A Study on Learning Difficulties Faced by UITM Pahang Students during MCO

The enforcement of the Movement Control Order (MCO) by the Malaysian government due to the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted sectors such as the economy and society. The MCO enforcement led to Malaysians spending most of their time staying at home and some losing their source of income. The education landscape has also changed dramatically with the phenomenal rise of virtual classes from home. At the time, learning and teaching processes were carried out remotely and on digital platforms to curb the spreading of the virus which affected the learning process from home for many Malaysian students. In response, a study was conducted to investigate the challenges of home learning during the MCO among the Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Pahang Branch students. The study employed online survey questionnaires distributed to 213 students where it was found that most male and female students were not well prepared for home learning during the MCO. In addition, a significant majority agreed that home learning is more stressful than the physical classes on campus. Furthermore, Social Sciences and Science and Technology students claimed that the workload given was much more significant during online classes. The study concludes that the most associated challenges of home learning faced by the students during MCO are the abundance of workload and loss of interest in the subject.

https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1742-6596/1988/1/012052/meta

Evaluating the Most Popular Mineral Water Brands among UiTM Arau, Perlis Students and their Health Benefits

Declining groundwater quality in Malaysia has led to a growing reliance on bottled water for drinking. Bottled water contains various minerals, each offering unique health benefits such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iron. The mineral composition of bottled water varies based on its source. In Malaysia and globally, bottled water has become the primary drinking water source. A study was conducted to assess the preferred mineral water brands available at UiTM Arau, Perlis, focusing on advantages and mineral content. Utilising the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP), Spritzer, Bleu, and Ice Mountain were evaluated based on criteria like price, availability, taste, water source, and packaging. The study revealed Spritzer, with a weight of 0.439 as the preferred choice. Overall, the study provides information to consumers and marketers on potentially influencing behaviour, improving marketing strategies, and aligning bottled water production with Malaysian preferences and environmental concerns.

https://jcrinn.com/index.php/jcrinn/article/view/143

Assessing the Level of Understanding of SDGs among University Students

The United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have identified the youth as stakeholders. Their understanding of the triple bottom line of sustainability (economic, social, and environmental) is required for SDG achievement. A study was undertaken to investigate the level of SDG knowledge among university students. It was discovered that students at Universiti Teknologi MARA have a moderate understanding of the SDGs and should pay special attention to the SDGs related to the environment. It was also found that students were introduced to SDGs by their educational institutions and various media platforms. The findings are applicable to SDG-related policymaking and add to the existing body of knowledge.

https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/1322/ 247cfc7f6120f0035b094ec2691a8cce318a.pdf

Investigating the Impact of Mangroves on Biodiversity and Phytoplankton Production in Malaysia Using Remote Sensing and GIS

Mangroves serve as crucial ecosystems, providing shelter, sustenance, and protection for juvenile fish and various species. They play pivotal roles in biodiversity and energy production, with phytoplankton serving as primary producers. Mature mangroves, in particular, help manage algae and nutrient levels. While remote sensing and GIS have been utilised to classify mangrove age and monitor phytoplankton, their adoption for this purpose remains limited, especially in Malaysia. A study was then carried out to address this gap by i) identifying suitable techniques to extract mangrove attributes (age and canopy) from satellite imagery, and ii) establishing the relationship between mangrove age and phytoplankton production. Using Sentinel 2A data with a 10m resolution, an object-based method is employed to assess the impact of mangrove age on plankton production at Tuba Island. The study sought to propose a robust method for delineating mangrove attributes and develop an algorithm based on the link between mangrove age and phytoplankton. This algorithm can subsequently assist the Department of Fisheries Malaysia and agrotourism efforts by providing essential scientific data to preserve the mangrove ecosystem and boost the fisheries industry in the region.

https://www.scribd.com/document/493864664/2016338389-mohamad-Amirul-Afif-Bin-Abdul-Majid-gis

Improving Water Supply Complaint Management Using a Web-based Solution

Access to clean water is a necessity for every community. Disruptions in water supply can have adverse consequences on both the local economy and public health. Currently, there are various channels for residents to lodge complaints with their local water supply authorities. However, the inefficient handling of these complaints often results in delayed responses and dissatisfaction among users. The research endeavours to address this issue by designing and developing a webbased Water Supply Complaint Management System. The system empowers users to easily file complaints related to water supply problems while also enabling local authorities and water supply companies to efficiently manage and respond to these issues. The proposed system underwent rigorous testing, including user acceptance testing, after undergoing multiple functional assessments. Following the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and adopting the waterfall model as the methodology, the system was evaluated by 30 respondents in Sibu, Sarawak. Respondents provided feedback across four categories: user interface satisfaction, ease of use, usability, and functionality. Results were overwhelmingly positive, indicating strong user satisfaction with the system’s overall functionality. It is hoped that the system will prove beneficial to all users, especially individuals who frequently encounter water supply-related challenges in their communities.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/364984765_ Development_of_a_Web-based_Water_Supply_Complaint

The Impact of Ocean Acidification and Variability in Carbonate Chemistry on the Coral Reef Ecosystem in the Northern Straits of Malacca

Ocean acidification (OA) will affect the health and resilience of coral reef ecosystems and give implications to organisms that rely on optimised carbonate chemistry regimes for their survival, especially in coral reef ecosystems. These ecosystems are important because they support food security, tourism, and ecosystem services. The occurrence of OA is likely to increase in frequency and worsen in magnitude over the next decades. At present, there has been a weak understanding of the state of ocean acidification and carbonate chemistry at the Northern Straits of Malacca (NSOM). Studies on the state of OA in coral reef ecosystems are relatively new in Malaysian waters. An integrated research approach is required to investigate the change in pH and its subsequent impacts on carbonate rich ecosystems. In this research, the investigation of the current OA level is done by measuring the Total Alkalinity, pH value and physicochemical parameters of seawater. The determination of the changes in carbonate biomass, growth, and recruitment of dominant carbonate species in coral reef ecosystems will be used in the Calcification Accretion Units and Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structure. A profile of the carbonate systems with a particular emphasis on the coral reef ecosystems will help us understand how this ecosystem is impacted by OA. This research is fundamentally important before the establishment of a prototype of the OA database that can be used for monitoring and developing strategic plans and help the national aspiration for SDG14 (Life Below Water).

The Community-based Tourism : Underwater Sculpture Programme, Langkawi Island, Kedah

The Community Based Tourism : Underwater Sculpture Programme, Langkawi Island, Kedah is one of the National Art Gallery’s strategies aimed at raising the uniqueness of the potential of a new visual art tourism location. In addition, it establishes Malaysia as a pioneer of Underwater sculpture in Southeast Asia. The programme seeks to foster fondness for sculpture art and raise awareness about marine ecology conservation, contributing to the local community’s socio-economic well-being. Furthermore, the Underwater Sculpture is poised to become a fresh attraction in Langkawi. Organised by the National Art Gallery, the programme is a collaborative effort involving various entities including the Marine Research Station (MARES) UiTM Perlis Branch, led by Dr Jamil Tajam, as the Underwater technical coordinator. Also involved are the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, Malaysian Fisheries Department, Langkawi District Land Office, Langkawi Marine Police., and Dive Buddy Malaysia. A group of nine accomplished artists were chosen to participate, resulting in a total of 14 Underwater sculptures being situated on Pulau Pasir. In essence, the programme endeavours to herald a new era in the tourism sector, aiming to become a prominent symbol of environmental and cultural consciousness. This initiative encourages artists to convey their ideas and expertise towards marine life preservation, creating purpose-driven works of art. Furthermore, it emphasises the need for collaboration between local communities, fostering the concept of citizen science to monitor the environment’s habitat structure and health. Overall, this innovative approach plays a pivotal role in addressing complex issues and challenges, while also maintaining a balance between community needs and the ecosystem services provided.

Cultivating High-Value Caulerpa Sp. Project: A New Livelihood Option for Small-Scale Langkawi Fishing Communities

Caulerpa lentillifera, commonly known as ‘laktut’ or ‘latok’ in Malaysia, is a type of seaweed indigenous to the Indo-Pacific region. This particular seaweed is garnering attention for its unique flavor and impressive nutritional profile, making it a potential candidate for commercialisation. Recognising its potential, a team of marine technology researchers from the Faculty of Applied Sciences at UiTM Perlis Branch joined forces with the Kedah State Fisheries Department to initiate a ‘laktut’ cultivation project. This project was carried out in collaboration with the fishing community of Kampung Kubang Badak, Langkawi Island, employing an inland culture-based tank system. Commencing in June 2020, this programme has successfully trained six local residents the process of algae breeding, equipping them with the skills needed to preserve and nurture ‘laktut’. This initiative indirectly opens up a new source of income for the fishing community, especially for the families whose livelihoods were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, with the guidance of the researchers, the local community secured a cultivation site development grant worth RM50,000.00 from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industries. The success of the project is a testament of the dedication of both the researchers and the local community, and it is hoped that this project will continue, particularly in aiding Malaysia’s progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to poverty reduction (SDG 1), food security (SDG 2), and marine life conservation (SDG 14).

https://qs-gen.com/uitm-supports-sdgs-by-sustaining-fishing-community-through-knowledge-transfer/

The Importance of Mangroves for the Development of Tourism

Yarina Ahmad and Mohd Nazip Suratman from UiTM shared their knowledge in the book Mangrove: Ecology, Biodiversity, and Management, contributing a chapter on the importance of mangroves for development of sustainable tourism. Mangrove and its ecosystem have contributed significantly to the environment, community, and economy. Mangrove forests have become a tourist attraction for decades, and the demand for nature-based tourism of mangrove forests is increasing throughout the world. Unsustainable mangrove tourism efforts may lead to many drawbacks, which include forest loss, depletion of natural resources, and also an increase of pollution in mangrove forests and their surroundings. While aiming to maximise the economic earnings from mangrove tourism, it should be balanced with mangrove ecosystem conservation efforts to ensure sustainable tourism development. This situation can be realised through implementing effective strategies, including continuous conservation and restoration efforts of mangroves; enhancing the policies and legislation on the use and management of mangroves; enhancing infrastructure and facilities, efficient use of resources through sound technologies, and encouraging community participation and engagement. Balancing the economic activities of mangrove tourism while maintaining mangrove forests through preservation, conservation, and restoration is the key to success in achieving a sustainable tourism development.

https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-981-16-2494-0_17

Aligning the Malaysian Blue Economy with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a Qualitative Analysis

Coasts and oceans offer a wide array of services that directly and indirectly contribute to global economic activity and growth. The concept of a blue economy, championed by international organisations such as the United Nations, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and several East Asian economies, promotes sustainable development in coastal and oceanic regions. While a significant portion of research on the blue economy has emphasised its conception and underscored the importance of ocean ecosystem services and governance, there remains a notable gap in research concerning the Malaysian context of the blue economy and its alignment with the country’s pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This qualitative study adopts a content analysis approach for data collection, with the analysis presented in a descriptive manner. The findings revealed that the Malaysian blue economy concept aligns with six specific SDGs: No Poverty (Goal 1), Zero Hunger (Goal 2), Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (Goal 9), Life Below Water (Goal 14), Climate Change (Goal 15), and Partnership for the Goals (Goal 17). This research contributes to the existing body of literature by delving into the Malaysian perspective of the blue economy. This conceptual paper is poised to aid policymakers in identifying the key drivers behind the expansion of Malaysia’s blue economy initiatives, thereby enabling more focused policy interventions.

https://shorturl.at/hISY0

Promoting Sustainability at UiTM Perak Branch through Green Campus Initiatives

Green initiatives have gained global prominence, prompting universities in Malaysia to prioritise environmental sustainability. UiTM Perak Branch has responded to this and taken proactive steps in achieving a green campus status. This study outlines three primary research objectives: (1) identifying strategies for promoting green campus practices at UiTM Perak, (2) determining challenges faced in implementing green initiatives at the university, and (3) recommending solutions to overcome the challenges. Employing a qualitative approach, the study utilised semi-structured interviews with members of the Green Campus Committee, and the data was subjected to content analysis. The research unveiled that, despite the implementation of several green initiatives by UiTM Perak Branch, challenges persist, with financial constraints, awareness issues, and knowledge gaps being prominent among them. In response, the management of the university has devised a set of actions to address these obstacles. In conclusion, the green campus initiative holds the potential to yield substantial benefits for fostering a sustainable environment at UiTM Perak Branch. Its success, however, relies on comprehensive support and engagement from all stakeholders.

https://mail.planningmalaysia.org/index.php/pmj/article/view/952