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A descriptive study of the noise exposure among p-hailing riders in Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
Get PDFIntroduction: P-hailing delivery services in Malaysia have increased after the Covid-19 pandemic. National statistics show a high number of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss cases, urging closer attention to occupational noise exposure in this sector. This study focuses on noise exposure among p-hailing riders specifically among food delivery services in Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia, to better manage the noise risks in the gig economy. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with 30 p-hailing riders aged 20-49 years old around Kuantan areas. Each subject was interviewed using two questionnaires taken from the Industry Code of Practices from the Department of Occupational and Safety Health, Malaysia. One was for the identification of excessive noise at work, and the other was a questionnaire form administered before audiometric testing. Then, each of them underwent a hearing screening assessment, noise source measurement, and personal noise monitoring. Results: 73.3% of the p-hailing riders are exposed to excessive noise and personal noise monitoring revealed that 43.3% of p-hailing riders were exposed to excessive noise with an average of 88.7 dBA of LEX,8H, and noise dosage of 254.1% DoseTe. 61.5% of subjects with hearing loss have no previous history of working in a noisy environment, which could be the result of working as p-hailing riders. The noise emitted from the exhaust of the motorcycle was on average found to be 87.3 dB(A). Conclusion: This pilot study serves as a timely trigger for the stakeholders to mitigate the risks of noise-induced hearing loss while advocating hearing protection in this community
Challenges in antenatal diagnosis of conjoined twins in primary care setting: a case report
No full textConjoined twins (CT) represent a rare embryologic anomaly with anuncertain aetiology. Although uncommon, this condition is associated with a high perinatal mortality rate. Early detection during the first trimester is therefore crucial to enable timely intervention and referral to a tertiary care centre. First-trimester dating scans in primary care areessential not only for confirming viability and determining gestational age but also for identifying multiple pregnancies. However, anomalies in twin pregnancies-such as conjoined twins-may be overlooked during these early scans due to various challenges. This case report discusses the difficulties in detecting CT and explores factors that may contribute to missed diagnoses
Leading with values: scenario-based case studies
No full textIn today’s complex and evolving higher education landscape, leadership requires more than just technical skills—it calls for values-driven action, adaptability, and a deep understanding of personal and organisational dynamics. Leading with Values: Scenario-Based Case Studies, inspired by the human-centred approach outlined in Humanising Leadership: Transforming the Education Landscape, serves as a vital guide for selecting future leaders in Malaysian higher education institutions. It highlights the essential qualities and competencies needed to excel in leadership roles and underscores the pivotal role of ethical and inclusive leadership in addressing real-world challenges
Jamāl al-Dīn al-Afghānī: the founder of Muslim modern reformist thought
No full textThis article discusses the pan-Islamic reformist thought of Jamāl al-Dīn al-Afghānī. The article’s approach is three-thronged, focusing on the meaning of Islamic unity and its relationship with pan-Islamism as a Western rendition of the former; how al-Afghānī tried to take on Western challenges
methodically and scientifically, and sometimes even in the West’s own backyard; and how al-Afghānī’s ground-breaking ideological responses to the West necessitated a modernisation of the vocabulary of Islamic religious scholarship. The article concludes that al-Afghānī was an eminent political activist and scholar, and was a trailblazing modernist reformer. His influence was enormous. He was one of the pioneers of modernist movements in Islam that proliferated after his death. His tactic was neither reckless
imitation nor irresponsible denigration, with regard to anything within the sphere of either Western civilisation or Islamic tradition
A bibliometric analysis of ICU nurses' experiences and family interactions during death and dying insights from Islamic perspectives
No full textThis bibliometric analysis, utilizing 376 articles from Scopus (2005-2024) and employing VOSviewer and Biblioshiny, examines the experiences of Intensive Care Unit nurses and their interactions with families during end-of-life care within Islamic cultural and spiritual contexts. While scholarly interest in spirituality and family involvement in end-of-life care is increasing, research from Islamic-majority nations remains underrepresented. Findings reveal that ICU nurses frequently encounter significant emotional, ethical, and spiritual challenges when supporting dying patients and their families, often lacking adequate training in spiritual care practices and culturally sensitive communication, particularly within Islamic frameworks. The COVID-19 pandemic further amplified these challenges by disrupting established end-of-life practices. This study emphasizes the critical need for context-specific research within Islamic-majority settings and the integration of Islamic bioethics into nursing curricula. Such initiatives are essential to equip nurses with the necessary competencies to deliver holistic, culturally sensitive care, ultimately improving the experiences of patients, families, and healthcare providers alike
An exploratory study on the issuance of Sukuk Waqf in Malaysia
Get PDFOver recent years, Malaysia’s socio-economic landscape is marked by pressing challenges, including poverty, inequality, and the growing impacts of climate change, necessitating adequate funding to address these critical issues effectively. With government resources increasingly stretched thin, the adoption of alternative financial instruments that foster public-private-philanthropic partnerships has become imperative for bridging funding gaps to advance social and economic development.
Waqf, a traditional Islamic philanthropic arm, holds immense potential in this regard, but is often constrained by its reliance on immovable assets, such as land and buildings, which limit its scalability and adaptability. Unlocking the full potential of waqf calls for integrating it with modern Islamic capital market instruments, particularly sukuk. Such innovative synergy can pave the way for effective and sustainable funding mechanisms, enabling Malaysia to increase its economic resilience.
This report presents an exploratory study of sukuk waqf issuance in Malaysia, examining its conceptual foundations and proposing terms and structure tailored to align with Shariah principles while meeting the practical needs of both issuers and investors. The study also identifies key compliance and market challenges that could hinder the issuance and subscription of sukuk waqf, and offers policy recommendations to tackle these challenges, ensuring operational efficiency and market acceptance.
The report is structured as follows: Chapter 1 outlines the research objectives and the methods used to address them, including literature reviews, policy analysis, and focus group discussions with market experts and other stakeholders.
Chapter 2 discusses the revitalization of waqf through innovation in sukuk issuance, exploring how these financial instruments can reform waqf practices and scale up their impact. It begins with a review of the evolution of waqf practices, transitioning from traditional asset-based endowments to cash waqf, which offers greater flexibility in making contributions in the pursuit of societal well-being. While cash waqf holds significant potential for amplifying charitable giving, challenges such as poor governance and low public awareness hinder its full utilization. The chapter then shifts focus to sukuk as a key fundraising instrument in the Islamic capital market, highlighting its nature and alignment with Shariah principles. It emphasizes the integration of waqf into sukuk structures, leveraging Malaysia’s robust Islamic finance ecosystem. The incorporation of waqf into sukuk not only aligns with the maqasid or objectives of Shariah but also caters to the rising demand for socially responsible investments. Case studies, including the development of Zamzam Tower in Saudi Arabia and Indonesia’s cash waqf-linked sukuk program, illustrate the successful application of such integrations in mobilizing funds for high-impact projects.
Chapter 3 provides a comprehensive exploration of the concept and definition of sukuk waqf. Sukuk waqf is defined as certificates representing undivided shares in Shariah-compliant assets or investments, with an option given to investors to convert their principal, returns, or both into waqf during the sukuk’s tenure or upon maturity. Unlike traditional approaches that focus exclusively on developing physical waqf properties, the proposed concept allows the proceeds to be invested in broader Shariah-compliant assets. This flexibility enhances its appeal to a diverse investor base, ranging from profit-driven entities to philanthropists. Additionally, the chapter highlights the economic significance of sukuk waqf, including reducing fiscal reliance on government resources for public infrastructure, fostering financial inclusion by empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and meeting the needs of Malaysia’s ageing population.
Chapter 4 outlines a framework for the proposed sukuk waqf programme. It begins with an overview of the programme’s terms and conditions, emphasizing the key operational elements critical for its successful issuance. It then presents the proposed sukuk waqf structure, including its design and transaction flows, ensuring adherence to Shariah principles while meeting market expectations. Additionally, the chapter delineates the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders, specifying their contributions to the programme’s implementation. The chapter concludes by identifying the primary documents and deliverables required to ensure legal and regulatory compliance, streamline operations, and build investor confidence.
Chapter 5 delves into the operational, market-related, legal, and Shariah challenges associated with issuing sukuk waqf. It explores critical concerns such as the necessity of using a SPV as the issuer, the obligor’s ability to generate sufficient revenue, and the rating mechanisms for sukuk waqf. The chapter also discusses operational complexities associated with converting sukuk holdings into waqf. Market issues such as distribution methods, pricing structures, sukuk tenure, market liquidity and tradability, and investors’ appetite for social impact are evaluated, with tax incentives also addressed as a way to attract subscriptions. Legal concerns include whether sukuk waqf qualifies under existing laws, the ownership of waqf assets by private companies, as well as jurisdictional issues in determining trusteeship. Lastly, the chapter discusses Shariah compliance issues revolving around sukuk waqf issuance. These issues, among others, include, reconciling sukuk’s fixed tenure with waqf’s perpetual nature, the permissibility of temporary waqf, and the commingling of waqf and non-waqf investments.
Finally, Chapter 6 suggests key policy recommendations to support the effective issuance and implementation of sukuk waqf in Malaysia. It emphasizes the need for market guidelines tailored to sukuk waqf, standardized definitions, and amendments to waqf enactments to incorporate financial assets. Clear criteria for issuers, tax incentives, and streamlined mechanisms for converting sukuk into waqf are proposed to enhance clarity and attract investors. Governance measures include defining stakeholder roles, establishing oversight committees, and requiring periodic impact reporting, supported by independent validations to ensure accountability and transparency. Capacity building is highlighted through training programs for Majlis-Majlis Agama Islam Negeri (MAINs), collaborative research to innovate sukuk waqf models, and public awareness campaigns to showcase its social and financial benefits. Lastly, fostering partnerships between public and private entities is crucial, with recommendations to involve professional fund managers and enhance collaboration between MAINs and regulators, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and scalability of sukuk waqf initiatives
Ergodicity of replicator equation with historic behavior perturbation
No full textStable and historical behaviours are common in dynamical systems studied within evolutionary game theory. This motivates the analysis of replicator equations obtained as
convex combinations of two equations that display contrasting dynamical regimes. A
canonical example is the evolutionary dynamics of the Rock–Paper–Scissors (RPS)
game, whose payoff matrix generates a well-known replicator flow. Previous research
has demonstrated that, depending on the parameter λ ∈ [0, 1], a convex combination
of a regular replicator operator and a non-ergodic operator may inherit either regularity or non-ergodicity. The current study creates a simplified model that incorporates
higher-order interaction components and a unique subclass of replicator equations.
We demonstrate that the resulting system is strictly non-ergodic at λ = 1, yet displays
an increasing propensity toward ergodicity as λ approaches 1 from below. Although
the framework is presently restricted to a specialised family of models, it establishes
a tractable setting for future investigations into the interplay between higher-order
effects and ergodicity in evolutionary game dynamics
Effect of preservation techniques on the phytochemical profile, antioxidant activity, and glucose adsorption capacity of oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus)
Get PDFThe growing demand for foods with enhanced shelf life and nutritional value has driven the rapid expansion of processed food products, often outpacing natural alternatives. This study explores the effects of oven-drying, salt-drying, and freeze-drying on Pleurotus ostreatus (Oyster mushrooms) cultivated on oil palm frond substrates. Key parameters analysed include moisture content (MC) and protein content (PC), total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity, glucose adsorption capacity (GAC), and elemental composition. CHNS analysis confirmed the presence of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and sulphur in all substrates, while MC varied slightly (82–88.54 %) with substrate composition. Protein analysis revealed that freeze-dried samples had the highest PC, while SDS-PAGE profiling showed protein bands (35–75 kDa) in all samples except salt-treated ones, which were denatured. Over 60 days, oven-dried substrates maintained relatively high PC (∼4–5 mg/ml), whereas freeze-dried samples exhibited a significant decline. Salt-treated and oven-dried samples extracted with phosphate buffer consistently showed low PC. GAC increased with molar concentration, with oven-dried samples exhibiting the highest efficiency. Regarding antioxidant properties, salt-treated samples demonstrated increased free-radical scavenging activity after storage, while oven-dried and freeze-dried samples showed a decline. TPC decreased over time in all treatments, but oven-dried samples gradually increased, particularly in substrate III (87.5 %). These findings suggest that preservation methods effectively extend shelf life while maintaining bioactive compounds that may influence glucose absorption and the potential anti-diabetic properties of P. ostreatus. Further research should explore sensory attributes, toxicological safety, and in vivo molecular mechanisms
A simulation-based cost-effectiveness analysis of reflex DNA versus multi-sample adolescent screening for thalassaemia in east Malaysian schools
Get PDFSummary
This study compares the cost-effectiveness of two school-based thalassemia screening protocols—multi-sample (P1) and single-sample Reflex DNA (P2)—in Sabah and Sarawak using 2018 National Thalassemia Screening Programme (NTSP) data. Although P2 was 9–11% costlier upfront, it eliminated dropouts and improved carrier detection. Sabah, a high-prevalence state, demonstrated superior cost-effectiveness with P2 (RM379.95 per carrier detected) compared to Sarawak (RM821.85). Lifetime treatment cost savings for avoided births with thalassemia major were substantial. The findings support the phased implementation of P2, starting with high-prevalence states, to reduce the economic burden on Malaysia’s healthcare system.
Introduction
Thalassemia remains a significant public health concern in Malaysia, with an estimated lifetime treatment cost of RM2.66 million per transfusion-dependent patient. Since 2016, the Ministry of Health Malaysia has implemented the National Thalassemia Screening Programme (NTSP), targeting Form Four students through a school-based multi-sample approach (P1). However, the multi-stage workflow contributes to significant dropout rates. In 2018 alone, 2,950 students in Sabah and 2,836 in Sarawak discontinued the screening, resulting in missed carrier detection and a preventable disease burden.
To address this, an alternative strategy—single-sample Reflex DNA approach (P2)—was retrospectively modelled using 2018 data. This study aims to compare the cost-effectiveness of P1 and P2 in Sabah and Sarawak and evaluate the potential national impact of adopting P2.
Materials and Methods
A retrospective, simulation-based cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted using 2018 NTSP data involving 36,860 students from Sabah and 35,161 from Sarawak. Two protocols were compared, as shown in Table 1.
As P2 was not implemented in 2018, a hypothetical simulation was applied assuming full compliance, zero dropout, and equivalent diagnostic sensitivity. Direct medical costs from a provider perspective were included, with no discounting due to the single cohort studied.
The Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratio (ICER) was used to measure effectiveness, comparing the cost difference and dropout reduction between P2 and P1. ICER was calculated using the formula:
ICER = (Cost of P2 – Cost of P1) / (Dropouts averted by P2 – Dropouts averted by P1)
Cost per carrier detected and lifetime savings from prevented births were estimated using inter-carrier marriage rates of 2%, 4%, and 6% with a 25% inheritance risk. A sensitivity analysis benchmarked P2’s ICER against the WHO cost-effectiveness threshold (RM25,000–75,000). Crucially, nationwide scale-up would require real-world pilot studies to assess operational feasibility.
Results and Discussion
While P2 incurred higher upfront costs (Sabah: RM793,326; Sarawak: RM485,716) compared to P1, it proved cost-effective. The ICER per averted dropout was RM25.14 (Sabah) and RM22.19 (Sarawak), which is well below the WHO threshold, indicating excellent economic value.
The cost per carrier detected was also lower in Sabah (RM379.95) than in Sarawak (RM821.85), reflecting greater efficiency in high-prevalence settings. P2 eliminated all dropouts, compared to 2,950 in Sabah and 2,836 in Sarawak under P1, and increased diagnostic yield. Further analysis estimated 286 and 57 additional carriers detected, respectively—translating to a 12% increase in detection in Sabah and 5% in Sarawak. Fisher’s Exact Test confirmed the statistical significance of dropout elimination (p < 0.001).
Projected long-term savings were substantial. If the missed carriers under P1 entered inter-carrier marriages (2%–6%), the lifetime treatment cost potentially avoided ranged from RM3.8 million to RM11.4 million in Sabah, and RM758,000 to RM2.3 million in Sarawak. These estimates were based on Mendelian inheritance risk and inter-carrier marriage probabilities.
With each thalassemia major case costing RM2.66 million in lifetime treatment, the case for P2 is reinforced by both short-term diagnostic gains and long-term healthcare savings. Table 2 summarises the comparative performance of P1 and P2.
Conclusion
The P2 approach demonstrates superior cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency compared to the P1 strategy, particularly in high-prevalence states such as Sabah. While based on modelled projections using retrospective data, these findings justify phased implementation, preceded by pilot studies, to reduce thalassemia births and generate long-term savings across Malaysia’s healthcare system.
Acknowledgements
The authors thank the Ministry of Health Malaysia and International Medical University for access to data and research support
Changing the lanes to overtake: exploring China’s strategy of innovation
Get PDFThis article explores China's strategic approach to development, known as Lane-
Change Overtaking (Huandao Chaoche), which emphasizes innovation, differentiation,
and systemic coordination to bypass traditional development stages. Using a qualitative,
interpretive approach based on multiple case studies from key sectors—including electric
vehicles, artificial intelligence, and commercial drones—this study analyzes how China
has successfully circumvented conventional development paths through strategic
innovation and coordination. The research employs thematic content analysis of
secondary data drawn from scholarly literature, official policy documents, industry reports,
and credible news sources, guided by theories of latecomer advantage, disruptive
innovation, and ecosystem building. This strategy involves identifying new tracks and
building sufficient driving force to achieve leadership, as exemplified by China's success
in the electric vehicle industry and its surge in patent applications. The core principles of
Lane-Change Overtaking include aligning internal development needs with global trends,
breaking path dependence, fostering disruptive innovation, and building robust
ecosystems. The lessons derived from China's experiences offer valuable insights for
developing nations, particularly Muslim countries, seeking to accelerate progress and
enhance their global competitiveness through strategic adaptation of these principles to
their unique socio-economic contexts