Communicating quality audit indicators for inbound tourism: a qualitative insight from Malaysian travel agencies

Quality assurance is fundamental to all business activities in the tourism sector as it is advantageous to market recognition and competitiveness. Awareness of the importance of quality assurance certifications is already in place in Malaysia however it is still under-researched. Thus, this study aims to investigate how local travel agency operators perceive suitable levels of quality audit indicators for inbound travel agencies. A semi-structured interview was conducted to explore the views and experiences of key industry players from five travel agencies involved in both inbound and outbound tourism businesses in the country. A content analysis of data acknowledged the industry's increased awareness of quality service delivery and the importance of rationalising key quality audit indicators in assuring the lifelong survival of inbound Malaysian travel agencies. Also found was the need for systematic monitoring of the inbound travel agency's certification plan that continually reflects the demands of the clientèle and uplifts national productivity as outlined in the initiatives undertaken by the Tourism Productivity Nexus, an industry-led establishment under the Malaysia Productivity Blueprint 2016-2020. The study finally outlines specific entrepreneurial strategies that will enhance productivity operations at the enterprise level

Best Theories Practice of Guidance and Counseling for Special Need Students in Special Education School

Purpose: The aim of this study is to explores studies related to counseling guidance services in schools in Malaysia as well as the application of appropriate theories.   Theoretical Framework: Guidance and counseling are important units in the management of education in schools. The increase in disciplinary cases as well as current challenges make this unit face various approaches and changes in its implementation in primary schools as well as the most critical in secondary schools.   Methodology: The methodology use is the systematic literature review which is 12 documents were review to get the specific data.   Findings: The disciplinary problems that arose and occurred frequently in secondary schools in the past, have now begun to tame to prevent its spread in primary schools.   Implications: The discussion in this survey paper is expected to provide an initial insight to the next researcher regarding the reality that occurs related to this service in schools.   Value: With the influence of the internet in this borderless world, the attitudes of many students are shaped by various external influences that are difficult to curb. Thus, it becomes one of the relatively heavy responsibilities of the school guidance and counseling unit in helping to eradicate these symptoms

Variation of major air pollutants in different seasonal conditions in an urban environment in Malaysia

Abstract Urban air quality has been deteriorating over time. Pollutant distribution levels in the urban environment may be associated with anthropogenic sources and meteorological conditions. The aim of this study is to determine the variation in concentrations of major air pollutants: carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter (PM10), with corresponding seasonal variation in a Malaysian urban environment. Eleven years of data from four selected stations, namely Klang (S1), Petaling Jaya (S2), Shah Alam (S3) and Cheras (S4), were analysed for temporal trend variations (yearly and monthly). Statistical analysis using Openair, an R package open source software, has been conducted to assess pollutants in relation to meteorological conditions. Gas concentrations showed little variation between the study sites apart from NO2, which recorded its highest concentrations at an industrial site, between 23 and 40 ppb, and is associated with industrial and vehicle emissions. Pollutants that show seasonal variations and frequently exceed the Malaysia Ambient Air Quality Standard (MAAQS) and the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) are O3 and PM10, predominantly related to the monsoon seasons. High levels of O3 during the northeast monsoon (January–March) are associated with high levels of the precursors of O3. The concentration of PM10 associated with tropical biomass burning during southwest monsoon. Shipping emissions and power stations are main contributors for higher level of SO2. This study shows regional and local factors contribute to the different type of air pollutant concentrations in urban environment

Spatiotemporal Variations of Particulate Matter and their Association with Criteria Pollutants and Meteorology in Malaysia

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) poses a higher risk to human health than coarse particulate matter (PM10). This study aims to determine the spatiotemporal variations of PM2.5 and PM10 in Malaysia and their association with other criteria pollutants and meteorological factors. Hourly data from air quality monitoring stations for the year 2018 were retrieved from the Malaysian Department of Environment and analysed for temporal and spatial scales according to different regions in Malaysia. Further statistical analyses, such as Spearman’s Rank Correlation and Principal Component Analysis (PCA), were conducted to study the associations between PM2.5 and PM10 with other main criteria air pollutants, as well as meteorological parameters. Higher mean concentrations of PM2.5 (23 ± 8 µg m–3, range = 4.6–158 µg m–3) and PM10 (32 ± 10 µg m–3, range = 6.0–181 µg m–3) were observed in the central region of the Malaysian Peninsula. The diurnal patterns of PM2.5 and PM10 were in a bimodal pattern and influenced by traffic emissions. The highest mean PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations were recorded during the southwest monsoon season, notably in the central region. The Spearman’s Rank Correlation shows that NO2 and CO have a moderately positive correlation (p \u3c 0.01) with PM2.5 (r = 0.47) and PM10 (r = 0.48) in the central regions while all meteorological parameters show significantly weak to very weak correlations with PM. The PCA analysis indicates that the major sources leading to the formation of particulate matter are from the contribution of secondary aerosols and combustion-related sources. The ratio of PM2.5 to PM10 ranged between 0.51 and 0.76 nationwide with the highest mean recorded in the central region (0.72). This study indicates that there is a higher abundance of fine particulate in the ambient air of the urbanised environment and thus a greater likely risk to human health in more developed areas