Universiti Malaysia Terengganu Journal of Undergraduate Research

THE ESTABLISHMENT OF Melaleuca cajuputi (GELAM) CULTURES FROM MATURE SEEDS

2025-11-30T12:25:13+08:00

Melaleuca cajuputi, locally known as Gelam, belongs to the Myrtaceae family. It is used as a source of wood and as a remedy in traditional medicine. Tissue culture is one of the tools to ensure the sustainable supply of resources. However, the micropropagation protocol for this plant species remains limited. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to establish and examine the morphological traits of M. cajuputi cultures. To establish the culture, seeds were harvested from the local area, surface sterilised, and subsequently cultured in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 0 mg/L to 1.5 mg/L of benzylaminopurine (BAP), kinetin (KIN), and thidiazuron (TDZ), respectively. The morphological traits of the cultures developed during the culture period. Results revealed that the highest microbial-free seedlings were obtained from seeds treated with 5.0% (v/v) sodium hypochlorite for 25 minutes. A healthy plantlet with a higher number of leaves (9.6 ± 0.8/plantlet) and roots (8.7 ± 2.1/plantlet) was obtained in the phytohormone-free medium, both at full- and half-ionic strength of MS medium after five weeks of culture. Plantlets cultured in a solid medium layered with a liquid medium exhibit better growth compared to those grown solely in a solid medium. The current findings indicate that M. cajuputi can easily grow in a culture medium with minimal nutrients. However, further studies should investigate the optimal culture medium for the micropropagation of this plant.

THE IMPACT OF JENDELA IMPLEMENTATION ON INTERNET ACCESSIBILITY AND BUSINESS PRODUCTIVITY AMONG FAMILY BUSINESSES IN SABAH AND SARAWAK, MALAYSIA: A CASE STUDY

2025-11-30T12:25:00+08:00

The National Digital Network (JENDELA) initiative represents a significant national effort to improve digital infrastructure and connectivity across Malaysia, particularly in underserved and rural areas. While the initiative aims to enhance internet accessibility and foster digital inclusion, the actual impact of JENDELA on family businesses, especially those located in remote regions such as Sabah and Sarawak, remains underexplored. Thus, an in-depth focus group study was performed to gather insights from representatives of family businesses operating in the target regions. The objective of this study is to examine the impact of the JENDELA initiative on internet accessibility among family businesses in Sabah and Sarawak. The findings from the focus group discussions provided insights and information on family businesses in the context of JENDELA. The findings can be instrumental in informing decisions and implementing effective strategies to support family businesses. Accordingly, improvements that contribute to increased business productivity, cost savings, and revenue growth are essential for the sustainability and success of family businesses. While the research emphasised the benefits of JENDELA, it also highlighted challenges and disparities, particularly related to affordability and varying infrastructure conditions in rural areas. Overall, this focus group study contributes a unique perspective that helps to explain how JENDELA has affected family businesses in the region. In addition, the insights gained from the participants shed light on the practical implications of digital infrastructure improvements. It also offers valuable guidance for policymakers and stakeholders seeking to further enhance digital connectivity and support the growth of family businesses in Sabah and Sarawak, Malaysia.

ANALYSIS OF INTANGIBLE ASSETS FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED TECHNOLOGY COMPANIES IN MALAYSIA

2025-11-30T12:24:46+08:00

As the world advances into an increasingly complex and knowledge-driven economy, the significance of intangible assets has become more apparent, especially in the technology industry that depends on innovation and ideas. A lack of protection for their intangible assets would put companies at risk of intellectual property theft and unauthorised use. Considering the above, the following research objectives are proposed: The first objective is to explore the nature of intangible assets that are observed in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME) technology companies in Malaysia. The second is to examine the challenges in the management and accounting of intangible assets, and the third is to present the possible improvement in the management and accounting of intangible assets. This research analyses intangible assets for SMEs through semi-structured interviews with five senior management or finance leads from Malaysian companies operating in the technology sector. The findings aim to contribute to the sustainability and development of SME technology companies in Malaysia, in terms of optimising the management of their intangible assets. Accordingly, the findings on the management and accounting of intangible assets, with a focus on SMEs in Malaysia, aim to inform the improvement of policy and practice in the future, including the accounting paradigm of MPERS.

18S DNA BARCODING AND PHYLOGENETIC ANALYSIS OF MARINE MACROALGAE FROM UMT BEACH, KUALA TERENGGANU, MALAYSIA

2025-11-30T12:24:31+08:00

Macroalgae play a crucial role in maintaining marine ecosystems and assimilating carbon dioxide through photosynthesis. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) barcoding is essential for accurately identifying marine macroalgae, particularly in Southeast Asian waters. Accurate species identification is crucial for marine resource sustainability and biodiversity conservation. This study identifies marine macroalgae and their phylogenetic relations at the University Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) Beach. The samples were cleaned, morphologically identified, and the DNA was extracted using the Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide (CTAB) method. The DNA template was then amplified using an 18S primer. The resulting Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) products were forwarded to Apical Scientific Sdn. Bhd. for sequencing. Subsequently, the DNA sequences were imported into the MEGA11 software and used to construct a phylogenetic tree. The research findings conclude that UMT Beach, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia, reveals Cladophora sp. and Pyropia sp. macroalgae species with distant phylogenetic relationships, as determined using DNA barcoding protocols.ding protocols.

DIVERSITY OF INSECT POLLINATORS CAPTURED FROM FEMALE OIL PALM FLOWERS IN LADANG JERANGAU, TERENGGANU

2025-11-30T12:24:15+08:00

Low population of insect pollinators in oil palm plantations is one of the factors that contributes to low fruit sets of the oil palm tree, Elaeis guineensis. This study was conducted in an oil palm plantation in Terengganu to determine the species diversity of insect pollinators observed on female oil palm flowers and to compare the insect species composition between two anthesis days. Insect pollinators were captured using bottle traps placed on 12 female flowers (one trap per flower) from 1000 hr to 1100 hr on days two and three of anthesis. Sampling was conducted between December 2019 and January 2020, and again from July to October 2020. Accordingly, the trapped insects were then observed under a dissecting microscope for species identification. A total of 174 individuals from 15 species were recorded in this study. The most common insects observed were the two known oil palm pollinators, Elaeidobius kamerunicus and Pyroderces sp., which accounted for 55% and 16% of the total captures, respectively. The Shannon diversity index calculated for the insects visiting the female oil palm flowers was H’ = 1.618. Moreover, comparison between the two anthesis days indicates that the insect diversity was higher on the second day (Shannon diversity index, H’ = 1.6327) than on the third day (H’ = 1.3679). However, this was not significantly different at p = 0.05. Several other insects were also reported, indicating potential as pollinators by visiting the flowers on both anthesis days, although with much lower abundance. Thus, this study contributes to the knowledge of other potential insects as pollinators of oil palm trees. Hopefully, this study will benefit plantation managers in implementing entomofauna-friendly management in the oil palm plantations.

EFFECT OF PACKAGING ON POST-HARVEST QUALITY OF GREY OYSTER MUSHROOMS (Pleurotus ostreatus)

2025-11-30T12:24:00+08:00

Purpose - Grey oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) is one of the most sensitive vegetables when harvested and contributes to the increase of post-harvest losses in the market. It is highly susceptible to decay and undergoes deterioration after harvesting. Packaging materials may affect the quality of fresh produce, especially oyster mushrooms, prior to consumption. Therefore, the effect of different packaging materials on the post-harvest quality of oyster mushrooms stored at cool storage was examined in this study. Methodology - This study evaluated six types of packaging materials: Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) with and without vacuum, High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) with and without vacuum, and Polypropylene (PP) with and without vacuum. Each treatment was conducted with three replications. The parameters assessed included weight loss, firmness, Total Soluble Solids (TSS) concentration, Browning Index (BI), and color measurements (L and b values). Data were collected at two-day intervals up to Day 12. All samples were properly packed and stored at a controlled temperature of 5°C. Findings - The study demonstrates that different packaging materials and vacuum conditions have a significant influence on the post-harvest quality of oyster mushrooms. Overall, HDPE and PP materials, particularly in non-vacuum applications, were most effective in preserving multiple quality parameters of oyster mushrooms during storage. Originality - This study presents an original idea that was designed and conducted to address questions related to the quality of mushroom shelf life, based on different packaging materials.

PENGHARGAAN KENDIRI DAN PENGARUH RAKAN SEBAYA SEBAGAI FAKTOR PERAMAL KEPADA SIKAP PENYALAHGUNAAN DADAH DALAM KALANGAN BELIA

2025-11-30T12:23:47+08:00

Penyalahgunaan dadah dalam kalangan belia di Malaysia merupakan isu berterusan yang menuntut perhatian serius. Kajian ini bertujuan mengenal pasti hubungan antara penghargaan kendiri, pengaruh rakan sebaya, dan sikap terhadap penyalahgunaan dadah dalam kalangan belia di Kuala Nerus. Kajian kuantitatif ini melibatkan 382 responden dan menggunakan soal selidik untuk mengumpul data. Instrumen yang diaplikasikan termasuk Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale, Peer Pressure Questionnaires (PPQ-Revised), dan Drug Related Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs (KAB). Analisis korelasi menunjukkan hubungan negatif yang signifikan antara penghargaan kendiri dan sikap terhadap penyalahgunaan dadah. Sebaliknya, pengaruh rakan sebaya tidak menunjukkan hubungan signifikan dengan sikap terhadap penyalahgunaan dadah. Analisis regresi pula mendapati penghargaan kendiri merupakan peramal utama terhadap sikap ini dengan sumbangan sebanyak 69 peratus, manakala pengaruh rakan sebaya menyumbang sebanyak 31 peratus. Hasil kajian mencadangkan agar kaedah intervensi memberi tumpuan kepada pembangunan penghargaan kendiri bagi menangani masalah penyalahgunaan dadah dalam kalangan belia di Malaysia.

PENGARUH KEPUASAN KERJA DAN KONFLIK KERJA-KELUARGA TERHADAP PRESTASI PEKERJA KILANG: KAJIAN DI PARIT RAJA, JOHOR

2025-11-30T12:23:33+08:00

Prestasi kerja rendah dalam sektor perkilangan menjadi isu utama kerana memberi kesan langsung kepada produktiviti dan pencapaian organisasi. Kepuasan kerja yang rendah serta konflik kerja-keluarga sering dikaitkan dengan prestasi kerja tidak memuaskan, sekali gus meningkatkan tekanan kerja, ketidakhadiran, dan kadar pusing ganti pekerja. Kajian ini bertujuan mengenal pasti pengaruh kepuasan kerja serta konflik kerja-keluarga terhadap prestasi kerja dalam kalangan pekerja kilang di Parit Raja, Batu Pahat. Kajian menggunakan reka bentuk kuantitatif deskriptif dan teknik persampelan bertujuan, melibatkan 360 pekerja kilang yang menjawab Skala Kepuasan Kerja (JSS), Skala Konflik Kerja-Keluarga (WFCS), dan Soal Selidik Prestasi Kerja Individu (IWPQ). Analisis korelasi serta regresi berganda digunakan untuk mengenal pasti pengaruh kedua-dua pemboleh ubah bebas terhadap prestasi kerja. Hasil kajian menunjukkan kepuasan kerja dan konflik kerja-keluarga memberi pengaruh signifikan walaupun kecil terhadap prestasi kerja, manakala regresi menunjukkan 5.3 peratus varians prestasi kerja dijelaskan oleh kedua-dua pemboleh ubah. Dapatan ini diharapkan menyumbang kepada literatur sedia ada dan memberikan perspektif baharu berkaitan faktor yang mempengaruhi kepuasan serta prestasi kerja dalam sektor pengeluaran. Pemahaman ini penting bagi pihak pengurusan merangka strategi efektif untuk meningkatkan kepuasan kerja, mengurangkan konflik kerja-keluarga, dan mewujudkan persekitaran kerja lebih positif bagi menyokong kejayaan jangka panjang organisasi.

NATURE CRUISE SERVICE PERFORMANCE, GREEN EXPERIENCE SATISFACTION AND REVISIT INTENTIONS: A SEGMENTATION APPROACH TO KENYIR LAKE FOR ECOTOURISM DESTINATION SUSTAINABILITY

2025-11-30T12:23:17+08:00

The continuing decrease in visitors to Kenyir Lake over the years has impacted the local businesses and stakeholders who depend on tourism. This decline puts the lake’s future as a tourist destination at risk and raises questions about how to sustain tourism while preserving the natural environment’s sustainability. This study aims to examine tourist perceptions of nature cruise service performance and their relationship with green experience satisfaction and revisit intentions at Kenyir Lake using the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) Theory. The significance of this research lies in its potential to provide evidence-based strategies for reversing tourism decline while promoting sustainable ecotourism practices, which is crucial for the economic survival of local communities and environmental conservation. Hence, a purposive sampling technique was employed to collect data from tourists visiting Kenyir Lake. A total of 634 usable questionnaires were collected from respondents. The data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26, employing descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, and cluster mean segmentation analysis to examine tourist perceptions and behavioral intentions. The cluster mean segmentation analysis revealed statistically significant moderate levels of tourist satisfaction regarding both nature cruise service quality and green satisfaction construct. Similarly, the findings indicated moderate revisit intentions among tourists towards the destination. All measurement scales demonstrated acceptable reliability. However, no significant differences were observed between different tourist demographic segments in terms of their satisfaction levels. These results suggest that tourist satisfaction level towards the perceived service experience is relatively moderate. While tourists were generally satisfied with their visit experience, there may be opportunities to enhance service delivery and strengthen their intention to revisit the destination. Furthermore, the findings contribute significantly to both industry practice and academic knowledge. For industry practitioners, the results offer actionable insights for ecotourism service providers to refine their service delivery strategies and develop targeted marketing approaches, thereby enhancing tourist satisfaction and loyalty. For educational practitioners and researchers, this study extends the application of SOR Theory in the context of ecotourism, providing a methodological framework for assessing tourist behavior in natural settings. Overall, by focusing on the identified strengths and addressing areas for improvement, destination managers can better position their services to meet the evolving demands of eco-cruise travelers. It can also contribute to the sustainable development of Kenyir Lake as a premier ecotourism destination.

ANALISIS KESELAMATAN PERSEKITARAAN PERUMAHAN DI KAWASAN KEDIAMAN GONG BADAK, KUALA TERENGGANU

2025-11-30T12:23:02+08:00

Artikel ini menyoroti tahap keselamatan persekitaran di kawasan perumahan Gong Badak, Kuala Terengganu, yang semakin membimbangkan berikutan peningkatan kes jenayah harta benda, termasuk pecah rumah, kecurian kenderaan dan kehilangan barang peribadi. Kajian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif berbentuk kajian kes, dengan data diperoleh melalui temu bual separa berstruktur bersama lapan informan utama yang terdiri daripada penduduk, ketua komuniti serta wakil pihak berkuasa tempatan. Analisis tematik dijalankan untuk mengenal pasti isu keselamatan yang dominan serta menilai keberkesanan langkah-langkah kawalan yang telah dilaksanakan di kawasan kajian. Dapatan kajian menekankan tiga faktor utama yang menyumbang kepada kebimbangan keselamatan dalam kalangan penduduk, iaitu kekurangan sistem pengawasan berkesan, rendahnya kesedaran dan penglibatan komuniti dalam aktiviti keselamatan kejiranan, serta keadaan fizikal persekitaran yang tidak terjaga, seperti longkang tersumbat, kawasan semak samun dan lampu jalan rosak. Berdasarkan dapatan tersebut, kajian mencadangkan beberapa strategi holistik berasaskan prinsip Reka Bentuk Pencegahan Jenayah Melalui Reka Bentuk Persekitaran (CPTED), termasuk penambahbaikan infrastruktur fizikal, penggunaan teknologi pemantauan moden, serta pengaktifan semula inisiatif komuniti seperti Rukun Tetangga dan Skim Rondaan Sukarela. Kesemua usaha ini diharap menjadi asas penting dalam perancangan keselamatan kejiranan yang lebih mampan, sistematik dan berkesan, sekali gus meningkatkan kesejahteraan hidup komuniti perumahan di kawasan yang sedang pesat membangun.