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EXPLORING THE DRIVERS OF COFFEE PRODUCTION IN MALAYSIA: A SHORT- AND LONG-TERM ANALYSIS
No full textCoffee demand in Malaysia has shown an increasing trend; however, domestic production remains relatively low and unstable. This study examines the short-term and long-term effects of selected macroeconomic variables on coffee production in Malaysia using secondary data from 1982 to 2023 and the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach. The results indicate that, in the long run, climate conditions (proxied by rainfall) and population growth are the main positive drivers of coffee production, reflecting the importance of favourable weather and growing domestic demand. In contrast, cultivated land area and cocoa prices are negatively associated with coffee production, suggesting land-use constraints and crop substitution effects. In the short run, government expenditure and rainfall exert positive influences on output, highlighting the role of policy support and climatic conditions during early adjustment periods. Lagged effects of past production, land use, cocoa prices, and government expenditure also contribute positively, indicating that historical decisions and investments continue to shape current production outcomes. However, adverse weather conditions in previous periods negatively affect yields, underscoring the vulnerability of coffee production to climatic extremes. Overall, the findings suggest that while targeted policy support can facilitate short-term production responses, the long-term sustainability and growth of Malaysia’s coffee sector depend primarily on climate resilience, efficient land use, and demand-driven factors. Strengthening adaptive capacity, improving productivity, and enhancing value-chain efficiency are therefore essential to improve competitiveness and support sustainable development of the coffee industry
THE IMPETUS OF NON-STATE ACTORS ON ELECTION MANAGEMENT IN NIGERIA: MYTH AND REALITY
No full textElections are the most accepted mechanisms for changing government within the most common and effective system of governance, known as democracy. Non-state actors are groups of entities that operate independently as autonomous bodies outside the government, which typically functions in democratic environments. Over time, non-state actors have expanded into different sectors of the economy where limited government intervention falls short or into areas that require accountability, transparency, the rule of law, and responsiveness to address economic, political, and social issues. The specific political issue, of which elections are a part, is the focus of this paper. Therefore, this research primarily aims to explore the influence of civil society on election management in Nigeria. The study uses a qualitative approach, collecting primary data through key informant interviews with staff from Yiaga, members of the Senate Committee on Election, members of the House of Representatives Committee on Election, INEC staff, experts, police officers, Nigeria Bar Association members, and journalists—all of whom constitute the study population. The research adopts the sampling method outlined by Hagaman and Wutich (2017), and the data analysis was conducted thematically. It was found that non-state actors have actively participated in the voting administration process in Nigeria. However, the paper recommends that professional ethics and standards of work be maintained by non-state actors working in collaboration with INEC staff, the electorate, security agencies, and other electoral stakeholders
UNDERSTANDING MALAYSIAN FISHERMEN’S READINESS TO PAY FOR PROTECTION AND INDEMNITY INSURANCE: A REVIEW OF MARITIME AND FISHERIES RISK MANAGEMENT
No full textDespite the vital role of insurance in safeguarding fishermen’s livelihoods, marine insurance, particularly fishing insurance has been largely overlooked in Malaysian research, with limited empirical studies examining its demand and significance. This review article adopted a structured review-based approach to examine fisheries and maritime insurance schemes in Malaysia and to identify key determinants influencing fishermen’s readiness to pay for Protection and Indemnity insurance, based on existing literature. The findings were as follows. First, maritime insurance in Malaysia follows a structured approach aligned with vessel size, cargo type and operational scope. Second, fisheries insurance programmes provided different coverage and benefits tailored to the diverse needs of fishing communities. A combined strategy may be required to ensure better protection for all fishermen. Lastly, Malaysian fishermen’s willingness to pay for P&I insurance is influenced by 5 key variables viz. insurance awareness, government intervention, financial considerations, risk perception and individual attitudes. This research may benefit policymakers, insurance companies and researchers seeking to strengthen risk management in the fisheries sector, particularly in maritime policy, rural development and sustainable livelihood planning
REGULATING THE PRINCIPLE OF GOOD FAITH IN INVESTOR-STATE ARBITRATION: MEANINGFUL REFORM OR REARRANGING DECKCHAIRS ON THE TITANIC?
No full textIn investor-state arbitration—the principal mechanism enabling foreign investors to bring claims against host-states—the principle of good faith functions as an omnipresent force, intricately woven into the fabric of its proceedings. Its influence permeates every aspect of the field: where the sovereignty of host-states and the conduct of foreign investors are examined, tribunals frequently invoke the principle to construe parties’ obligations, with findings of good or bad faith often determining the outcomes of disputes. Despite its integral role, the principle remains susceptible to inconsistent interpretation and uncertain application, reinforcing stakeholders’ concerns regarding the urgent need for reform. This article examines the necessity of regulating the application of the principle of good faith in investor-state arbitration and explores potential reforms toward that end. Employing a doctrinal methodology, it draws upon arbitral decisions, UNCITRAL discussions, and relevant literature. The findings reveal that the urgency of regulation is most apparent in contexts involving corruption, treaty shopping, the fair and equitable treatment standard, and the allocation of costs. To address these issues, the article proposes both principle-based reforms—such as adopting a coherent definition of good faith and incorporating it explicitly into bilateral investment treaties (BITs)—and structural reforms, including the adoption of a doctrine of precedent, the establishment of an appellate mechanism, a ban on double-hatting, and the introduction of clear rules on cost allocation. Ultimately, regulating the principle of good faith is vital to ensuring greater predictability, coherence, and legitimacy within the investor-state arbitration system
PEMBINAAN UJIAN DIAGNOSTIK KOGNITIF BERBENTUK DUA-PERINGKAT UNTUK MENGENAL PASTI MISKONSEPSI OPERASI MUDAH UNGKAPAN ALGEBRA (Development of a Two-Tier Cognitive Diagnostic Test to Identify Misconceptions of Basic Operations of Algebraic Expression)
No full textTujuan – Kajian ini bertujuan untuk membina instrumen Ujian Diagnostik Kognitif Operasi Mudah Ungkapan Algebra (UDKOMUA) berbentuk dua-peringkat (two-tier). Matlamatnya adalah untuk mengenal pasti miskonsepsi operasi mudah (+, ‒, ×, & ÷) ungkapan algebra dalam kalangan murid tingkatan satu.
Metodologi – Kajian kuantitatif ini menggunakan kaedah tinjauan. Peserta kajian melibatkan seramai 107 orang murid tingkatan satu di sebuah sekolah menengah di Pulau Pinang. Model CDA (Cognitive Diagnostic Assessment) diaplikasi dalam proses pembinaan instrumen UDKOMUA bersama dengan Item Response Theory (IRT). Instrumen UDKOMUA mengandungi 24 item aneka pilihan dua-peringkat menunjukkan kesahan kandungan yang tinggi. Data murid dikumpulkan dengan menggunakan ujian UDKOMUA yang berkaitan dengan latar belakang dan item aneka pilihan ungkapan algebra berdasarkan empat operasi mudah (+, −, ×, & ÷). Data dianalisis dengan menggunakan model Rasch, untuk menentukan kesahan dan kebolehpercayaan instrumen UDKOMUA.
Dapatan – Analisis model Rasch perisian Winsteps menunjukkan instrumen UDKOMUA mempunyai 23 item (95.8%) dan 21 item (87.5%) mencapai keperluan MNSQ infit dan outfit. Varians reja terpiawai (PCA) mencatat 60.8% dan nilai polariti item (PTMEA CORR) dalam lingkungan .41 hingga .73 berjaya membezakan kemampuan antara responden. Nilai ujian-t dalam DIF (Differential Item Functioning) dalam lingkungan −1.75 hingga +1.47 menunjukkan tidak berlakunya bias dan skala kadar yang digunakan agak bagus dengan kiraan pemerhatian (observed count) paling rendah 13 pemerhatian. Indeks kebolehpercayaan responden, item dan Cronbach Alpha (KR-20) masing-masing bernilai .88, .92, dan .95 telah membuktikan instrumen UDKOMUA yang dibina mempunyai kesahan dan kebolehpercayaan.
Signifikan – Instrumen UDKOMUA yang dibina dalam kajian ini dapat digunakan dan dimanfaatkan dalam kalangan guru matematik tingkatan satu.
ABSTRACT
Purpose – This study aims to develop a two-tier Cognitive Diagnostic Test Instrument for Basic Algebraic Expressions Operations (UDKOMUA). The purpose is to identify misconceptions related to the basic operations (+, ‒, ×, & ÷) of algebraic expressions among Form One students.
Methodology – This quantitative study employed a survey method. The study involved 107 Form One students from a secondary school in Penang state. The Cognitive Diagnostic Assessment (CDA) model was applied in the development process of the UDKOMUA instrument, along with Item Response Theory (IRT). The UDKOMUA instrument consists of 24 two-tier multiple-choice items, and has demonstrated high content validity. Student data were collected using the UDKOMUA test, which included background information and multiple-choice items on algebraic expressions based on the four basic operations (+, −, ×, & ÷). Data were analysed using the Rasch model to determine the validity and reliability of the UDKOMUA instrument.
Finding – Analysis using the Rasch model of Winsteps showed that 23 items (95.8%) and 21 items (87.5%) had fulfilled the requirements in MNSQ infit and outfit. The standardized residual variance (PCA) was 60.8% and the item polarity value (PTMEA CORR) was between .41 to .73, which successfully differentiated the ability of respondents. The result of t-test in DIF (Differential Item Functioning) was between −1.75 to +1.47, which means showing no bias, and the rate scale used was quite good with the lowest observed count of 13 observations. The reliability index of respondents, items, and Cronbach Alpha (KR-20) was .88, .92, and .95 respectively. This has confirmed that the UDKOMUA and the result of study are reliable and valid.
Significance – The UDKOMUA instrument built in this study can be used and utilized among Form One mathematics teachers.
Keywords: CDA (Cognitive Diagnostic Assessment), misconceptions, rasch, two-tier diagnostic test, algebraic expression, UDKOMUA instrument.
REGULATORY FRAMEWORKS AND FRANCHISE INDUSTRY SUSTAINABILITY: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF MALAYSIA AND GLOBAL BEST PRACTICES
No full textThe sustainability of the franchise industry is increasingly influenced by the quality and adaptability of regulatory frameworks that govern franchisor-franchisee relationships. In Malaysia, the Franchise Act 1998 provides a foundational legal structure; however, concerns remain regarding its enforcement effectiveness, alignment with international standards, and adaptability to modern franchise practices. This study aims to evaluate the strengths and limitations of Malaysia’s regulatory environment and benchmark it against global best practices from advanced franchise economies such as the United States, Australia, and the European Union. Using a qualitative comparative methodology, the research incorporates semi-structured interviews with policymakers and franchise stakeholders, complemented by document analysis of legal statutes and policy reports. Findings reveal that although Malaysia’s regulatory framework promotes transparency and registration compliance, it lacks enforceable penalties, structured dispute resolution mechanisms, and franchisee representation. In contrast, jurisdictions like the U.S. and Australia implement rigorous disclosure requirements, good-faith obligations, and tiered enforcement strategies that contribute to industry resilience and stakeholder trust (FTC, 2021; ACCC, 2020). The study identifies policy gaps such as ambiguous definitions, procedural delays, and limited use of digital compliance systems, all of which hinder operational efficiency and investor confidence. The study contributes theoretically by emphasizing the role of institutional quality in franchise performance (Alon et al., 2021; Yin & Luo, 2023), and practically by offering policy recommendations including digitalization, franchisee advocacy platforms, and regulatory reforms. These findings are relevant to policymakers, franchise operators, and scholars seeking to enhance the long-term sustainability of the franchise sector in emerging markets
Evaluation of a Gamified Self-care Application for University Students using the Wheel of Sukr Framework
No full textEffective self-care practices are important for university students’ well-being. However, many students struggle to sustain these practices due to low motivation with existing digital self-care tools. While gamification shows potential, its effectiveness is often limited by implementations that lack robust theoretical foundations or alignment with psychological and motivational theories. This study aims to utilise gamification to encourage university students to practice self-care. The study evaluates two versions of a self-care application prototype: Version A (without gamification) and Version B (with gamification), utilising the Wheel of Sukr framework. A pilot study was conducted to refine experimental procedures, followed by a main experiment with 20 undergraduate students. Data collection included pre-test forms, the User Engagement Scale-Short Form (UES-SF), the System Usability Scale (SUS), and qualitative feedback. Wilcoxon Signed-Rank tests showed significant differences favouring Version B (Z = -2.354, p = 0.019) for user engagement metrics, including focused attention, aesthetic appeal, and reward factors. Qualitative feedback indicates that students found gamification elements such as points, badges, and weather-based recommendations engaging, though some noted the added complexity as a usability challenge. The average SUS score for Version B was 80.63, indicating high usability. The findings suggest that adapting the Wheel of Sukr framework may provide a structured design approach for integrating gamification into student self-care applications, enhancing engagement while maintaining usability. This approach offers practical implications for the design of future theory-driven digital health interventions
Conditional Tabular Generative Adversarial Network-based Synthetic Data Generation for Model Generalisation Improvement
No full textAccessing extensive and varied datasets is essential for developing strong predictive models in data analytics. However, many real-world applications suffer from small and imbalanced datasets, leading to overfitting, poor generalisation, and low model performance. Traditional data augmentation techniques are often unsuitable for tabular data, as they fail to preserve complex feature relationships. To address this challenge, this study adapts the Conditional Tabular Generative Adversarial Network (CTGAN) for synthetic data generation. The proposed approach involves five phases: (1) Data Acquisition, 2) Data Preparation, (3) Model Training, (4) Synthetic Data Generation, and (5) Evaluation. Experimental results on three benchmark datasets show that the proposed work produced data that closely adheres to the statistical distribution of the original dataset, with Wasserstein Distance < 0.05 for numerical features and Jensen-Shannon Divergence < 0.08 for categorical features. Additionally, models trained on datasets including synthetic and real data achieved up to 15% improvement in classification accuracy compared to those trained on real and small datasets alone. Training on a combination of real and synthetic data for the minority class in large datasets significantly improves the F1-score, with gains of approximately 9–10%. This approach also yields a modest increase in overall accuracy (around 1.5%), suggesting enhanced model generalisation. These results indicate that the adapted CTGAN is a viable option for data augmentation, addressing problems with limited and imbalanced data for machine learning data training
A Novel Extension of the Rayleigh Distribution for Biomedical Data: Properties, Estimation and Performance
No full textThis study introduces a new compound distribution by combining the Rayleigh distribution with the sine type II Topp-Leone (STIITL) generator, resulting in the sine type II Topp-Leone Rayleigh (STIITLR) distribution. The proposed model incorporates a trigonometric function and an additional shape parameter, offering greater flexibility in modelling diverse data behaviours. Several statistical properties of the distribution are derived, including moments, the moment-generating function, hazard and survival functions, and entropy. To estimate the model parameters, four methods were employed: maximum likelihood, Anderson-Darling, Cramér-von Mises, and maximum product of spacings. A simulation study was conducted to evaluate the consistency and accuracy of these estimators. As sample sizes increased, the estimators showed improved performance, with reductions in bias and root-mean-square error. The STIITLR model was then applied to a biomedical dataset involving survival times of patients with acute myeloid leukaemia. Compared to competing distributions, the proposed model provided a superior fit. These findings demonstrate that the STIITLR distribution is a promising tool for modelling complex survival patterns in biomedical research, where flexibility and adaptability are essential
CUSTOMER RETENTION MODEL FOR REMITTANCE SERVICE PROVIDERS IN THAILAND: A PATH ANALYSIS APPROACH
No full textThe remittance industry is hindered by challenges in retaining customers, including high transfer fees, security risks, long wait times, and variable service quality. This research aims to develop a model of customer retention for remittance providers in Thailand and investigate the inter-relationships between service quality, trust, perceived value, customer satisfaction, retention, perceived risk, and customer switching intentions. A survey of 480 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who transferred money from Thailand to the Philippines was used to collect data through a purposive sampling methodology. PLS Path Modeling analysis was applied to determine the inter-relationships between variables. Service quality has a significant positive effect on trust, perceived value, and customer satisfaction. Customer satisfaction and trust are key determinants of retention and switching intention. Service quality has a direct positive effect on retention and switching intention via customer satisfaction and trust. Perceived risk moderates the effect of trust on retention but does not affect satisfaction or trust on switching intentions. To build retention, providers must offer high-quality services that meet customer needs. In addition, managing the perceived risks in relation to security and being transparent are also critical; high perceived risk can reduce the impact that satisfaction and trust have on customer retention. In addition, this study highlights the importance for the remittance industry to develop high-quality, personalization and transparency into their services and utilize digital payment infrastructures to provide OFWs with secure, cost-effective, and convenient ways to transfer funds, resulting in higher customer satisfaction and trust to ultimately enhance long-term loyalty