Understanding What Influences Students’ Cleanliness Awareness in Colleges

In today’s world, cleanliness is more than just a habit; it is a critical aspect of our health, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Good hygiene practices can significantly reduce the risk of infection. With this in mind, a study was conducted to investigate the cleanliness awareness of UiTM Kota Bharu students. This research aimed to uncover the factors that influence students’ cleanliness awareness, taking into account gender, academic achievement, peer influence and environmental factors. Specifically, it sought to determine whether gender and academic performance have a significant influence on cleanliness awareness and to identify the most important influencing factors in this regard. A cross-sectional correlational design was employed, involving 301 participants. Various statistical tests, including independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA and multiple linear regression, were used to examine these objectives. The results of the study showed that gender and academic achievement did not show any significant difference in students’ cleanliness awareness. However, it was found that peer and environmental influence is an important factor that actively promotes cleanliness awareness. Notably, environmental influence had a more substantial impact compared to peer influence.This research sheds light on students’ social behaviour towards cleanliness and offers valuable insights for both academia and public health. Understanding the factors that influence students’ cleanliness awareness can help educational institutions and policy makers develop more effective strategies to promote hygiene and well-being. In future studies, expanding the scope to include additional influential factors and increasing the sample size could further enhance our understanding of this critical aspect of student life

https://ir.uitm.edu.my/id/eprint/72442/

UiTM Melati’s Lake Troopers: Mission to Preserve Reservoir Lake

From the beginning of October 2022 to the end of 2022, the Melati College Student Representative Committee for the 2022/2023 session at UiTM Shah Alam successfully organised the Melati’s Lake Troopers Programme at their own Melati College reservoir lake known as Tasik Takungan in Section 7, Shah Alam, Selangor. This programme was run on a regular and long-term basis thanks to the efforts of Ms Hawa Nadia binti Wahab, the Special Duties and Volunteers Exco, and Mr Shahar bin Ismail, the Programme Director and Advisor of Melati’s Lake Troopers. The programme could not be carried out without the significant participation of Melati Troopers volunteers from Melati College who volunteered to clean the reservoir. A total of 30 volunteers from the Melati Troopers and 4 members of the Melati College Student Representative Committee cleaned the lake every month. The main objective of this programme was to protect water resources by cleaning the lake, thus meeting Sustainable Development Goal No.6, “Clean Water and Sanitation”. It also aimed to protect the environment by collecting and recycling the rubbish that had accumulated around the lake. This is in line with Sustainable Development Goal No.15, “Life on Land”, to protect wildlife habitats and maintain the sustainability of ecosystems from disturbance by a neglected environment. The Melati’s Lake Troopers Programme has had a positive impact and has been well received by participants and the public, with a marked improvement in the cleanliness of the lake environment. Therefore, programmes like this are essential to ensure that students learn the importance of protecting water resources at a young age, as water is one of the most important sources of life. It also helps to preserve and restore the environment and prevent the extinction of animal habitats and threats to ecosystems

https://www.uitm.edu.my/index.php/en/latest-news/ 262-melati-s-lake-troopers-misi-memulihara-tasik-ta

Natural Plant-Based Coagulants: A Sustainable Solution for Cleaner Water

Coagulants play a vital role in ensuring the safety of our drinking water, with aluminium sulphate being a commonly used chemical coagulant. However, these chemical coagulants have a darker side, as they are not only harmful to the environment, but can also pose serious health risks, including cancer and neurological disorders. To address these concerns, our research focused on exploring the potential of natural, plant-based coagulants in water treatment to improve water quality. UiTM researchers specifically investigated the use of Moringa oleifera seeds and maize seeds as coagulants. The results were more than impressive: a 92% reduction in turbidity (when using a combination of Moringa oleifera and maize seeds), a 95% reduction in chemical oxygen demand (COD) with Moringa oleifera seeds, an 88% elimination of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) with Moringa oleifera seeds, a 12% reduction in ammonia nitrogen (Moringa Oleifera seed)and a 100% elimination of total suspended solids (TSS) with a mixture of Moringa oleifera and maize seeds in the effluent water sample. This breakthrough demonstrates that plant-based coagulants, specifically Moringa oleifera and maize seeds, have the potential to serve as a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical coagulants in water treatment. By harnessing the power of nature, we can not only improve water quality, but also contribute to a long-term, sustainable approach to water treatment that is in line with the SDG 6 goals of ensuring clean water and sanitation for all.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/348070191_ Efficiency_of_Natural_Plant-Based_Coagulants_for_Water_Treatment

Water Quality Assessment - River Trail Project of Pusat Asasi, UiTM Dengkil

Environmental sustainability is essential for the development of communities and countries. In support of the Sustainable Development Goals, a pilot project consisting of environmental appreciation development activities was organised with the participation of students and academics in the river tributary beside Pusat Asasi, UiTM Dengkil, that flows into the Langat River, Selangor. This preliminary project consists of a water quality assessment for the river trail project, which was conducted on site. The parameters of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), pH, temperature and ammonia-nitrogen were determined to assess the water quality index (WQI) of the treatment plant and the river adjacent to Pusat Asasi, UiTM Dengkil. Based on the results, the river was classified as polluted. Rehabilitation was considered to improve the water quality of the river. In addition, extensive wastewater treatment was required to improve the quality of the wastewater discharged into the river. The proposed works on the river trail project were later to be presented to the surrounding communities. At this stage, the Living Lab concept can teach sustainable management to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) students in conjunction with environmental engineering education. In this way, students are introduced to SDG No.6, i.e. clean water and sanitation for all.

https://ir.uitm.edu.my/id/eprint/49435/

UiTM’s Coastal Cleanup Initiative at Pantai Bagan Lalang: Promoting Environmental Awareness and Community Engagement

The community service “CLEARWATER, BEACH CLEAN UP” was organised by Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) as part of the course requirements of Operation Management in Construction (CMA493). A community service was held on a Saturday in collaboration with Majlis Perbandaran Sepang in Pantai Bagan Lalang, Selangor. Students from AP246 - BSc (Hons) Construction Management, EC220 - Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) Civil and EM220 - Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) Mechanical participated in this community service initiative. It supported the ideology of raising awareness among students to protect the environment, especially in coastal areas, to accelerate the transition to a greener future. Following the trash collection drive, the local community also participated in the drive. All the rubbish was collected and stacked in a designated area to prevent it from entering the sea. During the trash collection drive, a survey was also conducted among the residents of Bagan Lalang to find out how the public perceived the beach cleaning activities. According to the survey, about 80% of the 114 respondents agreed that frequent beach cleaning activities can help create a clean, happy and safe beach environment. 103 respondents agreed that the activities can raise public awareness on protecting and maintaining the beach environment. Bagan Lalang community was extremely satisfied with the outcome of this activity and would like to participate in similar activities in the future. This community service event was a success and well received by the local community.

https://news.uitm.edu.my/clearwater-beach-clean-up/

UiTM’s Clean Water Initiative: Transforming Lives in Kampung Kelewang and Advancing SDG 6

Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) is making an important contribution to SDG 6 by implementing an important project in the Royal Belum Perak region, specifically in the Orang Asli settlements of Kampung Kelewang. The project aims to address the pressing issue of limited access to safe drinking water in this remote area. Key contributions of the UiTM project to SDG 6 and the local community include water quality analyses to determine the Water Quality Index (WQI). The UiTM team will conduct a water quality analysis in Sungai Kelewang. Before implementing water treatment measures, it is crucial to understand the condition and classification of the river. A mini surface water treatment plant will then be built, using Slow Sand Filter (SSF) technology. This facility will provide clean and safe drinking water to the Orang Asli community in Kampung Kelewang, meeting their urgent need for clean water. The collaboration with the Negeri Perak Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) and the School of Chemical Engineering at UiTM is aimed at empowering the local Orang Asli community through education on the maintenance and operation of the treatment plant. Ensuring that 2-3 people in Kampung Kelewang know how to use the backwash stage is a crucial step to ensure the long-term viability of the project. The UiTM team is motivated by a strong sense of community service and a desire to make a positive difference in the lives of the Orang Asli in Kampung Kelewang. Their commitment exemplifies the values of empathy, self-improvement and the importance of acting for the common good. In summary, UiTM’s project in Royal Belum Perak supports SDG 6 by addressing the critical issue of access to clean water in a marginalised community. UiTM is making a significant contribution to achieving clean water and sanitation for all by conducting water analysis, building a treatment plant, empowering the community and collaborating with relevant organisations. This initiative not only meets a basic need, but also improves the quality of life and well-being of the Orang Asli in Kampung Kelewang and demonstrates the institution’s commitment to social responsibility and sustainable development.

https://mystarfishfoundation.org.my/projects-for-happiness/projects/3/treat-river-water-to-facilitat

Enhancing Community Groundwater Governance (CGG) model towards innovation via Good Governance Actors’ Partnership (GGAP)

Water or groundwater governance is essential for a modern state to secure and provide for its growing population, water functions and uses, which have greatly expanded from the traditional age (Saad & Harun, 2017; Conti & Gupta, 2016; Wahid & Hooi, 2015). Yet, there are still places without water supply coverage, especially in remote and rural area communities (Ahmed et al., 2014; See & Ma, 2018). Despite efforts to improve water supply and services through privatisation, the problem of water supply persists due to the remoteness and connectivity of localities (See & Ma, 2018). As a solution, remote and rural communities need a groundwater community as a source of drinking water that is governed by the community itself (Schweizer, 2013). Community governance is also referred to as community participation, engagement and decisionmaking in public matters (Totikidis et al., 2005). However, the main issue with community governance is the lack of community participation and the need for further clarification of the concept and its application (Adams & Zulu, 2015; Schweizer, 2013; Totikidis et al., 2005).

https://ir.uitm.edu.my/id/eprint/54346/

University Initiative on Rainwater Harvesting System

UiTM’s commitment to sustainability and responsible water management is exemplified by its Rainwater Harvesting System initiative, which was launched in 2015 and has since seen a significant expansion in both the number and type of rainwater harvesting tanks installed on campus. The university’s journey began with traditional rainwater harvesting tanks that filter and store rainwater for plant irrigation. These tanks are strategically located in the university’s nursery area. As part of our commitment to progress and sustainability, we have evolved the design and type of the tanks over the years. In particular, our initiative has expanded to include the installation of underground tanks in various key areas on campus, including SUKSIS, DATC, UGC and a sleeker version at the main entrance guardhouse. Currently, UiTM boasts a total of six functioning tanks. In our relentless pursuit of sustainability, UiTM will install two more rainwater harvesting tanks. These tanks will be placed next to the public toilets of the DATC and the SUKSIS building. The tanks have a capacity of 1200 litres and 400 gallons respectively, providing ample storage space for rainwater. This expansion of our rainwater harvesting infrastructure underlines our commitment to optimising the use of rainwater for cleaning, irrigation and domestic purposes. Our commitment to this initiative is in line with Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which advocates for clean water and sanitation. By managing and using stormwater resources responsibly, we are helping to conserve water, reduce our water bills and raise awareness of water conservation and sustainability in our university community. UiTM’s Rainwater Harvesting System not only exemplifies our commitment to sustainable water management, but also serves as a beacon for environmental responsibility and responsible use of resources. This initiative moves us forward on our path to a greener, more sustainable future while embodying the principles of SDG 6 at the heart of our university’s ethos.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/ 361673454_Intelligent_water_flow_monitoring_system_ based_on_internet_of_things_for_residential_pipeline

Revolutionising Water Monitoring in Malaysia: An IoT-Based Solution for Sustainable Water Supply

Malaysia faces a major challenge in ensuring sustainable water supply, especially in residential areas where conventional water meters do not provide advanced monitoring capabilities. Currently, expensive plumbing services are the only way to accurately detect internal water leaks, and manual checks are often inaccurate and time-consuming. Given the recent incidents of unexpectedly high water bills during the Movement Control Order (MCO), digital transformation in line with Industry Revolution 5.0 (IR 5.0) is of utmost importance. The main objectives of this project were to develop a smart system to monitor water flow using an Arduino microcontroller and set up a system capable of remotely monitoring water consumption patterns via the Internet of Things (IoT). This system can be seamlessly integrated into any pipeline where a water flow sensor continuously measures water parameters in real time. The collected data was transferred to the cloud and made available to homeowners via Blynk, a user-friendly mobile application that provides clear data visualisation. The ultimate goal of this project was to provide a wireless, mobile, costeffective and systematic solution that allows residents to autonomously monitor their water consumption, revolutionising the traditional manual monitoring process.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/ 361673454_Intelligent_water_flow_monitoring_system_ based_on_internet_of_things_for_residential_pipeline

UiTM Researcher Entrusted to Contribute to Water Sector Transformation (WST) 2040

Dr Jamil Tajam, a distinguished researcher from UiTM Perlis, has been appointed to a pivotal role as Advocacy Awareness Capacity Building (AACB) and Public Participatory Platforms Sub-Sector Subject Matter Expert under the prestigious Water Sector Transformation 2040 (WST 2040) project. This major initiative, spearheaded by the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) of the Prime Minister’s Department in collaboration with the Academy of Sciences Malaysia, is dedicated to developing a comprehensive national roadmap for water sector transformation. Driven by the vision of making water a robust economic sector, the WST 2040 project aims not only to create employment opportunities but also to drive advances in science, technology and innovation while making a significant contribution to our country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). At the heart of this endeavour is the recognition that the success of the WST 2040 Roadmap is highly dependent on public engagement. Dr Jamil Tajam’s role as an AACB subject matter expert is critical in shaping the roadmap. His expertise and dedication will help transform public perceptions, attitudes and behaviour towards our precious water resources and emphasise their critical role in providing clean and safe drinking water to all. The AACB and Public Participatory Platforms Sub-sector highlights the project’s commitment to ensuring that people’s collective efforts play a central role in transforming our water sector, as envisaged in the WST 2040 Roadmap

https://wst2040.my/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/1.-Communication-GuideBook.pdf