Forage Resources and Nutrient Content in Grazing Areas of Oil Palm Plantation

Elaeis guineensis Jacq. is one of the most important commodity crops due to its high oil content and increasing global demand for oil in the food, fuel, and cosmetic industries. The extensiveness of oil palm plantation in Malaysia and its luxuriant cover crops have been viewed as a potential avenue for promoting livestock-tree crop integration. The huge land areas of plantations have integrated livestock and crop production. The specific objectives of this study were to (i) determine the floristic diversity and carbon stock of weed species in an integrated oil palm plantation area, (ii) examine the forage recovery of selected forage species following livestock grazing, (iii) examine the forage preferred by livestock between cut and uncut forages, and (iv) determine the selected elements and toxic elements contained in the selected forage and weeds species. The study was conducted at an integrated oil palm plantation in Serian, Sarawak. Initial sampling showed that 10961 total individuals were recorded, belonging to 53 species of weeds. The second sampling carried out six months after the initial sampling recorded 9959 individuals consisting of 62 species and higher diversity than the initial sampling. The estimated carbon stock was 0.43 tonne ha-1 for the initial sampling and 0.41 tonne ha-1 for the second sampling. Recovery of Axonopus compressus showed the significant difference of mean height between grazed, cut, and ungrazed, in which the ungrazed was higher than grazed and cut. For cut A. compressus the recovery height was better in shaded than opened areas. The height recovery for grazed, cut, and ungrazed Elaeis guineensis seedlings differed significantly. The recovery of E. guineensis was higher in ungrazed than grazed. The difference was significant for grazed and cut and between cut and ungrazed. The cut E. guineensis showed a higher height recovery in opened than the shaded area. There was a significant difference in the recovery of new shoots for grazed and cut Antrophyum reticulatum. The mean percentage of forage preferred by livestock showed that the uncut was higher than cut A. compressus. Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Magnesium (Mg), Sulphur (S), and Sodium (Na) were detected in A. compressus, E. guineensis, A. reticulatum, Asystasia gangetica, and Scleromitrion verticillatum in different concentrations. No heavy metals were detected in the consumed plants. Toxicity analyses of unconsumed plants; Melastoma malabathricum, Miconia crenata, Diplazium esculentum, Taenitis blechnoides, and Torenia crustacea did not contain hazardous elements such as Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg), and Arsenic (Ar) except for Aluminium (Al). This study revealed that no cutting of forages is required provided that the rotation system incorporate forage recovery in the rotation schedule. Livestock did not adversely affect forage growth and development because grazed weeds are tolerant of grazing stress

Effects of recipient behaviour towards mobile banking performance in microfinance institutions / Afifa Malina Amran, Intan Salwani Mohamed and Sharifah Norzehan Syed Yusuf

The general agenda of microfinance is to extend financing facilities to the population in rural and remote areas, especially to the poor. However, distance and insufficient infrastructure have always been associated with conditions at remote areas. Access roads and public transportation to most remote areas are seldom maintained and are often in poor shape. These make it difficult for microfinance recipients to commute from their home to the bank. Consequently, this will result in inefficient communication where movement of information becomes slow and easily interrupted. As such, the current study investigates how microfinance recipient behaviour could affect implementation of mobile banking in microfinance institutions (MFIs). As a leading microfinance provider in Malaysia, Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM) was selected as a case study for the current study. Usage of the M-Ringgit mobile banking was investigated to look into its current practices as well as recipient behaviour in making repayments using the M-Ringgit. The case findings demonstrate that no matter how sophisticated the M-Ringgit technology is, sahabats must be educated enough to use the M-Ringgit. Therefore, by giving M-Ringgit training to sahabats, AIM exercises its vicegerent duties in ensuring that sahabats are capable to use the M-Ringgit

Effects of recipient behaviour towards mobile banking performance in microfinance institutions / Afifa Malina Amran, Intan Salwani Mohamed and Sharifah Norzehan Syed Yusuf.

The general agenda of microfinance is to extend financing facilities to the population in rural and remote areas, especially to the poor. However, distance and insufficient infrastructure have always been associated with conditions at remote areas. Access roads and public transportation to most remote areas are seldom maintained and are often in poor shape. These make it difficult for microfinance recipients to commute from their home to the bank. Consequently, this will result in inefficient communication where movement of information becomes slow and easily interrupted. As such, the current study investigates how microfinance recipient behaviour could affect implementation of mobile banking in microfinance institutions (MFIs). As a leading microfinance provider in Malaysia, Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM) was selected as a case study for the current study. Usage of the M-Ringgit mobile banking was investigated to look into its current practices as well as recipient behaviour in making repayments using the M-Ringgit. The case findings demonstrate that no matter how sophisticated the M-Ringgit technology is, sahabats must be educated enough to use the M-Ringgit. Therefore, by giving M-Ringgit training to sahabats, AIM exercises its vicegerent duties in ensuring that sahabats are capable to use the M-Ringgit

Modelling Zakat distribution for enhancement human capital development / Hazlina Abdul Halim … [et_al.]

One of the functions of business development program of Selangor Zakat Board is creation a business enterprise among Asnafs. As such “Asnaf Entrepreneurial Program” was launched in 2003 to facilitate rightful Asnafs to starts business and eventually able to generate stable income to above poverty line through initial business capital assistance. This program is developing through the Economics Development Department of SZB by providing continuous support to rightful Asnafs to elevate their living standards through business activities such as “my burger” and “Asnaf market”. The aim of this program is to encourage asnafs to be self-sufficient. The initial business assistance provide by SZB to Asnafs are in various form ranging from equipment needed to start business to infrastructure such stalls, booth, workshop as well as financial assistance. The aim is to eventually train them so that they are able to won and operate the business independently. Importantly, the aim of this project is to provide adequate level of opportunities for the asnafs so that after certain period of financial assistance they are able to be financially independent. However, most of the capital assistance provide by Selangor Zakat Board ended in failure. Very few of the program participants have become successful entrepreneur. This study aims to provide understandings on the success of the capital assistance via the economic development programs from the Lembaga Zakat Selangor. This study also examined difference between successful male and female asnaf entrepreneurs in term of five core values of marketing strategy, product/service innovation, religious belief/practiced, entrepreneurial orientation and financial management. Based on 39 successful entrepreneurs the finding discovered that successful Asnaf entrepreneur possessed certain core value of personal qualities factors and skills like communication skills, self-reliance, ability to identify and exploit opportunities, innovative, creativity, willingness to take chances, even it means to expose oneself to risk.The finding also discovered that there are many differences successful male and female Asnaf entrepreneurs. Significant different between male and female successful asnaf entreprenuer were found in scores on product/services innovation, religious belief/practiced, relationship with customers and marketing technique

ISSUES IN FINANCIAL GOVERNANCE PRACTICES IN MALAYSIA'S MOSQUES

Background and Purpose: Mosques, like every other religious organisation, have financial, human, and physical resources. As a prominent symbol of Islam, it also serves the community as a service provider, not only to their congregations but also to the public. The purpose of this article is to examine and analyse the challenges surrounding mosque financial governance. In Malaysia, the mosque's function and potential have not been fully realised and utilised to continuously impact on society. Even though Malaysia has been a Muslim country since the 15th century, mosques still have concerns. Fund management, regulatory compliance, and facility management are noted issues. Because State Religious Councils are the sole trustees of mosques, it is proposed that mosque governance practices in Malaysia vary and differ according to the laws provided by each state. It was discovered that previous research has mostly focused on fund management because of its potential to raise funds through financial contributions.   Methodology: This paper looks at concerns surrounding mosques' existing financial governance practices in Malaysia. The paper aims to raise awareness among mosque committees and the public about the necessity of good financial governance practises in religious institutions, particularly mosques.   Contributions: As this is a conceptual paper, findings are expected to lead to a comprehensive study on issues and their relationships that will enable us to identify necessary measures to enhance the Malaysian mosque institution.   Keywords: Mosque, financial governance, fund management, regulatory compliance, facilities management.   Cite as: Mohamed, I. S., Mustafa, N., Syed Yusuf, S. N., & Rozzani, N. (2023). Issues in financial governance practices among Malaysia's mosques. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 8(TI), 134-146. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol8issTIpp134-14

Streamlining mobile banking into loan repayment system for microfinance institutions / Afifa Malina Amrana … [et al.]

The competitive environment of microfinance industry has indeed forced microfinance institutions (MFIs) to balance their dual goals of outreach and sustainability. Based on this, the focus of this current research is placed on its objective to study how the implementation of mobile banking would be better to streamline the accounting information system for MFIs, specifically with regards to loan repayments. To better understand the current practice of mobile banking in IMFIs, this study was conducted using a qualitative case study on Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM), one of the biggest MFIs in Malaysia. It was found from the study that the usage of mobile banking can streamline AIM’s loan repayment system and increases its productivity by having shorter meeting times with recipients. Findings from this study shed lights on the critical role of accounting information system to adapt with applications of new technology, which could also be relevant for other organisations in various financial sectors. This study has highlighted the role of accounting information system in MFIs, especially with regards to its loan repayment system. As such, practitioners will be able to consider whether the lessons learnt from this case study can help them to solve similar issues within the context of their organisation. Findings from this study has significantly contributed to the microfinance industry by focusing on the role of mobile banking to improve loan repayment system in MFIs for service enhancement, hence becoming model institutions which practice modern accounting techniques through the usage of technology

TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION, SELF-EFFICACY AND ENTREPRENEURIAL BUSINESS SUCCESS

Background and Purpose: The success and demise of a business venture continuously fascinates the attention of many. Specifically, when it relates to micro-entrepreneurs as they are very vulnerable to business failures. Despite many struggles, there are few who succeed. Intrigued with this scenario, the researchers aim to look for factors that lead to the success of micro-entrepreneurs in their business ventures. Following the Social Cognitive Theory and earlier research, the present study predicts that technology adoption and self-efficacy will influence entrepreneurial business success. Additionally, this study posits that self-efficacy mediates the relationship between technology adoption and entrepreneurial business success.   Methodology: The research employed a survey technique using a quantifiable method. The researchers distributed 350 questionnaires to low-income micro-entrepreneurs in Kelantan, Malaysia. Two hundred forty-five people responded, but only 240 data proceeded for further analysis. The research used SPSS and AMOS version 26 to analyse the data gathered. Findings: Results indicated that both variables, namely entrepreneurial self-efficacy and technology adoption, significantly influenced business success. Additionally, the results indicated that entrepreneurial self-efficacy significantly mediated the relationship between technology adoption and entrepreneurial business success.   Contributions: The discoveries provide valuable insights to policy makers, poverty agencies, micro-entrepreneurs and the likes in formulating strategies and intervention programs for entrepreneurial success. Indeed, successful entrepreneurs are crucial in elevating the social status of the poor and eradicating national poverty. In addition, it realises the Sustainable Development Goals’ agendas that all states in Malaysia are free from poverty by 2030.   Keywords: Business success factors, micro entrepreneurs, self-efficacy, technology adoption.   Cite as: Ariffien, M. A., Zakaria, M., Syed Yusuf, S. N., & Ahmad, J. H. (2023). Technology adoption, self-efficacy and entrepreneurial business success. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 8(TI), 257-276. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol8issTIpp257-27

THEMATIC ISSUE ON GOVERNANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY

/ EDITOR’S REVIEW Technological advancements, environmental challenges, and societal shifts drive transformative changes in governance and sustainability. Ethical leadership and Shariah principles are critical lenses for examining and navigating these changes. Governance and technology are new issues requiring an ethical framework to guide decision-making and policy formulation. Ethical leadership promotes transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in these complex landscapes. Ethical leadership emphasises the value of long-term environmental stewardship, equitable resource allocation, and social justice in this context. The manuscript expertly navigates the perilous terrain of governance, describing the ethical complexities introduced by digital democracy and decentralised technologies and arguing for the critical role of ethical leadership as a guiding compass through these variations. Ethical leadership emerges as an orienting paradigm with normative ideals of transparency, inclusivity, and accountability across the domains studied. Shariah principles are effectively integrated, adding a moral and ethical dimension that elevates the discussion. These principles promote fairness, transparency, and social responsibility, consistent with the overarching themes of effective governance and sustainable development. In doing so, the manuscript positions Shariah as a complementary lens and a critical, integral framework that enriches governance and sustainability ethics and practises. The erudition with which this overview weaves these multifaceted strands into a cohesive intellectual tapestry distinguishes it. It takes a multi-dimensional analytical approach to articulate the synergies and interdependencies between governance, sustainability, ethical leadership, and Shariah, advocating for a more holistic, integrated approach to addressing our times' complex challenges. The manuscript lays intellectually fertile ground for future research for field scholars. The articulation of complex, intersecting themes suggests numerous avenues for academic inquiry, particularly in conceptualising governance models that are effective, ethical, and Shariah-compliant. As such, this seminal overview is a valuable intellectual resource for many stakeholders, including academics, policymakers, and practitioners dedicated to fostering ethical, equitable, and sustainable futures. &nbsp

Handover Algorithm based VLP using Mobility Prediction Database for Vehicular Network

This paper proposes an improved handover algorithm method for vehicle location prediction (VLP-HA) using mobility prediction database. The main advantage of this method is the mobility prediction database is based on real traffic data traces. Furthermore, the proposed method has the ability to reduce handover decision time and solve resource allocation problem. The algorithm is simple and can be computed very rapidly; thus, its implementation for a high-speed vehicle is possible. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method, QualNet simulation is carried out under different velocity scenarios. Its performance is compared with conventional handover method. The superiority of the proposed method over conventional handover method in deciding the best handover location and choosing candidate access points is highlighted by simulation. It was found that VLP-HA has clearly reduced handover delay by 45% compared to handover without VLP, give high accuracy, hence low complexity algorithm

Service Quality Performance Measurement Tool in Islamic Non-Profit Organisation: An Urgent Need

This study examines the service quality performance measurement tools introduced in the previous literature. This study, subsequently propose a new performance measurement tool engineered from the best performance measurement tool that fit into the Islamic perspective within the non-profit organisations. Using content analysis, this study assesses relative strengths and weaknesses of five performance measurement tools in order to determine which instrument would best fit in the Islamic non-profit organisation perspective. The results of the analysis show that most studies have relied on SERVQUAL (1985). Further review shows that the potential best fit model that could adapt to Islamic non-profit organisation is Carter Instrument. This study subsequently re-engineered Carter Instrument to develop INOPERF (Islamic Non-profit Organisation PER Formance). The findings in this study provide guidelines to Islamic non-profit organisations in Malaysia to measure service quality.Key words: Service quality; Performance measurement; Non-Profit organisation; Islami