Understanding the Relationship Between Perceived Quality Cues and Quality Attributes in the Purchase of Meat in Malaysia

This study utilizes the Total Food Quality Model to gain a better understanding of how Malaysian consumers make their decision to purchase fresh/chilled meat. We examine the association between quality cues and desired values (quality attributes) with regard to food that is guaranteed Halal, safe to eat, healthy and nutritious, has a good taste, represents good value for money, and is produced in a way that protects the environment and worker welfare. The findings reveal that different quality cues assume different levels of importance when pursuing different desired values

Economy‐environment nexus for development: is Bangladesh on the right track?

Economic growth has been a well-accepted method of development, reducing poverty until the urgency of human development comes into action.The sustainable development has been recognized as the most comprehensive concept for solving the socioeconomic and environmental problems in integration as both the growth and human development approaches are individually criticized enormously for being single centric.The purpose of the study is to diagnosis the growth, development and environmental status of Bangladesh and find out suitable development strategy based on sustainability paradigm.The present study is qualitative and exploratory in nature based on a case study method. Intensive desk research has been conducted based on the secondary data collected through various newspapers, magazines, published articles, and working papers via the internet.The study revealed that the development of Bangladesh is impressive for the last two decades coupled with epidemic levels of environmental degradation in the form of pollution, deforestation, land erosions and excessive natural resource endowments.The study concludes that it is a high time for Bangladesh to up-to-date their development strategy by adopting the sustainable development framework for the lasting growth and eco-friendly inclusive development.In doing so, specifically, Bangladesh should concentrate on creating green jobs in both the production and maintenance oriented sectors

Delineating risk zones and evaluation of shelter centres for flood disaster management along the Pahang River Basin, Malaysia

Shelter centres are important locations to safeguard people from helpless situations and are an integral part of disaster risk reduction (DRR), particularly for flood DRR. The establishment of shelter centres, and their design based on scientific assessment, is crucial. Yet, they are very much related to the geographic location, socio-economic conditions and the livelihoods of the affected communities. However, many parts of the developing world are still lagging behind in ensuring such scientific design. Considering the flood disaster in 2014 that affected the residents living along the Pahang River Basin, in this study we delineate the communities at risk and evaluate the existing shelter centres to determine how they reduce people’s vulnerability to the risks associated with rural and urban landscapes. We used spatial analysis tools to delineate risk zones and to evaluate existing evacuation systems. A flood disaster risk map was produced to determine which communities are living with risks. Subsequently, the distribution of shelter centres examined whether they are able to support people living at the flood risk zones. These centres were also evaluated using a set of international guidelines for effective disaster shelters. This reveals that the number of shelter centres is not adequate. The designation and designing of shelter centres are not being done scientifically. The maps produced here have a lot of potential to support disaster management decisions, in particular site selection and the prioritisation of centres. The study concludes with a set of guidelines and recommendations for structural and non-structural measures, such as alternative livelihoods and the potential of ecotourism, which may improve the resilience among flood-affected communities; and the decision-making process for the overall flood DRR initiatives

Willingness of the poor to pay for improved access to solid waste collection and disposal services

This study uses a contingent valuation method and multiple linear regression techniques to determine the factors that could affect the willingness to pay for solid waste collection and disposal services of householders residing in the squatter and low-cost flats in the city of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. One of the main problems experienced by many developing nations is the lack of service provisions, particularly in the low-income areas. Because such conditions adversely affect the quality of life of the poor, local stakeholders’ participation in social and environmental activities is necessary to resolve such socially undermining and environmentally degrading problems. In fact, tackling such a problem would require massive investment schemes by local governments. However, the governments of developing nations usually suffer from heavily burdened and stretched financial and economic resources and a high opportunity cost of funds. Therefore, society’s participation is logically and realistically needed for widening infrastructure and environmental service provisions.Mohammad Wahid Murad, Mohammad Abdur Raquib, Chamhuri Siwa