Siti Hasmah turns 88: AN INSPIRATION: She shares her life of beautiful experiences

"HOW I long to be able to deliver a baby again, watch the head emerging, see the twist of the shoulders and hear the first cry. It is just so wonderful!" recalled Tun Dr Siti HAsmah Mohd Ali, wo turned 88 yesterday

The phytotoxic effects of palm oil dry solids on plant growth

Glasshouse and laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate the phytotoxicity of palm oil dry solids (PODS) on growth of vegetables and the effect of decomposition on the reduction of PODS phytotoxicity. Raw and decomposed PODS was applied to sandy tailing soil at the levels of 0, 1, 3, 6, 9, 15 and 21 % (w/w) and planted with tomato and spinach seedlings. Samples of raw PODS were incubated at 30'C for 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 weeks and the aqueous extract of each sample was bioassayed for growth inhibition of tomato radicles. Results from the glasshouse experiment showed that growth of tomato and spinach was strongly affected by the type (raw or decomposed) and amount of PODS applied. Growth of both plants was inhibited by application of >1%raw PODS. In contrast, application of 1- 21 % decomposed PODS increased plant growth, with maximum dry matter production at 6% level. At this level, shoot dry weights of tomato and spinach increased 7 and 178 times, respectively, while root dry weights increased 1.6 and 62 times, respectively, compared to plants in raw PODS. Soil N, P and K contents, pH and electrical conductivity also increased with increase in PODS levels. The incubation study showed that the phytotoxicity of raw PODS was reduced when PODS was decomposed for > 4 weeks

Identifying Risky Space in Neighbourhood: an Analysis of The Criminogenic Spatio-temporal and Visibility on Layout Design

The distribution of crime is not uniform across either time or space and believed influenced by environmental design. This study examines the layout and identifies the risky space in a residential area of Kuala Lumpur. Four space syntax parameters and three years of burglary data analysed across two neighbourhoods. The correlation between the burglary rate and the parameter value carried out to identify the relationship. Results show a significant relationship between visibility parameter and burglary rate while there were similarities temporal patterns for both study areas. Results help planners and authorities to prevent crime through environmental design.Keywords: residential burglary; space syntax; natural surveillance; crime pattern  eISSN: 2398-4287 © 2019. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open-access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/e-bpj.v4i12.190

Youth in Public Housing: Place attachment and Quality of Life Index

This study examines the quality of life (QoL) satisfaction through place attachment theory upon neighbourhood area among youth in Kuala Lumpur. The objectives are to test the impact of neighbourhood sense of place on QoL index. For place attachment, the environmental factors closest to the home of the residents exerted a greater influence than the more distal factor. These findings contribute to understanding the relationship between place attachment theory and quality of life among youth. The discussion also considers personal dimensions of place belonging and identifying associations amongst them as ways to explore youth quality of life in the PPH.  Keywords: Quality of Life; Place Attachment Theory; Youth; Public HousingISSN: 2398-4287© 2017. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia

Walkability Design for Urban Public Housing Park

The walkability approach is essential to ensure the connectivity among space in the urban area. The design should be appropriate, safety, maximize and capable of reaching every inch of the spaces, just by walking. Good connectivity must allow people to walk freely and accessible in many ways. People have great chances to meet each other or having potential outdoor activities without any challenges. This study aims to measure the user perception of the existing spaces in the urban public housing environment that been covered and uncovered with the walkability linkages. The objectives of this study are to identify the existing pedestrian linkages in the study area; to investigate the user perception of the existing walkability system in the study area, and finally to conclude and provide a better solution for better walkability opportunity among residents to access the public park.© 2016. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.Keywords:outdoor space;  pedestrian linkages; public parks; walkability behavio

A Mixed-Method Research on Recreation Space for Youth in Malaysia

This research applied a mixed-methods analysis of the recreation space for youth in Malaysian urban and rural areas applying both the qualitative and quantitative approach. For qualitative research, four (4) focus group discussions (FGD) with 24 youth and 22 stakeholders have conducted while for quantitative research, a total of 800 youth selected as respondents. The quantitative research questionnaire based on the outcome of the FGD. The results found that the provision of recreational space in urban and rural areas including location, adequacy ratio, current condition, proximity, accessibility and level of maintenance required to reviewed for improvement. Keywords: Youth, Space, Qualitative, Quantitative eISSN: 2398-4287 © 2020. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. DOI: https://doi.org/ 10.21834/ebpj.v5iSI2.2518

Youth in Vertical Housing Neighbourhood Space: A Focus Group Discussion

Focus group discussion series was set up at the vertical housing of Kerinchi People Project Housing, Lembah Pantai with two different group in separate venue and time. The analysis was done by using Atlas.ti after transcribing and coding the audio-taped of discussion, searching for networking on youth participation. The finding shows youth demandingly indoor space compared to outdoor space due to open space inadequacy and absence of space quality yet lost the sense of belonging. Furthermore, the residents' committee neglected youth participation in decision-making process or meeting with the committee, has resulted from youth not to actively participate in the community

A comparative study on press freedom between Malaysia and Australia / Afiqah Mohammad…[et al.]

The press plays vital roles to a well informed society in a democratic country. In Malaysia, the press is restricted from freely carrying out its functions to inform the citizen by a number of laws enacted by Parliament. A number of press laws are said to have restrictive effects on the media. There are a lot of bodies and individuals that have put forward their ideas to have greater freedom of press. These include seeking for a revision on our press laws but such actions are yet to be considered by the authority. This raises a question on to whether the Malaysian press has been given sufficient freedom of press. In carrying out this research, a comparison has been made between the press in Malaysia and Australia. This research is actually an attempt to analyse the constitutional safeguard protecting freedom of press in Malaysia and Australia. Besides, this research will examine the extent of press freedom in Malaysia and Australia. This is a library-based research. Data and information were gathered from the library and internet databases. Findings show that both Malaysia and Australia have certain restrictions on press but to different extent. As compared to Malaysia, in Australia, the press has a self regulatory body which governs matters relating to press. It is hoped that this research can be useful to provide better understanding of knowledge and to provide access for the citizen in area of press freedom due to fact that there are differences of approach between Malaysia and Australia on who draws the balancing rights and restraints

Element the good practice in reviving and preserving the value of MTCs / Zainudin Md Nor ... [et. al]

The purpose of this study is to identify the values of the Malay Traditional Costume (MTCs) which have always been said by researches and local cultural as being eroded by the effect of modernization. This research justifies factors that contribute the best practises to revive the values of MTCs in Malaysia. A quantitative and qualitative method was used to conduct the research. The study involves questionnaire survey and interviews. Direct and indirect questions were used as an interview method. The researcher has interviewed 60 respondents who are experienced and expert in their field of the making and styling of the traditional Malay costume; such as old tailors and old dressmakers, fashion designers, industrialist, choreographers, culturalist, researchers and lecturers. The questionnaires were also forwarded to 26 teachers and 380 secondary school students Perak, Kedah, Penang and Perlis states. A small group of the respondents were chosen as a case study as they were able to produce, maintain and restore the traditional Malay costume. The findings showed that there were a significance relationship among five component values for future development and ustainability in the MTCs which are cultural and heritage values, educational values, art and aesthetic values, design and functional values and lastly socio economic values. As a conclusion there were 4 elements they can play a major role in reviving and preserving the value of MTCs; the teaching and learning of MTCs in higher institutes of learning, the involvement of royal families, NGO’s and activists. Thirdly is the involvement of local fashion designers, fashion entrepreneur and government agencies. The final factor is the best technique to appreciate MTC as a national culture. This research recommended that integration among these groups are factors that contribute to the creation of model of good practice for future development of Malay traditional costume in Malaysia

Physical, chemical and microbiological properties of different combination of soilless media and their effect on the vegetative component and nutrient content of hempedu bumi (Andrographis paniculata)

Soilless media (SM) is a common worldwide growing method for industrial horticultural production. It is a good growing medium that relies on the properties that benefit plant growth i.e. physical property, chemical properties and microbial activity. There are several SM with good characteristics such as empty fruit bunch compost (EFBC), coconut coir dust (CCD) and peat. EFBC is one of the organic residues of oil palm that provide beneficial microorganisms a good source of bacteria-rich, high nutrient content. The composting process reduces the pH of EFB by 6.86-7.20 to 4.5-6.0. CCD is recommended as a substitute for other media because of it is excellent for holding water and drainage and has high air porosity due to its large surface area. Microbiologically, CCD is the absence of weeds and pathogens and has anti-fungal properties that prevent soil-borne diseases. It also maintains greater oxygen levels and is reusable after sanitisation. Despite the ideal characteristics of CCD, there are some chemical limitations of this medium, including low pH and low potassium content. Peat has good aeration characteristics that are good for root growth. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the best medium combinations for growth performance and nutrient content of hempedu bumi (Andrographis paniculata). Three types of SM with five different combinationa were used as growing media for the plant; they included C1=CCD (1: -) as control; C2=EFBC + CCD (7:3); C3=EFBC + CCD (3:7); C4=CCD + Peat (7:3) and C5=CCD + Peat (3:7). Prior to the experiment, the physical, chemical and microbiological properties of the media were determined. The experiment was conducted in RCBD with five replications. In this experiment, the parameters of vegetative components (plant height, number of leaves and total leaf area), dry matter yield and partitioning [root, shoot dry weight and root to shoot ratio (R:S)] and the macronutrient nitrogen [(N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg)] of hempedu bumi were determined. C3 showed the highest vegetative component [plant height (39.5 cm), number of leaves (72.7 leaf plant-1), total leaf area (79.8 cm2) and shoot dry weight (3.03 g)] of hempedu bumi. The highest macronutrient content (1.17% N, 0.07% P, 2.45% K, 2.77% Ca and 0.58% Mg) was in the leaf tissues of hempedu bumi when grown in the C3 media. In conclusion, a combination of EFBC+CCD (3:7) is recommended as a suitable growing medium for hempedu bumi due to the greater vegetative components well as the higher macronutrient content it yielded in the leaf tissues of the plant