Legislation to foster and support the insect industry: something for Malaysia to ponder

Insect as food and feed has become a global topic of interest as an alternative to protein source. Prediction of food scarcity in the future has also bringing the subject on its importance. Many countries have developed the insect industry yet the legal framework concerning it is still at infancy stage and even uncertain. In Malaysia, as of today, the legislation on insect is scattered with no specific legislation. In this regards the existing Malaysia’s legislations only cater for the danger of certain insect such as the Destruction of Disease-Bearing Insects Act 1975 [Act 154]. We explores the need for a structured legislation to foster and support the insect industry in Malaysia. The methodoly used was by exploring the South Korean Act on Fosterage and Support of the Insect Industry as suggestions for Malaysia to consider. Result suggests that Malaysia should have a legislation of its own to regulate the insect industry. The future of insect as food and feed holds a huge potential which Malaysia should not missed out

Exploring the legal aspects and court process of forensic entomology from the Malaysia’s perspective

This paper seeks to explore the legal aspects and court process relating to forensic entomology with reference to Malaysia. It aims to inform the non-legal person of the court process and giving of evidence in Malaysia’s court by expert witnesses such as forensic entomologist. The methodology used is a socio-legal analysis with reference to legal texts and statutes in Malaysia. Online search on the number of reported cases published in two legal journals relating to evidence by forensic entomologist was conducted. The finding from the reported cases where entomologist testify in court as an expert witness is scarce and so few assumptions were made on this. A brief case studies on the selected reported cases were chosen to explain the use of forensic entomology in the court process. This paper suggests that entomologists’ evidence on the issue of the time of death is important as accordingly, a charge sheet in the homicide cases must contain the time of death and prove in court. It is also suggested that recognition is given to forensic entomologists and that the Allied Health Professions Act 2016 [Act 774] which to regulate the practise of allied health of professionals including entomologists, be in force soon

Awareness among women in Malaysia on the issue of financial abuse

Financial abuse refers to over control of a person’s money, income or asset. The problem occurs when lack of awareness about financial abuse and victims did not realize that they are experiencing it. This paper explores the issue of financial abuse among women in Malaysia and the objective is to analyze and understand the awareness of financial abuse among women in Malaysia. 231 women respondents had agreed to join a survey and data was collected through the distribution of online questionnaires using Google Forms and the data was analyzed using Google Form’s results. The result of the study shows that 40.3% of respondents understood financial abuse, while 35.9% of respondents agreed that financial abuse was incurred from individuals they knew. The study also found that 1.7% of respondents faced the issue of being forced to use their money without consent and hand over their money to certain parties. Strengthening the laws related to finance management and inheritance may protect women. Financial institutions also are expected to be the first to detect if this issue happens. The best way to overcome financial abuse against women is to seek knowledge and education. It should be considered a crime and awareness are extremely important

Public-Private Partnership’s Contract in Malaysia: Some Areas of Concern in a Land Swap Arrangement

AbstractThis paper seeks to explore the public-private partnership initiative and salient provisions of government contracts in Malaysia. This paper further examines some areas of concern emphasising on a land swap type of contract. There are still many other provisions that need to be addressed for example on obligations, design and constructions, choosing the right type of contracts, operations and maintenance, sub-contracts, relief events, liability and damages, performance security, default and termination and dispute resolutions which is not dealt in this paper

Prevailing dispute resolution mechanisms in Islamic finance

Among the essentials of a sound and dynamic Islamic financial services industry are sophisticated financial products and services, strong financial infrastructure, a robust regulatory framework and a suitable dispute resolution mechanism. While Islamic finance has demonstrated progress in product innovations and in various other aspects, the same cannot be said of its dispute resolution mechanisms. The Islamic financial services industry is still searching for a suitable dispute resolution forum. This chapter highlights the use of litigation, arbitration and mediation in resolving disputes relating to Islamic financial transactions, as well as the attendant problems in resorting to the dispute resolution fora. The chapter also presents the key features and foundations of the three dispute resolution mechanisms from the Western and Islamic law perspectives. The chapter concludes by considering the idea of inserting mandatory arbitration clauses in Islamic finance agreements

ADDRESSING ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY CHALLENGES IN WAQF MANAGEMENT USING BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY

This study identifies how blockchain technology can address accountability and transparency challenges in waqf management system by using institutional theory and Islamic institutional logic. An interpretative qualitative research approach is employed, with case studies of Malaysian public university waqf administrators, and data analysis is performed using open, axial, and selective coding. The findings suggest that in terms of coercive isomorphism there are two transparency challenges related to blockchain solutions in the waqf management system: 1) errors in the issuance of receipts (process), which are expected to be overcome by blockchain solutions in the form of individual network technology and ID identifiers; and 2) difficulties in waqf distribution (process), which are predicted to be solved by blockchain solutions in the form of controlling tools, public ledgers, and obtaining waqf distribution data. In normative isomorphism, there are two accountability challenges with blockchain solutions in the waqf management system: 1) difficulties in controlling waqf activities (process), which are expected to be overcome by blockchain solutions which allow internal control; and 2) decisions on waqf distribution (output), which should be solved by blockchain solutions which allow awareness among stakeholders of waqf distribution. In mimetic isomorphism, there is one accountability challenge in the process which has blockchain solutions in the waqf management system, namely system integration, which is predicted to be overcome by a blockchain solution related to traceability. The contributions of the study include extending institutional theory and Islamic institutional logic, and providing blockchain best practices for waqf institutions in addressing accountability and transparency challenges

Significance of mindfulness, Al-Quran recital and prayer factors in coping with COVID 19 symptoms

Mindfulness in Islam is akin to muqarabah, which refers to an individual’s practices in a situation where he has completely surrendered himself to Allah SWT, which is reflected in the calmness, peacefulness and awareness evident in him after doing so. According to Islam, prayers (solat) affect a person’s mental health. The word “solat” originates from Arabic and it is the derivative noun (masdar) from the verbs (fi’li) solla, yusolli, solatan, which means doa (supplication prayers), istighfar, al-maghfirah, al-rahmah, al-Islam, al-din. Al-Quran contains various elements needed by humankind, such as religious, social, economic, health, medical, scientific, political and other aspects, as a guide for achieving prosperity in this life and the afterlife, reciting the al-Quran daily showers a person with continuous serenity, which is a very effective therapy for a person facing pressures in life. recital Quran has a unique power in changing an individual’s inappropriate behaviour to appropriate behaviour. Al-Quran also provides all the internal and external needs required by a person to face the various challenges, reciting the al-quran is not only advantageous to a person but listening to recitals can also provide serenity and blessings from Allah swt