THE ROLE OF NATIONAL TASK FORCE IN RESPONDING TO ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Border security is an essential component of Malaysia’s defence and security policy. During the COVID-19 outbreak, Malaysia’s border security management was tested with the increase of illegal entry into the country. The central argument of this paper is that, whilst Movement Control Order (MCO), or lockdown as it is more commonly known, aims to restrict movement, this limited movement was exploited for illegal entries into the country, leading to the establishment of the National Task Force (NTF), which coordinated various enforcement agencies to safeguard Malaysian territory. On this ground, this paper aims to analyse the role of the NTF in responding to increasing illegal activities amidst the pandemic. The discussion is divided into: (a) identifying illegal entries during the pandemic; (b) the impact of illegal entries to border management in Malaysia; (c) examining the roles of the NTF in responding to the illegal activities; and (d) the impact of the NTF in border security management in Malaysia. As a preliminary study, this paper only uses secondary data collection in addressing the problem statement. Keywords: National task force; COVID-19 pandemic; Illegal activities; Illegal immigrants; Border security managemen

FAKTOR-FAKTOR KONTEKSTUAL YANG MEMPENGARUHI AMALAN KITAR SEMULA PENJAWAT AWAM NEGERI MELAKA (Contextual Factors Affecting the Recycling Practices of Melaka State Civil Servants)

Kebersihan merupakan salah satu aspek yang penting untuk menjadikan negara Malaysia setaraf dengan negara maju. Selain daripada komuniti, penjawat awam juga dilihat mempunyai peranan yang besar untuk memelihara kebersihan persekitaran di tempat kerja melalui penjimatan perbelanjaan bagi urus tadbir negara. Oleh itu, kajian ini dijalankan adalah untuk mengenal pasti tujuh faktor kontekstual yang mempengaruhi amalan kitar semula dalam kalangan penjawat awam di negeri Melaka. Data kuantitatif diperoleh melalui soal selidik manakala data kualitatif adalah melalui temu bual bagi menyokong data kuantitatif. Kajian ini menggunakan kaedah pensampelan bertujuan ke atas 365 orang penjawat awam kerajaan negeri Melaka. Dapatan kajian kuantitatif dianalisis dengan menggunakan perisian SPSS 20. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan faktor kontekstual pengetahuan terhadap amalan kitar semula dalam kalangan penjawat awam kerajaan negeri Melaka adalah tinggi (M=4.41; SP=0.65) diikuti dengan menjaga alam sekitar (M=4.29; SP=0.66), pengasingan sisa pepejal (M=3.75; SP=0.69), kempen kitar semula (M=3.71; SP=0.70), menjana pendapatan sampingan (M=3.59; SP=0.70), pengaruh sosial (M=3.50; SP=0.67) manakala faktor kontekstual kemudahan kitar semula (M=3.35; SP=0.91) adalah yang paling rendah. Penemuan hasil kajian ini dapat membantu organisasi dan jabatan untuk mempelbagaikan promosi, kempen dan aktiviti kitar semula bagi mendorong penjawat awam mengamalkan kitar semula dalam konteks yang lebih luas lagi. Kata kunci: Sisa pepejal; Faktor kontekstual kitar semula; Amalan kitar semula; Pejabat; Penjawat awam

BIODIVERSITI DAN PEMULIHARAAN TERUMBU KARANG DI TIGA BUAH PULAU, MELAKA (Biodiversity and Conservation of Coral Reefs in Three Islands in Malacca)

In the state of Melaka, there are eighteen islands recorded by the Melaka State Museum Corporation (PERZIM). Part of this island serves as a tourist island, and developed islands are also uninhabited islands. However, three islands are recorded to have amazing coral reefs that are still in good condition. The Penang Batu Maung Fisheries Research Institute (AkuaTAR) has conducted a study on the biodiversity of coral reefs around the waters of Pulau Dodol, Pulau Serimbun, and Pulau Undan. AkuaTAR researchers are using scuba diving methods, and at the same time, they did conservation on coral reefs that have been identified in the waters of the Straits of Melaka. The objective of this study is to record the types of community forms such as living corals and identify the species of coral reefs found in three islands in the state of Melaka in Pulau Undan, Pulau Dodol, and Pulau Serimbun. The study also implemented method observation by conducting field studies on the islands involved by doing scuba diving. Results and discussion of the search, these three islands are located in very clean, uninhabited waters. They have a wide range of coral biodiversity using soft coral reefs and hard coral reefs. The study also found that the three islands in the state have the largest coral reefs in the waters of the Straits of Melaka. Keywords: Biodiversity; Conservation; Coral; Three island; Melaka

PROMOTING ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING AMONG LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY LEARNERS THROUGH MOVIES

English language learning in a non-native environment is always a challenge. This is especially so among limited English proficiency (LEP) learners. Despite having eleven years of instructions in English in primary and secondary school, there are still quite a number of LEP learners entering the university. This may be attributed to lack of exposure to the language, as classroom instruction alone is not sufficient for mastery of a second language. Although English is widely spoken in Malaysia, this does not apply to all communities, especially in rural areas. In such circumstances, watching movies in the target language can provide the necessary exposure, the ample amount of listening and reading in the target language, which provides the comprehensible input essential for language acquisition. Movies also come with closed captions, which not only help the learner recognize the words but also enable them to look up the words in a dictionary. An action research was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of using movies in a Foundation English course. This paper details the implementation of movie viewing in the course and presents the usability and appropriateness of using English movies in the acquisition of English language skills and creating cultural awareness among LEP learners. Finally, this paper highlights the learners’ responses regarding their experience in watching the movies. These responses provide invaluable insights into the impetus for future use of movies in the ESL classroom. Keywords: Comprehensible input; Cultural awareness; Limited english proficiency (LEP) learners; Language skills; Movies.

EXPLORING GIFTED AND TALENTED MUSLIMS STUDENT’S PERFORMANCE USING GEOGEBRA IN TEACHING AND LEARNING MATHEMATICS

GeoGebra is a teaching tool that educators use in their lesson plans to improve the quality of teaching and learning. Instead of drawing on a sheet of paper, students can design a graph, adjust the actual graph shape, and examine the impact of changing graph pattern using GeoGebra in mathematics teaching and learning. Furthermore, students can keep all of their work materials in a structured manner for future reference. GeoGebra will make a school lecture more interesting, exciting, creative, and innovative. The goal of this study was to analyse the effects of GeoGebra software in Mathematics achievement in respect to quadratic functions among gifted and talented Muslims student’s at Kolej GENIUS Insan, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia. The maximum or minimum point of quadratic function was determined by using GeoGebra software, and the characteristics of quadratic expressions in one variables was also identified. The results illustrate that the graph quadratic expression has the highest point or the lowest point based the values of coefficient a on the quadratic function. For the graph function with negative values of coefficient a on a quadratic function, there are highest values of coordinates x and y, which also known as maximum point, while the graph function with positive values of a on a quadratic function, there are lowest values of coordinates x and y, which also known as minimum point. When students utilize GeoGebra software, their performance in calculating the minimum and maximum points on quadratic functions improves. Keywords: Geogebra; Integrated naqli ‘aqli gifted education; Gifted muslims student; Mathematics achievement; Quadratic functions

THE IMPACT OF INFIDELITY ON FILIPINO FAMILY DYNAMICS AND YOUNG ADULT FILIPINO'S SELF-CONCEPT

Parental infidelity largely influences the quality of relationships in the family. In previous researches, the focus is mainly on the dyadic marital relationship of the couples, subsequently failing to consider how this influences the upbringing and well-being of their children. This study aims to explore how adult Filipino children's discovery of parental infidelity impacted their self-concept. Using purposive sampling, the study involved fourteen (14) participants, seven males, and seven females, who were aware of their parent's infidelity. The research used a semi-structured interview schedule to gather the necessary data. Thematic analysis was used to categorize the data into two major themes: (a) Pre-infidelity Family Dynamics and (b) Impacts of Parental Infidelity. The research utilized Dr. Murray Bowen's Family Systems Theory and Self-Concept Theory by Rogers to analyse the themes and to discuss the results of the study. The research helps explain the differences in the impacts of parental infidelity on the family and on the self-concept. Further implications are discussed in the study. Keywords: Parental infidelity; Family systems theory; Self-concept; Thematic analysis

A REVIEW ON DEVELOPING BALAGHAH TEST IN HIGHER LEARNING INSTITUTION

This article reviews on the administration of teaching Balaghah at higher institutions in Malaysia was done to: (1) identify past research on the teaching and learning of Balaghah in Malaysia, (2) locate gap within related research on teaching and testing Balaghah in Malaysia, and (3) analyse new issues regarding teaching and testing of Balaghah which can provide references in the future. This review used a qualitative method, involving data retrieval and content analysis. Among the analyzed documents include journal articles, dissertation, books, working papers and proceeding seminars. The result shows that a balaghah testing and assessment is not given adequate emphasis, and the balaghah test is still lack of application aspects. Based on this finding, the recommendation of this review is to develop an instrument as an model for Balaghah Test in Higher Education Level (UPBal). Keywords: Developing; Balaghah test; Higher learning institution

THE COOPERATIVE EXPERIENCE OF COGON FARMERS: FOOD SECURITY FOR SMALL FARMERS

Cooperativism is a method introduced by people in a society to neutralize the competitive prices of goods from among business sectors. It is a way for people to come together, put up their goods and services as one, and with the end in view of benefiting from their products. The purpose of this study is to appraise the fundamental function of cooperativism and how it can assist and sustain small farmers in their aim for food security. This work utilized hermeneutical phenomenology in understanding the lived experiences of small farmers in Barangay Cogon, Tanauan, Leyte, Philippines from the establishment of their cooperative, its operation, and its eventual success in giving them food security in the process. The results indicate that farmers were hesitant in establishing a cooperative because of the groundwork that accompanies it. But with the aid of the faculty members of the Eastern Visayas State University, the farmers underwent education on the nature of cooperativism. From there, the faculty members allowed the farmers to cultivate discipline, sustenance, and business integrity while operating the cooperative. Constant monitoring from the faculty members over the farmers was necessary to ensure that the cooperative was consistently maintained thereby achieving stability and eventual food security. For years now, the cooperative has helped its members substantially. Coincidentally, the occurrence of the covid-19 virus has made significant changes or damages to human life and properties, but this cooperative gave hope and food sustenance to its members. This study hopes that the effort of the initiators coupled with the cooperation and effort of the cooperative members exemplify the need to proliferate cooperativism in every society especially among poor farmers. Keywords: Cooperativism; Agricultural cooperative; Theory of cooperation; Phenomenological study; Research and extension service; Food security

EFFECT OF INTERVENTION ON KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS PLAGIARISM AMONG POST- GRADUATE STUDENTS IN BANGLADESH - A PILOT STUDY

An attempt to tackle plagiarism locally, an exercise was developed and evaluated by pre-test and post-test questionnaire on 50 post-Graduate medical students at Department of Public Health & Informatics, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Bangladesh in 2017 to understand learner’s understanding regarding plagiarism. The comparative data between pre and post-test have highlighted a general lack of understanding of the basic concept of plagiarism and how to avoid plagiarism which improved after the intervention. For the question how to prevent plagiarism, before intervention, only 36% answered that a paraphrased sentence should be referenced. However, after intervention, responses to the same question significantly increased to 72%. Likewise, pre-intervention for a question of whether an article can be submitted to another journal if the decision is delayed, almost half of the students (48%) were not sure what should to do. But after intervention, all respondents (100%) understood that an article cannot be submitted to another journal if decision delayed. For a question of making two or three articles from same thesis/research with same introduction and method, all most half of the respondent (46%) answered “yes” and approximately half do not know the answer (40%) before intervention. However, after the intervention all respondents (100%) felt they should not make two or three articles with same introduction or methods. Also, after intervention all respondents (100%) felt self-plagiarism is taking paragraph/picture from own article without reference. These results indicate that the intervention of plagiarism education improved the knowledge of this group of post-graduate medical students. Keywords: Copy-cut-paste; Plagiarism; Publication ethics

UPIN DAN IPIN: JEREBU DALAM ANIMASI (Upin and Ipin: Haze In Animation)

Unmanageable anthropogenic activity able to cause haze. It is known that haze happened naturally. However, uncontrollable of these anthropogenic activities somehow may lead to the occurrence. Air pollution, farming, forest exploration and motor vehicle’s smoke emission are among the causes and factors for severe haze. This writing analyses the factors, impacts and ways to overcome the effect of haze that is included in the animation series of Upin dan Ipin. The selected series from Upin dan Ipin is in Season 7 Episode 10 entitled ‘Bahaya Jerebu’. This research is using text analysis method and research method that includes reference materials such as articles, journals, thesis and different writing articles. The findings of this research conclude that among the factors that lead to the occurrence of haze in Upin dan Ipin series are open burning and the smoke emission from motor vehicles. Haze manages to give impacts to health, psychology, economy and social matters. There are few suggestions and ways to overcome that has been suggested through this animation to minimize the hazardous haze such as wearing face masks, less outdoor activities and bury waste to avoid open burning. In conclusion, this children animation Upin dan Ipin manage to conveys countless significant messages and good results for the audience in general. Keywords: Upin dan Ipin animation; haze; open burning; haze effect; disadvantages of haze