Independent Smallholders' Perceptions towards MSPO Certification in Sabah, Malaysia

In a wake of concern towards sustainable palm oil products, the Malaysian government had continuously formulated various guidelines for palm oil industries in fulfilling the international sustainability requirement. In 2013, Malaysia has launched Malaysian sustainable palm oil (MSPO), which eventually become mandatory requirement in January 2020, including the independent smallholders. However, the numbers of independent smallholders that acquired MSPO was relatively low, stood at 30.66%. Therefore, this study aims to analyse the perceptions of independent smallholders towards MSPO in Malaysia. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection instrument that been distributed among 350 independent smallholders, with a response rate of 74.5%. Results from descriptive analysis showed that independent smallholders have a good perception towards MSPO certification. Furthermore, multiple regression analysis revealed that all three factors were significant to influence the perceptions, where the risk perception became the most important contributor. This study enhances the awareness of sustainability practices among independent smallholders and contributes to the implementation of MSPO certification. Since risk perception has emerged as the primary contributor, regulators or governing bodies must seriously consider risk mitigation concerning independent smallholders about risk exposure such as continuous monitoring to comply environment impact assessment requirement, improve the availability and accessibility of information and aggressive awareness campaign on MSPO. &nbsp

Risk Management Literacy Level among Oil Palm Smallholders in Malaysia

Risk management literacy is very important in influencing an individual's decision-making when taking preparatory steps to handle the anticipated risks. This includes oil palm smallholders who are constantly exposed to various types of risks. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the level of risk management literacy among oil palm smallholders in Malaysia. The data of the study was obtained from the online questionnaires distributed to oil palm smallholders using a random sampling method. The data obtained from the final sample of 200 smallholders were analyzed to examine the level of risk management literacy among palm oil smallholders using mean score analysis. The results found that the risk management literacy level among oil palm smallholders in Malaysia is at a moderately high level. Furthermore, mean score for the preference of saving instead of expenditure was the highest i.e. 4.40, indicating that smallholders possess high awareness on the importance of saving as one of the tools for risk management. The study’ findings allowed relevant authorities to formulate new programs such as training and awareness campaign of risk management, on continuous basis. It could assist smallholders to prepare for any potential risks and subsequently be able to create sustainable sources of income

The effect of enterprise risk management on firm value: evidence from Malaysian technology firms

This paper aims to examine the relationship between ERM and firm value in Malaysia. In the past literature, ERM had been argued to increase firm value but empirical evidence shows mixed and inconclusive results. Using sample from 2004 to 2012, this paper furthers the analysis on the relationship between ERM and firm performance among technology firms in Malaysia. Indeed, technology industry is the fastest growing and a volatile industry, which requires continuous innovation. These make technology firms more prone to risk exposure. In analyzing this issue, dynamic panel data is employed to allow cross-sectional and time series analysis. Our results show that the implementation of ERM in the previous year has strong negative relationship with firm value at 1 percent significance level. It supports the argument that the effect of ERM is not immediately realized as well as entails high implementation cost. The findings provide useful input and insight in formulating new policy in relation to corporate governance, particularly ERM in Malaysia

Risk identification model for lean manufacturing improvement

Small- and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises (SMEs) were confronted with a variety of difficulties due to the increasingly complex market environment, and many of them could not make enough profits to proceed with their manufacturing tasks. The objective of this study was to develop a model of risk management by integrating several risk tools at manufacturing companies. This study was also intended to improve the decision making by providing quantitative analysis at each step of risk management and improve lean practices. Risk quantitative analysis methods such as failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) and multi-objective optimization on the basis of ratio analysis (MOORA) were applied in this study to identify the potential risks. Moreover, the risk assessment was used to categorize risks into different severity levels. The manufacturing data obtained from a case study was utilised to calculate the risk priority number (RPN). The risk mitigation actions were formulated to reduce the original RPN and the final RPN value decreased to a normal standard in the end. Overall, this study optimised the risk management of one case study SME and improved lean manufacturing practices. By establishing the risk identification model and applying common lean manufacturing concepts in reducing wastes at actual manufacturing processes, the manufacturing enterprise could manage to optimize the operations and increase the actual manufacturing productivity. The machining and assembly processes of diesel engines were optimized and improved with the decrease of RPN and the selection of the CK6150 CNC lathe that owns the highest MOORA assessment value

PENENTU PEMILIKAN TAKAFUL MIKRO DALAM KALANGAN KUMPULAN BERPENDAPATAN RENDAH

Polisi takaful yang berkonsepkan takaful mikro sudah lama diperkenalkan di Malaysia. Rasional kepada pembangunan konsep takaful mikro ialah untuk memastikan setiap lapisan masyarakat di Malaysia mampu memiliki perlindungan takaful, khususnya mereka yang berpendapatan rendah seperti B40. Namun begitu, pemilikan perlindungan takaful atau insurans dalam kalangan B40 masih amat rendah iaitu 4% sahaja. Oleh itu, kajian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji penentu kepada pemilikan takaful mikro dalam kalangan B40. Sampel kajian ini terdiri daripada 150 responden yang dipilih berdasarkan kaedah pensampelan tidak berkebarangkalian bertujuan. Hasil regresi logistik menunjukkan kesan positif perkhidmatan syarikat ke atas pemilikan polisi takaful mikro dalam kalangan B40. Walau bagaimanapun faktor lain seperti kemampuan kewangan, tahap pengetahuan, kebolehcapaian, dan pengaruh persekitaran didapati tidak mempengaruhi pemilikan takaful mikro. Hasil kajian ini diharapkan dapat memberi input kepada pengendali takaful khususnya dan industri insurans dan takaful amnya dalam memperkemaskan dan mempertingkatkan kualiti perkhidmatan mereka bagi menggalakkan pembelian takaful mikro dalam kalangan B40. Usaha dan kerjasama daripada pihak pengendali takaful dalam menggalakkan isi rumah B40 membeli takaful mikro sangat diperlukan bagi menjadikan isi rumah B40 lebih berdaya tahan terhadap kejutan ekonomi yang berlaku dan seterusnya meningkatkan taraf hidup mereka ke arah masyarakat kelas menengah. Kata Kunci: B40, logistik, pemilikan, perkhidmatan, takaful   ABSTRACT Takaful policy based on the concept of micro takaful has been long introduced in Malaysia. The rational behind the development of micro takaful concept is to ensure each level of society in Malaysia would be able to have takaful protection, especially the low-income group such as B40. However, the ownership of family takaful or insurance protection plan among B40 remain low, at 4%. Therefore, this study attempts to examine the determinants of micro takaful ownership among low-income groups, known as B40. The sample of this study is 150 respondents, which is chosen based on purposive nonprobability sampling method. The logistic regression results show positive effect of company services towards micro takaful ownership among the B40. However, other factors such as financial capability, knowledge level, accessibility, and environmental factor do not influence the ownership of micro takaful. The results offer inputs for takaful operators in particular, and insurance and takaful industry, in general, to streamline and enhance service quality to promote the purchase of micro takaful among the B40. The efforts and cooperation from the takaful operators to encourage the B40 households to purchase micro takaful are essential to make B40 households more resilient against the economic shocks, and subsequently, improve their living standards towards middle-class society.   Keywords: B40, logistic, ownership, services, takaful   Cite as: Hafizuddin-Syah, B. A. M, Yakob, R., & Ruslee, A. A. (2019). Penentu pemilikan takaful mikro dalam kalangan kumpulan berpendapatan rendah [The determinant of microtakaful ownership among low income earners]. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 4(2), 101-125. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol4iss2pp101-125 &nbsp

Persepsi Risiko dan Tingkah Laku Pengguna Terhadap Pembelian Secara Dalam Talian di Lembah Klang (Risk Perception And Consumer Behavior Towards Online Purchases in the Klang Valley)

Peningkatan pembelian secara dalam talian merupakan salah satu kesan daripada penularan wabak Covid-19 di Malaysia. Walaupun ia memudahkan urusan kehidupan harian, namun ramai yang beranggapan bahawa pembelian secara dalam talian merupakan suatu aktiviti yang berisiko. Oleh itu, kajian ini dijalankan bagi melihat hubungan antara persepsi risiko dengan tingkah laku pengguna terhadap pembelian secara dalam talian. Responden kajian ini seramai 392 orang dan kesemua responden telah menjawab soal selidik secara dalam talian. Namun, hanya 373 borang soal selidik yang lengkap diterima dan boleh digunakan. Data daripada soal selidik ini dianalisis menggunakan kaedah analisis regresi berganda. Hasil analisis mendapati bahawa risiko kewangan mempunyai hubungan negatif yang signifikan dengan tingkah laku pengguna terhadap pembelian secara dalam talian di Lembah Klang. Risiko produk dan risiko penghantaran pula mempunyai hubungan positif, manakala risiko masa tidak signifikan. Hasil kajian memberikan input kepada syarikat e-dagang dan penjual dalam talian untuk menambah baik perkhidmatan mereka. Ia juga dapat membantu untuk mengenal pasti risiko yang mungkin menjadi ancaman kepada perniagaan mereka dan mengambil tindakan mitigasi bagi mengurangkan kemungkinan dan impak, sekiranya risiko yang dikenal pasti itu berlak

Political connection types and investors’ perceived risk : evidence from Malaysia

This study examines the pervasive political influence in Malaysian businesses, specifically the investors’ perceived risk of political connection. A sample of 312 firm-year observations between 2014 to 2017 reveals that politically connected Malaysian firms are less likely to be perceived as risky compared with their non-connected peers. In particular, reduction of systematic risk in cost of equity as a proxy to perceived risk is more significant for firms connected through directorship because political figures effectively channel substantial benefits in connecting firms under his/her political power. The link between types of political connections and investors’ perceived risk provides a new insight and direction for research about governance factors that affect firm risks

Indeks sara hidup pelajar: kajian kes di Kolej Pendidikan Antarabangsa (INTEC)

Peluang belajar ke institusi pengajian tinggi (IPT) merupakan sesuatu yang diidamkan oleh kebanyakan pelajar. Walau bagaimanapun, kehidupan sebagai pelajar di IPT agak mencabar terutama dari segi kelangsungan hidup. Ini termasuklah isu kos sara hidup yang memberi impak kepada pelajar bagi memenuhi keperluan asas harian, dalam situasi ekonomi yang tidak menentu pada masa kini. Persoalannya adalah adakah pelajar-pelajar mempunyai jumlah kewangan yang mencukupi untuk menampung semua perbelanjaan di kampus? Maka, kajian ini bertujuan untuk mengira indeks sara hidup pelajar di IPT. Indeks yang dikira berupaya menggambarkan kedudukan kewangan yang merangkumi aspek pendapatan dan perbelanjaan pelajar. Kolej Pendidikan Antarabangsa (INTEC), Shah Alam telah di pilih sebagai sampel kajian untuk mendapatkan data melalui borang soal selidik. Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahawa majoriti pelajar (90%) mendapat sumber kewangan daripada ibu bapa mereka. Selain itu, 74% pelajar memperoleh biasiswa dan hanya 14% pelajar mendapat pinjaman. Dari segi pendapatan, jumlah pendapatan pelajar per bulan ialah RM89, 330 dengan purata RM1786.60 per pelajar. Manakala, jumlah perbelanjaan per bulan ialah RM54, 281 dengan purata RM1085.62 per pelajar. Perbelanjaan tertinggi yang dihadapi oleh pelajar ialah yuran pengajian dengan jumlah purata sebanyak RM2031.94 per pelajar. Selain daripada berbelanja ke atas barangan asas, pelajar juga didapati memperuntukan sejumlah wang mereka untuk hiburan. Kajian juga mendapati bahawa indeks sara hidup pelajar di INTEC ialah 0.61. Keadaan ini menunjukkan bahawa pendapatan yang dimiliki oleh para pelajar masih mencukupi untuk menampung perbelanjaan mereka. Indeks ini dijangkakan meningkat kerana indeks sara hidup sangat bergantung dengan kos sara hidup semasa yang semakin hari semakin tinggi. Hasil kajian diharapkan memberikan gambaran yang jelas kepada pelajar untuk membuat persediaan kewangan yang mencukupi. Bagi pengurusan universiti, indeks sara hidup pelajar boleh menjadi tanda aras dalam pembuatan keputusan dan perlaksanaan strategi terutamanya yang melibatkan komitmen kewangan agar ianya tidak terlalu membebankan para pelajar

Ramalan berstokastik terhadap potensi takaful wakaf dalam meningkatkan dana wakaf tunai

Takaful waqf is one of the collection methods to increase the amount of cash waqf in Malaysia. Meanwhile, a takaful plan is an economic mechanism that has been proven to minimize the financial risk of takaful participants. However, the ability of the takaful plan to increase the waqf collection through takaful waqf remains questionable. Therefore, this study aims to predict the potential of takaful waqf objectively and calculate the probability of the potential accessibility of takaful waqf plans in increasing the collection of cash waqf funds. This study uses secondary data obtained from the Department of Statistics Malaysia, Syarikat Takful Ikhlas, Malaysian Takaful Association and Bank Negara Malaysia. The potential of takaful waqf is calculated based on several models with certain assumptions using stochastic values through the Monte Carlo Simulation Method. This study proves that takaful operators can employ two models to increase cash waqf collection through takaful waqf. The first model assumes waqf collection is subject to the death of a motor takaful participant. If the entire motor takaful operators participate, the potential collection could reach up to RM1 million. At 90% accessibility, this model predicts a cash waqf collection of RM907,000. Meanwhile, the second model which presumes that waqf benefits are obtained from a 1-3% deduction from the takaful contribution of each participant and enrollment from all motor takaful operators provides much better potential. This model estimates cash waqf collection up to RM83 million and at 90% accessibility this model predicts cash waqf collection of RM41 million. The results of this study could assist the waqf and takaful authorities in formulating more objective strategic plans to ensure the sustainability and continuity of the takaful waqf pla

Conceptualizing financial risk and investment diversification towards the efficiency of waqf institutions in Malaysia

This study aims to conceptualize on how financial risks i.e., liquidity and credit risk, and investment diversification relate to waqf institution’s efficiency in Malaysia. Past studies were reviewed to identify the relevant theories and empirical evidence relating to efficiency, liquidity risk, credit risk and investment diversification. Conceptually, it is found that the inefficiency of waqf institutions in managing its waqf property is mainly due to the exposure of liquidity and credit risk. However, investment diversification strategies allow waqf institutions to generate higher potential returns and subsequently enhance its financial resources. Thus, diverse investment portfolio could moderate the impact of liquidity and credit risk on the efficiency of waqf institutions. In fact, waqf institution’s efficiency has been rarely examined in studies due to its unique operation and the absence of accurate measurement. This research proposes a framework that is the first to link the efficiency of the waqf institution with financial risk, and investment diversification as a moderator. This could be an impetus for future empirical research. Indeed, the framework has indirectly emphasized the importance of risk management for waqf institutions