majority Muslims in a faraway land of Afghanistan, who migrated to this place of unfamiliarity in order to place themselves in the society while searching for wealth in sustaining and building their reputation in their homeland. This research seeks to explore the idea of citizenship through the concept of belonging and how it translates to architecture and the Islamic built environment. To express the sense of belonging and citizenship in a land where they are unaccepted, the Afghans resort to creating a building of such that would represent their struggles, identity, religion and legacy to be accepted and represent their citizenship. This research will study the elements that result to the citizenship of the Muslim Afghans in Australia. The citizenship approach will focus on the social inference rather than political or constitutional approach as the 1901 immigration law dictates that these people will never be naturalized.
DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT IN MALAYSIA: ISSUES AND CHALLENGES FROM THE PERSEPCTIVE OF AGENCIES
Authors: Omar Chong Noraini , Kamarudin Khairul Hisyam
Published: November 2021

Disaster is a major threat that could jeopardise the development of economic, social and physical elements of a nation as well as the well-being of its people. The damage and loss of property and life caused by disasters are overwhelming and least desired by any country. Review of literature as presented in this research indicated that by having a good disaster risk management (DRM) plan and well-coordinated efforts and commitment among related disaster management agencies at all levels and local stakeholders, would potentially lead to disaster risk reductions, increase preparedness and response, and reduction of damage to assets and loss of life. With a long list of agencies and aid bodies that are currently involved in various stages of DRM, putting the idea into reality has proven to be highly challenging particularly on establishing good coordination between agencies and with other stakeholders for a more effective DRM process. This paper identified three major issues and challenges in DRM in Malaysia, particularly from the perspective of agencies. These issues and challenges include (1) disaster management planning imbalanced between top-down and bottom-up approaches, (2) lack of coordination in disaster management cycle, with greater focus only on the disaster emergency response stage and, (3) lack of planning of long-term recovery (post-disaster) process, which resulted in low level community and stakeholders’ resilience to disasters.
COMMUNITY AWARENESS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF EARLY WARNING SYSTEM AT TENAGA NASIONAL BERHAD SULTAN ABU BAKAR HYDROELECTRIC SCHEME, LEMBAH BERTAM, CAMERON HIGHLAND
Authors: Mohd Hussain Mohd Ramzi , Zen Ismawi , Muda Rahsidi Sabri , Thiruchelvam Sivadass , Tukiman Izawati , Ahmad Shazili Aishah Naqiah
Published: November 2021

This article presents the community awareness on the implementation of Early Warning System (EWS) in a well-planned Integrated Community-Based Disaster Management (ICBDM) that covers all Tenaga Nasional Berhad’s (TNB) hydroelectric schemes. In Cameron Highland, Lembah Bertam and further downstream villages were reported to have the highest occurrence of floods especially during monsoon season, which makes the area vulnerable. This study incorporates and synergizes three major stakeholders; the community; local authority; and TNB; gearing towards minimizing loss of life and property damages in the event of a dam related disaster. The aim of this article is to assess the level of awareness and perceptions of the directly affected communities towards the implementation of EWS. Their heightened awareness would help to reduce their vulnerability in the event of future disaster. This study opted for a quantitative approach, which included a questionnaire survey. The findings revealed that the demographic characteristics influenced community awareness regarding the implementation of EWS. Most of the respondents accepted the EWS positively and understood the importance of EWS. Thus, the community members have the right to know and understand the hazard they should be expecting so they can plan for themselves and make informed choices to reduce their vulnerability.
DEVELOPMENT OF URBAN MARKET SPATIAL FOR HIGHEST AND BEST USE OF LAND PRODUCTIVITY AND SUSTAINABILITY
Authors: Utomo Christiono , Rahmawati Yani , Krestawan Iman
Published: November 2021

No less than 40% of around 70 traditional retail markets in Surabaya are located in the downtown area where the economic value of the location is high, but not being optimally utilized. Sustainable planning can be achieved if the area is not only able to stand and grow by itself but also contributes to the economic growth of the region and the surrounding trade. Based on its potential, urban land use is principally needed to be analysed on its capability in producing highest property value. This research develops adaptive and collaborative concepts on spatial configuration design and market economy value in urban area. It is found to be the best regional planning concept to support sustainable economic achievement. It also has the capability in minimizing failure of market development in urban areas as well as supporting success in structuring the city. Triangulation method was applied through qualitative and quantitative approaches, and using Highest and Best Use (HBU) analysis technique. The analysis began with an explorative study to explore alternatives of land use, which was then followed by a 5-stages analysis including determination of alternative use, regulatory compliance and permits, possibility and affordability of construction, financial feasibility, and maximum productivity of land.
KEY ISSUES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THE HUMANITARIAN AID DISTRIBUTION PROCESS DURING AND POST-DISASTER IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Mohd Suzila , Fathi Mohamad Syazli , Harun Aizul Nahar , Omar Chong Noraini
Published: November 2021

The humanitarian aid distribution process is a broad activity for helping disaster victims at the right time, with the right needs and at the right place during a disaster. However, there are always issues that could interfere with the humanitarian aid distribution process such as cases of food redundancy, uneven distribution of food supply to disaster victims, food insecurity issues, and volunteers’ redundancy during and post disasters. These issues prove that there are weaknesses in managing the humanitarian aid distribution process within disaster management teams. Generally, these issues should be taken care of when the disaster management team was formed either from government agencies or non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Both work as the supporting team in giving aids and helping the disaster victims. Therefore, this research reviews the key issues in the humanitarian aid distribution process in Malaysian disaster management. Key findings show that there is no standard operating procedure (SOP) to explain the roles and responsibilities of NGOs that can be used by Government agencies to coordinate NGO contributions to a supporting team. There are five (5) categories of issues that can have a negative impact on the humanitarian aid distribution process and the disaster victims. The issues are information, communication, collaboration, cooperation, and coordination. All disaster management teams should emphasize these issues as they affect effectiveness in dealing with the humanitarian aid distribution process.
SYMBOLISM IN TRADITIONAL MALAY BOAT CRAFTING IN THE EAST COAST
Authors: Abdul Wahab Mohd Rohaizat , Ramli Zuliskandar , Akhemal Ismail Nurul Norain , Abu Bakar Nuratikah , Wan Azhar Wan Nor Shamimi
Published: November 2021

The culture in the East Coast are rich in visual arts and performing arts inherited over time immemorial. The art is also found to have similarities in three different states, despite their geographical gap. The similarities are shared in dialects, languages, presentations, builds, and past legacy artefacts. The Malay craftsmanship is also dominated by the Malay community in the East Coast and it is also produced in the form of art and fashion. Artefacts such as boats, houses, and furniture are still visible until now and they have high artistic value. This research is aimed at displaying symbols produced by the Malay community on the craft of the boat. This art can be seen in the carvings and paintings produced on traditional Malay boats in the East Coast. This art does not only serve as an ornament and for its aesthetics, but also has its own symbolism. The decorative art produced shows that the three main aspects necessary in Malay art are function, aesthetics, and ethics. The belief in the existence of supernatural powers - which preserve and safeguard their safety at sea and their ability to get income from marine products - underpins the craft of this decoration art.
XRD AND XRF ANALYSIS OF THE ANCIENT BRICKS FROM CANDI KAMPUNG BARU, KEDAH
Authors: Ramli Zuliskandar , Mohd Nasir Muhammad Nu'man , Samian Abdul Latif , Harun Nor Zalina , Abdul Hadi Mohd Shamsul Bahari , Abu Bakar Nuratikah , Mohd Supian Nur Sarahah
Published: November 2021

XRD and XRF analysis on the ancient bricks were conducted to identify whether the raw materials to produce the bricks originate from the site. Candi Kampung Baru is recorded as one of the temple that used bricks as the main construction material. This site is suggested to be built between the 8th to 10th centuries AD based on the size of the bricks and imported ceramics associated with the structure. The position of this candi that is facing to the north is a major indication that the candi in Kampung Baru Site is one of the many Buddhist candis that have been found in Bujang Valley. This study used X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis techniques to identify the composition of the major and trace elements and minerals found in the bricks. The results of the analysis on the ancient brick of Candi Kampung Baru revealed that the mineral content contained in the brick samples consists of quartz, muscovite, microcline and sanidine. Minerals found suggest that open burning technique was used during the brick making process with the local raw clay sources were used to produce the bricks. The results therefore implied that the participation of the local communities in Old Kedah Kingdom contributed to the prosperity of this region.
HOUSE PRICE MOVEMENT FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY MARKETS: EVIDENCE FROM SELANGOR, MALAYSIA
Authors: Jalil Haszlila , Mohd Tawil Norngainy , Daud Md Nasir , Ahmad Aina Edayu
Published: November 2021

The aim of this study is to determine the trend of escalation for both primary and secondary housing units. This research applies the desk study approach which uses secondary data from statistical format, which is the property market report (PMR) from the year of 2004 to 2014. Data from the PMR was analysed by using descriptive statistics method which provides a general overview of the house price movement. The observation only focuses the house price movement from the (9) districts in Selangor state. Results show that even though the volume of transactions decreases, the prices of residential properties are steadily increasing which also indirectly escalates the secondary market price.
DETERMINING MODEL CONFIGURATION FOR THERMAL SIMULATION OF URBAN MOSQUE FAÇADE DESIGN
Authors: Abdul Majid Noor Hanita , Abdullah Fauziah Hanum , Denan Zuraini
Published: November 2021

Urban mosque (UM) faqade design, besides its aesthetical role, is a passive architectural design strategy in handling how much heat penetrates into the internal spaces. In determining the model configuration for thermal simulation of urban mosque faqade, the orientation and massing of the UM is tested. The orientation of UM relates to the qiblat direction and sun exposure. On the other hand, the massing is defined by the volume of the UM. This research investigates the effects of form layout and volume on thermal performance of the interior environment. A model with no openings on north-westward faqade (NWF) and south-eastward faqade (SEF) is simulated for a baseline scenario for comparison purposes. Autodesk Ecotect Analysis 2011 is a computer-based simulation tool used in this research to measure the thermal analysis in the UM model. The results indicate the performance of different types of forms, layouts and volumes. By the end of this study, the configuration of the base model is determined according to the results of the orientation and volume variations.
URBAN MORPHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS FRAMEWORK FOR CONSERVATION PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT
Authors: Mohamed Syahidah Amni , Harun Nor Zalina , Abdullah Alias
Published: November 2021

A closer look on scientific research and professional practice concerning on the planning and management of historic towns significantly reveals the absence of integrated approaches for urban morphological analysis as a diagnostic tool to interpret the evolutionary process of its physical form. Such circumstances have influenced the transformation of urban fabric which eventually contributed to fragmented urban landscape. This study aims to provide a unifying conceptual framework represented by morphological aspects of city block as spatial units. Through a conceptual comparative approach, the framework draws upon a typo-morphological approach that integrates the process typological approach and historico-geographical approach. The findings revealed that there were three main phases in construing the framework. Firstly, the pertinent basis of urban analysis can be delineated at the typological scale of city (citta); representing by building typology at its most basic level. Consequently, to establish the interrelationship between elements of urban form, the most relevant level of resolution is on the taxonomy of sertum (block) and textus (plot series); emphasizing the representation of urban block as spatial unit. In the final phase, the inherited spatial structure of the town is unveiled according to four process of morphological region. The framework developed will ensure a clear urban form which is necessary for technical functioning and visual legibility for conservation of Early Malay town.
INCOME TARGETS AND POVERTY OF RUBBER SMALLHOLDERS IN FOUR STATES OF MALAYSIA
Authors: Jamil Wee Siti Murni Wee , Singaravelloo Kuppusamy
Published: November 2021

Both rubber and oil have contributed significantly to Malaysia’s revenues and job creations especially for those in the rural areas. Malaysia now stands at third after Thailand and Indonesia in natural rubber production. However, the country’s natural rubber productivity began to decline since late 2011 and would probably deteriorate through 2016 as consumption growth weakens in China - the largest importer, curbing prices of the raw material used in everything from tyre to medical gloves and condoms. The declining rubber price has moved the smallholders who mostly live in rural areas into serious poverty. This has led the smallholders, who sustain latex production, to suffer and find alternative jobs to sustain. This has dampened the government’s intention to ensure smallholders earn at least RM2,500 per month by 2015 and further to RM4,000 by 2020. The key objectives of this paper are to determine the poverty level, whether this policy has been met, and the impact of the reducing price of the commodity on the smallholders’ spending patterns. The study finds a large proportion of this group fall into the hardcore poverty category, which deviates very much from the national poverty levels pronounced by the government. More needs to be done to assist this impoverished group.
METAL EXPOSURE IN RESPIRABLE & INHALABLE DUST BY THE LOCALITY OF COAL-FIRED POWER PLANT
Authors: Mohd Din Shamzani Affendy , Othman Rashidi , Nik Yahya Nik Nurul Hidayah
Published: November 2021

The surrounding area of the coal-fired power plant are mostly exposed to its chemical contents. The world has witnessed multicases relevant to mortality due to overexposure to coal materials. However, these factor have not been faced by the Malaysians. Still, it is significant to monitor and control the coal-fired power plant exposure. This research aims to identify the dominant metal within the radius of a coal-fired power plant combustion source point. The inhalable and respirable dust are being collected then analysed and calculated its Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL). Later, health impact knowledge is being synchronize withthe obtained data. Hence, built environment at the radius 5km, 10km, 15km and 20km were being observed as well as inhalable and respirable dust. The data was analysed using the ICPMS (Nexion 300x) to trace the concentrations of metals. The metals include Ba, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn. Generally, the results showed that the total of respirable towards inhalable dust ratio of metal concentration found at Manjung was 88.62%. The highest concentration found inIron was at 4.710 ng m-3 for respirable dust and Zinc for inhalable dust at 7.387 ng m-3; thus, claiming both Iron and Zinc as the dominant metals in Manjung. The pattern of metals concentration found in this research proven that the FGD and ESPs application in Manjung coal-fired power plant contributed in reducing the airborne particles emissions. However, the PEL calculations showed exceeding limits of metals found on site. Hence affecting the human respiratory, cardiovascular and nervous systems. Therefore, new research in developing the policy for the construction of the coal-fired power plant, especially within the radius of residential and public area are in significant need.
GEN Z’S ACTIVITIES AND NEEDS FOR URBAN RECREATIONAL PARKS
Authors: Ghani Nurfaezah , Mansor Mazlina , Zakariya Khalilah
Published: November 2021

A public recreational park for youth is important in promoting leisure activities for their health. Engagement with outdoor activity contributes to healthy growth development physically, mentally and socially. Youth prefers places that offer favourable facilities where they can express themselves with presence friends. The study focuses on Generation Z youth (Gen Z), who are born between the mid of the 1990s through the late 2000s. The study investigates Gen Z activities and needs of recreational parks in Kuala Lumpur. The study obtained 564 respondents who lived in five strategic zones in Kuala Lumpur. Their responses were statistically analyzed using the SPSS. Results showed that the Gen Z frequented recreational parks near their homes. Titiwangsa Lake Garden, KLCC Park and Kepong Metropolitan Park are among their place preference. A recreational park for them should have more natural attributes and meet their active lifestyle. The places encourage them to have an active engagement and positive socialization with others.
HISTORICAL URBAN FORM: A CASE STUDY OF MELAKA
Authors: Ibrahim Illyani , Abdullah Alias , Ibrahim Mansor , Murtaza Fatin Farhana
Published: November 2021

Understanding the urban form is crucial in determining the structure of a city in terms of physical and nonphysical aspects. The physical aspects include built-up areas that can be seen on the earth surface, and the nonphysical aspects include the shape, size, density, and configuration of settlements. The objectives of this study are to (i) analyse the elements of historical urban form that are suitable for the site and (ii) to study on the elements of urban form in Melaka. Content analysis was adopted to analyse the literature of urban form and Melaka. Results show that the following four elements of urban form are suitable to be used for historical urban form analysis: (i) streets, (ii) land use, (iii) buildings, and (iv) open space. The findings also indicate that the selected urban form has successfully delineated in the historical of Melaka as the selected urban elements can be specifically scrutinized with the content analysis. Further study will focus on the historical urban form within the Malay Peninsula.
HOMESTAY OPERATION UNDER THE PURVIEW OF THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM AND CULTURE OF MALAYSIA: THE CASE OF KELANTAN HOMESTAY OPERATORS
Authors: Bachok Syahriah , Hasbullah Hafizah , Ab Rahman Syakir Amir
Published: November 2021

This research outlines the selection, registration, operation and management of formal homestays under the purview of Ministry of Tourism and Culture of Malaysia. Using a case study of Kelantan, the research further elaborates on the inception of such concept in Malaysia, the process and procedures for establishment of homestay operation as well as the maintenance and upholding qualities of the current operational homestays. One of the largest contributing sectors to the Gross National Product in 2015, tourism offers great and various activities to tourists domestic and international alike. One such activities is agrotourism that provide opportunities for the visitors to stay and experience the life of an agriculture community in rural areas of Malaysia. Kelantan being one of the most remote areas in the Peninsula is still rich with natural resources and agricultural produce has the advantage of showcasing the unique attractions to various tourists’ types, especially those who were willing to stay overnight or more to properly enjoy and learn about realities of daily life of these selected communities. A gap in the literature identified that research on how these communities were selected to offer such activities while maintaining their identities are scantily available. Hence, this research aims at explaining the processes of registering of homestays and rooms for tourists stay and identifying improvement areas which can be targeted to increase the income receipts from this specialised yet diversified sector.
FACTORS INFLUENCING PARENTS IN SELECTING SCHOOL FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL EDUCATION NEEDS
Authors: Abdullah Muhammad Faris , Ahmad Shuhaimi Ainul Ashiqin , Mohamed Osman Mariana , Rabe Noor Suzilawati
Published: November 2021

Equal access to education is an essential element in achieving community wellbeing, hence it is crucial that the educational facilities to be equally accessible to children with special education needs. In Malaysia, one of the special education programme provided in mainstream public schools is the Program Pendidikan Khas Integrasi (PPKI). The programme is an effort towards inclusive education. The objective of this study includes: (i) to analyse the factors influencing the decision of parents in selecting school for their special children, and (ii) to assess the issues and problems faced by parents in selecting schools for their children with special needs. The study determines parents’ criteria in selecting school for their children with SEN among 134 parents of children in PPKI via questionnaire survey. Semi-structured interview was conducted among 12 teachers of PPKI, and the findings from the interview were used to validate the survey findings. Findings from these two methods were consolidated. Result shows that school selection for children with special needs are greatly associated with the school facility. The paper will benefit the local authority in planning for educational facility, as well as special needs children with regards to the educational facility for special education provision in a community.