Physical inactivity in early pregnancy and the determinants in an urban city setting of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Background Physical inactivity in pregnancy has been associated with excessive gestational weight gain, hypertensive disorders, gestational diabetes mellitus and postpartum depression. Despite these risks, physical inactivity level remains high especially in higher income countries. The prevalence of physical inactivity among women in Malaysia aged ≥16 years was 28.2% in 2019 exceeding men by 6.1%. However, little is known regarding the subpopulation of pregnant women especially in Kuala Lumpur which is the most urbanized and highly populated city in Malaysia. Therefore, the aim of this study is to measure the physical inactivity prevalence among first trimester pregnant women in Kuala Lumpur and to identify its determining factors. Methods This was a cross-sectional study in which 339 first trimester pregnant women were sampled from 13 maternal and child health clinics located in all four parliament districts of Kuala Lumpur. Self-administered questionnaires which contained the Malay version of the pregnancy physical activity questionnaire (PPAQ) were used. Descriptive analysis was conducted to determine the physical inactivity prevalence followed by simple and multiple logistic regression to identify the determinants of physical inactivity with significant level of 5%. Results The prevalence of physical inactivity was 38.3%. The highest activity was seen in the household activity domain, despite only 24.8% of the respondents were housewives/unemployed. There was little to no participation observed in the vigorous intensity category. The determinants of physical inactivity were primigravida (aOR 3.54 95% CI 1.40, 8.97), education level (aOR 3.77 95% CI 1.35, 10.52) and body mass index (aOR 0.88 95% CI 0.80, 0.97) which explained 22.6% variation of physical inactivity in the final adjusted model. Conclusion The prevalence of physical inactivity among first trimester pregnant mothers in this study was 38.3%, and the highest activity was seen in the household category. Health education on physical activity in pregnancy should be focused on those who are primigravida and have no tertiary education. The educational content should be updated and tailored to current pandemic situation where self-isolation is the new norm, by advocating for home-based, moderate to vigorous intensity physical activities.

Tourists’ real-time destination image of Kuala Lumpur

Purpose This paper aims to capture real-time images of tourists during their visitation. This effort is to clarify a debate among scholars that there is a lack of current effort to genuinely represent an accurate image of the tourist experience during their visit. Previous studies on destination image focused on measuring and successfully capturing the tourists' perceived image using the perspective of “before and after” visitation. Design/methodology/approach The paper applies volunteer-employed photography and questionnaire methods to capture real-time tourist images. The paper was conducted in Kuala Lumpur, involving 384 international tourists. The data are analysed by supplemental photo analysis, was categorised into manifest and latent content. Findings The paper provides empirical insights into the changes in tourists' image when visiting an urban destination. The insights suggest that a city's image during visitation continuously changes based on the tourists' movement and preferences. Practical implications The findings of this paper are critical in assisting tourism agencies and authorities in portraying an accurate image to achieve greater tourism satisfaction. Originality/value This paper contributes to the interpretation and portrayal of the real-time image of Kuala Lumpur based on the manifest and latent content of the photos taken.

Desired support system to eradicate urban homelessness: an exploratory descriptive study

Background - The new increasing homeless lately consist of women, children, youth, the elderly and marginalized ethnic or migrant groups. Some of them are working and earn salaries, however, the income is not sufficient to live modestly. Purpose – The purpose of this research is to establish a desired support system to eradicate urban homelessness in the country. Design/methodology/approach – This is an exploratory descriptive method study which employed quantitative techniques. The study employed a social ecological model to investigate behavior of homeless via multiple levels of influences including intrapersonal, interpersonal, organizational, community and public policy. Surveys have been conducted on sixty-five homeless individuals. Findings – It was found that support systems and structures should be derived from the whole streams from families, communities, organizations and government. Employment opportunities, long-term shelters within the community places and highly demanded skills are needed to improve their living condition. Research limitations – This study is only focused on the socio-economic structures of the homeless in a capital city. Originality/value – This is an empirical research using a social ecological model for the homeless in the Kuala Lumpur area. Research on homeless study has received little attention and has yet to be fully explored.

UNTANGLING THE NEEDS OF REFUGEES IN MALAYSIA: THE WAY FORWARD

Background and Purpose: NGOs have become the most vital actors in meeting refugees’ needs in Malaysia; alas, most of these concerns cover basic needs such as food, health care, and education. In this regard, this study investigates other forms of NGOs assistance that ought to be provided to Malaysia's refugee communities to enhance living standards. Methodology: This study employs a qualitative approach consisting of semi-structured interviews with Somalian, Rohingya, Pakistani and Syrian refugees. Data were collected during observation trips in Penang, Kedah, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, and Johor to comprehensively understand these diasporic communities, notably regarding the challenges refugees face in Malaysia. Findings: The data indicated that refugee communities are significantly in need of proper and accessible channels through which they might share their grievances, temporary shelters, mental health care, and language classes. The team concluded that these forms of assistance ought to be made available to all refugee communities in Malaysia. Without such forms of assistance from NGOs, refugees' lived realities are made invariably more difficult; this is in addition to their vulnerability to forces that threaten their security. Contributions: This paper provides insights into the needs of refugees in Malaysia based on interviews and observations conducted with them. Based on the findings, this research provides recommendations to NGOs to ameliorate life necessities for refugee communities. Keywords: Humanitarian assistance, Malaysia, NGOs, refugees, UNHCR. Cite as: Nazri, A. S., Talib@Khalid, K. A., Sulaiman, N., & Gidah, M. E. (2022). Untangling the needs of refugees in Malaysia: The way forward. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 7(1), 196-220. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol7iss1pp196-220

Kuala Lumpur train collision during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background Two city trains collided in an underground tunnel on 24 May 2021 at the height of COVID-19 pandemic near the Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, immediately after the evening rush hours. We aim to evaluate the management of this mass casualty incident highlighting the lessons learned to be used in preparedness for similar incidents that may occur in other major cities worldwide. Methods Information regarding incident site and hospital management response were analysed. Data on demography, triaging, injuries and hospital management of patients were collected according to a designed protocol. Challenges, difficulties and their solutions were reported. Results The train's emergency response team (ERT) has shut down train movements towards the incident site. Red zone (in the tunnel), yellow zone (the station platform) and green zone (outside the station entrance) were established. The fire and rescue team arrived and assisted the ERT in the red zone. Incident command system was established at the site. Medical base station was established at the yellow zone. Two hundred and fourteen passengers were in the trains. Sixty-four of them were injured. They had a median (range) ISS of 2 (1–43), and all were sent to Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL). Six (9.4%) patients were clinically triaged as red (critical), 19 (29.7%) as yellow (semi-critical) and 39 (60.9%) as green (non-critical). HKL's disaster plan was activated. All patients underwent temperature and epidemiology link assessment. Seven (10.9%) patients were admitted to the hospital (3 to the ICU, 3 to the ward and 1 to a private hospital as requested by the patient), while the rest 56 (87.5%) were discharged home. Six (9.4%) needed surgery. The COVID-19 tests were conducted on seven patients (10.9%) and were negative. There were no deaths. Conclusions The mass casualty incident was handled properly because of a clear standard operating procedure, smooth coordination between multi-agencies and the hospitals, presence of a 'binary' system for 'COVID-risk' and 'non-COVID-risk' areas, and the modifications of the existing disaster plan. Preparedness for MCIs is essential during pandemics.

Penggunaan Bahan Bantu Mengajar Guru Pendidikan Khas dalam Meningkatkan Kemahiran Matematik Operasi Darab

Kajian ini dijalankan bagi melihat penggunaan bahan bantu mengajar guru pendidikan khas pembelajaran dalam meningkatkan kemahiran matematik operasi darab. Kajian ini juga bertujuan untuk meneroka amalan guru Pendidikan Khas pembelajaran dalam penggunaan bahan bantu mengajar, jenis-jenis bahan bantu mengajar bagi meningkat kemahiran matematik operasi darab. Kajian ini menggunakan kajian kes yang terdiri daripada 5 orang guru Pendidikan khas pembelajaran yang mengajar mata pelajaran matematik dari beberapa buah sekolah di daerah Pudu, Kuala Lumpur. Kajian ini menggunakan dua instrumen kajian yang terdiri daripada temu bual dan analisis dokumen. Bagi menilai kesahan dan kebolehpercayaan, triangulasi data digunakan bagi mengukuhkan data kajian yang diperolehi agar ia tidak boleh diragui ketepatan dan keteguhan data yang diperolehi. Hasil daripada dapatan kajian menunjukkan bahawa amalan guru dalam penggunaan bahan bantu mengajar mempengaruhi peningkatan dalam kemahiran matematik operasi darab. Amalan guru dalam kesediaan sebelum bermulanya sesi PdPc, BBM sebagai pemudah cara, mengenal pasti tahap penguasaan serta jenis BBM yang digunakan merupakan faktor yang mampu meningkatkan kemahiran matematik operasi darab bagi murid-murid khususnya MBK pembelajaran. Penggunaan bahan bantu mengajar yang menarik dan kreatif dapat menarik minat MBK pembelajaran dalam menguasai mata pelajaran matematik terutama dalam operasi darab.

Kesan Modul Terapi Rasional Emotif Tingkah Laku (REBT) Terhadap Sistem Kepercayaan dan Estim Kendiri dalam kalangan Pelatih di Sekolah Tunas Bakti

Kepercayaan tidak rasional merupakan kepercayaan yang bersifat rigid dan terlalu ekstrem, tidak logik, tidak konsisten dengan dunia realiti, tidak boleh dibuktikan secara empirikal serta boleh menghalang seseorang individu ke arah pencapaian matlamat. Estim kendiri pula ialah proses perkembangan yang dialami oleh seseorang individu yang akan membawa kepada perubahan daripada orientasi luaran kepada penilaian dalaman. Oleh itu, kajian ini bertujuan untuk mengenal pasti keberkesanan modul terapi Rasional Emotif Tingkah Laku (REBT) terhadap sistem kepercayaan dan estim kendiri dalam kalangan remaja. Sampel dalam kajian ini merupakan pelatih-pelatih dari Sekolah Tunas Bakti Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur. Seramai 100 orang pelatih-pelatih yang terdiri daripada mereka yang berumur 15 hingga 20 tahun. Kesemua responden dipilih menggunakan persampelan rawak mudah dan dibahagikan kepada dua kumpulan iaitu kumpulan rawatan (n=50) yang menerima terapi menggunakan modul REBT dan kumpulan kawalan (n=50) yang menerima terapi tanpa modul REBT. Analisis MANCOVA dijalankan digunakan bagi mengenal pasti perbezaan yang signifikan terhadap skor min kepercayaan tidak rasional dan estem kendiri antara dua kumpulan berkenaan. Berdasarkan hasil kajian yang diperoleh dapat dirumuskan bahawa terapi REBT berkesan diaplikasikan terhadap pelatih-pelatih di Sekolah Tunas Bakti.

FLOW INDUCED VIBRATION IN SQUARE CYLINDER OF VARIOUS ANGLES OF ATTACK

An experimental study was carried out to identify the effect of angle of attack on flow-induced vibration (FIV) of square cylinders. The experiment was conducted at the Aeronautical and Wind Engineering Laboratory (AEROLAB), UTM Kuala Lumpur using a wind tunnel that was free from external wind conditions. A supporting structure was designed and fabricated to conduct this experiment. The importance of this support structure was to enable the rigid cylinder to suspend and vibrate freely upon excitation of wind speed. The results were analysed through the response of amplitude and frequency of the rigid cylinder over a velocity range of 0.5m/s to 4.0m/s. The results showed that for a square cylinder of ?=0°, vortex-induced vibration (VIV) occurred at low reduced velocity (UR) in range of 5 ? UR ? 10 and galloping occurred at higher reduced velocity which started at UR=15. A tranquil zone was found between VIV and galloping in the reduced velocity range of 10 ? UR ? 15. As for ?=22.5° and 45°, only VIV response was found at low reduced velocity in range of 4? UR ? 9. ABSTRAK: Satu kajian eksperimentasi telah dilakukan bagi mengenal pasti pengaruh sudut serangan oleh getaran cetusan-aliran (FIV) dalam silinder persegi. Eksperimen ini dijalankan di Makmal Kejuruteraan Aeronautika dan Angin (AEROLAB), UTM Kuala Lumpur dengan menggunakan terowong angin yang bebas dari pengaruh angin luar. Struktur sokongan telah direka dan difabrikasi bagi tujuan eksperimen ini. Ini penting bagi membolehkan silinder pegun tergantung dan bergetar dengan bebas semasa ujian kelajuan angin. Dapatan kajian dianalisis melalui tindak balas amplitud dan frekuensi silinder pegun pada kadar halaju 0.5m/s sehingga 4.0m/s. Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahawa bagi silinder persegi ? = 0 °, getaran pengaruh-vorteks (VIV) berlaku pada halaju rendah (UR) dalam julat 5 ? UR ? 10 dan getaran lebih teruk telah ketara berlaku pada kadar halaju berkurang iaitu bermula pada UR = 15. Zon tenang dijumpai antara VIV dan getaran teruk pada kadar halaju berkurang 10 ? UR ? 15. Adapun pada ? = 22.5° dan 45°, hanya tindak balas VIV dijumpai pada halaju rendah dalam kadar 4? UR ? 9.

Relationship Between Peer Attachment and Adolescent Positive Well-Being with Gender as the Moderating Factor in Malaysia

Identifying protective factors that could influence the positive well-being of adolescents is important as positive development view emphasizes the possibility of adolescents developing positive traits based on their strengths, positive qualities, and supportive environments. This study examines the relationship between peer attachment with positive adolescent well-being and the role of gender as a moderator for links between peer attachment with positive adolescent well-being. A total of 400 7th Grade students from government schools in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur and state of Selangor were involved in this study. Adolescent positive well-being and peer attachment were measured using the Positive Youth Development Scale and Inventory of Peer and Parent Attachment. The results show that peer attachment was predictor of adolescent positive well-being. The study also found that gender moderated the relationship between peer attachment and adolescent positive well-being. This study provides information on factors that can help the positive development of adolescents. Identifying these factors will provide insight on events or experiences that will increase the occurrence of positive outcomes and reduce the likelihood of negative outcomes.

Student Character Building and Behaviour Through Islamic Value-Based Teaching

This chapter used qualitative methods to collect data on the influence of Islamic values in teaching in building student character in Malaysia schools. The population consisted of different schoolteachers from Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. Online interview was used to explore those teachers' perceptions on the inculcation of Islamic values in teaching on student character building. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. From the reports, inculcation of Islamic values was found to help in building students' good character, but to make it happen, teachers are seen as role players and models. Additionally, environment, parents, and peer support also played big roles in the inculcation of Islamic values in students. Media is reported to be used wisely to help children such as showing children the programs that promote Islam and its beauties. As an implication and conclusion, for schools to have good organizational behaviour, Islamic values must be inculcated in teaching to impact positively student behaviour and attitude while becoming good persons with Islamic adab and akhlaq.