Quantum Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities
Quantum Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities (QJSSH) is an open-access, online electronic publication, and peer-reviewed journal. QJSSH journal addressing the current issues in the study area of social sciences and humanities. The journal publishes research articles, review articles, short communications, case studies and reports in anthropology and sociology, archeology, area studies, business and administration, cultural and ethnic studies, economic and finance, education and educational research, gender studies, geography, law, library and information science, media and communication, political science and governance, psychology and human development, rural and urban development, social and community work, social and economiv development, social enterpreneurship, sociolinguistics, volunteerism, youth development, and multidisciplinary research of international interest. QJSSH journal provide immediate open access to its content on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge. Abstract and Indexing Quantum Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities (QJSSH) are abstracted and indexing in Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (BASE); COnnecting REpositories (CORE); Dimensions; Directory of Research Journal Indexing (DRJI); EuroPub; Google Scholar; Malaysian Journal (MyJurnal); Malaysian Citation Index (MyCite); Neliti; Open Ukrainian Citation Index (OUCI); Scilit; Semantic Scholar; UDLedge; and many more.
ASSESSING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GAME DESIGN PREFERENCE, ESCAPISM AND IMPULSIVITY WITH GAMBLING ADDICTION
The growing popularity of mobile gaming, particularly gacha games, has raised increasing concern over their potential association with gambling addiction. Gacha games operate on randomized reward systems that resemble gambling mechanisms and encouraging repeated play and monetary spending in pursuit of uncertain outcomes. Despite their prevalence, empirical research exploring how psychological and design-related factors contribute to gambling like behaviours among players remains limited, especially within the Malaysian context. This gap underscores the need to understand how individuals’ motivations and personality traits interact with gaming mechanics to influence addictive tendencies. This preliminary quantitative study investigates the relationships between game design preference, escapism, impulsivity, and gambling addiction among active gacha game players. Using a structured self-administered online questionnaire, data were analysed through Pearson correlation to determine the strength and direction of association between the studied variables. The results indicate that impulsivity and escapism are positively associated with gambling addiction, while game design preference shows no significant relationship. Overall, the findings contribute to the growing body if literature on digital gaming behaviour by highlighting the psychological and motivational dimensions underlying gambling tendencies. This study offers important insights for researchers, game developers, and policymakers in developing a culturally more relevant interventions and responsible gaming framework.
Copyright (c) 2026 NUR'AIN NATASHA MOHAMMAD NAZRUL KOH, HAMIZAH SAHHARON https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
MULTIMODAL FEATURE FUSION FOR INTELLIGENT JADE CARVING DESIGN: A HUMAN-AI COLLABORATIVE APPROACH
Multimodal feature fusion offers a transformative approach to intelligent jade carving design by integrating human expertise with artificial intelligence to enhance creativity in traditional crafts. As a traditional Chinese art form, jade carving faces modern challenges such as limited efficiency, restricted adaptability, and the difficulty of merging traditional workflows with digital innovation. This study introduces an intelligent design framework that employs human–AI collaboration and multimodal structured feature fusion to inspire creativity while maintaining cultural authenticity. The proposed system applies a three-stage reference image recommendation process involving material-feature extraction, thematic and compositional analysis, and design-decision support. Using deep learning segmentation and color-space thresholding, key geometric and color features of jade materials are extracted and structured as encoded vectors. These are then matched with a database of traditional compositions through multimodal models that generate semantic labels and apply weighted similarity scoring. The system integrates automatic screening with human evaluation to ensure accuracy, diversity, and cultural sensitivity. Experimental outcomes indicate improvements in design efficiency, precision, interpretability, and reduced cognitive load for designers. This research underscores the value of AI-assisted systems in preserving traditional craftsmanship while driving innovation, offering a framework that connects deep learning with human creativity for the sustainable transformation of cultural heritage design.
Copyright (c) 2026 ZHENWEI WENG, HEMA ZULAIKA HASHIM https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
MEDIA REPRESENTATION OF RELIGION, RACE AND ROYALTY (3R) IN MALAYSIAN POLITICAL JOURNALISM PERSPECTIVES
This study explores the perceptions and representations of politically sensitive issues-religion, race, and royalty (3R)-by mainstream journalists in Malaysia based on selected media reportage. Notwithstanding the digital change of newsrooms, 3R framing persists in shaping political narratives and public discourse, mirroring established sociocultural norms. The study addresses an important gap by interpreting how journalistic decision-making is shaped by institutional, cultural, and political elements in reporting on these delicate topics. A qualitative approach was employed, incorporating in-depth interviews with experienced journalists from mainstream media organizations, alongside a critical discourse analysis of selected political news articles published during the 2018–2025 electoral cycle. This period was chosen as it captures a significant shift in Malaysia’s political and media landscape, beginning with the historic 2018 general election that marked a change in government and extending to contemporary developments such as the 2020 political realignment and GE15 in 2022. Covering this cycle allows for a deeper understanding of how 3R narratives evolved amidst heightened political transitions, editorial pressures, and public sensitivities. The research project employed Agenda-setting Theory and Media Priming Theory to interpret how journalists construct 3R narratives while navigating political and editorial constraints. The results indicate that although journalists recognize the necessity for balanced reporting, institutional boundaries, self-censorship, and audience expectations often result in cautious and repetitive framing, particularly in coverage of royalty and religion. Race-related matters are frequently influenced by political disputes and historical conflicts. Notwithstanding the digital transition, conventional narratives endure, and the capacity for transformation is constrained by structural limits. This research enriches understanding of the Malaysian media's handling of sensitive identity politics, offering insights into the intersections of media, politics, and social values. The study highlights the need for reflective journalistic practices and comprehensive media reforms to ensure fairer portrayals of Malaysia's diverse society.
Copyright (c) 2026 ZAMIRUL NUR HAKIM M ZAILANI, MOHD SHAHNAWI MUHMAD PIRUS, WARDATUL HAYAT ADNAN https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
CULTURAL INFLUENCES ON PUBLIC APOLOGIES AMONG MALAYSIAN PUBLIC FIGURES: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW
Public apologies by Malaysian public figure such as political leaders, celebrities, internet influencers, and entrepreneurs have been under consistent scrutiny on digital platforms such as X, Instagram, Threads, and TikTok where audiences actively evaluate their sincerity and cultural appropriateness. Although apology communication has been widely studied in Western contexts, there remains a lack of systematic understanding of how Malaysia’s collectivist and high context cultural norms can shape apology strategies and audience interpretations. This gap limits the applicability of the existing image repair theories to non-Western societies. To address this issue, this systematic literature review (SLR) examines how cultural factors influence the framing, expression, and public reception of apologies among Malaysian public figures guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework. The review analysed studies published between 2020 and 2025 from two databases; Google Scholar and SCOPUS that explore the intersection of culture, communication, and public image repair. Findings reveal that Malaysian public apologies emphasize moral responsibility, respect for hierarchy, and face saving. This reflects a harmony-oriented communication deeply rooted in the nation’s multicultural identity. However, empirical integration across studies remains limited. The review also highlights the limitations of Western-centric models, such as Benoit’s Image Repair Theory, and proposes incorporating culturally grounded perspectives such as normology. Overall, this synthesis helps understand intercultural and crisis communication by offering a culturally informed framework for understanding apology practices in Malaysia’s sociocultural landscape.
Copyright (c) 2026 NURUL SYAFIQAH ZAMREE, HAMIZAH SAHHARON https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
POST-CALIPHATE ISIS DIGITAL PROPAGANDA EVOLVES, RESONATING THROUGH ‘GLOCALIZED’ RESONANCE IN SOUTHEAST ASIA
Despite the 2019 territorial collapse of its physical "caliphate," the Islamic State (ISIS) has adeptly transitioned its sophisticated media apparatus into a decentralized, resilient "virtual insurgency." This study addresses a critical temporal (post-2019) and contextual (Southeast Asian) gap in the literature by examining the narrative evolution and strategic adaptation of ISIS digital propaganda. We argue that to maintain relevance, ISIS has pivoted from a monolithic "utopian state-building" narrative to a highly adaptive "glocalized" model that targets specific regional audiences. This article employs a mixed-method qualitative analysis, combining Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) with Visual Semiotics. The analysis is performed on a curated corpus of official and supporter-driven digital media (videos, infographics, editorials) disseminated between 2019 and 2024 on encrypted platforms (e.g., Telegram) and targeting Malay- and Indonesian-speaking audiences. The findings reveal a three-pronged strategic adaptation: (1) an ideological pivot from "caliphate utopianism" to narratives of "sabr" (strategic patience) and resilient, clandestine insurgency, (2) the systematic "glocalization" of grievances, wherein global jihadist dogma is strategically fused with proximate, emotive local issues, such as the Rohingya crisis and domestic Malaysian political-religious debates, and (3) a corresponding adaptation in form to "lo-fi," ephemeral, and "snackable" media, a tactic designed to evade AI-driven content moderation and decentralize production by encouraging user-generated content (UGC). This study concludes that this "glocalized virtual insurgency" is a more insidious and resilient threat than its state-based predecessor. Its ability to co-opt local issues renders traditional, reactive content-removal policies insufficient. We assert the urgent need for a policy shift toward proactive, culturally-resonant counter-narratives and the promotion of critical digital media literacy to inoculate vulnerable populations in the region.
Copyright (c) 2026 ROSLIE MD TAJUDDIN, WAN MOHD YUSRIZAL WAN HANAPI, ABDUL HAFIZ IBRAHIM, MOHD TARMIZI NAWI @ AB GHANI, ABDOLREZA ALAMI https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
RESEARCH ON THE DESIGN TRANSFORMATION MODEL FOR GLASS PRODUCTS INTEGRATING CHINESE CULTURAL HERITAGE ELEMENTS
China's cultural and creative industry is expanding. This paper aims to examine the design process by integrating cultural heritage elements into glass products and to achieve the translation of cultural symbolic signs at visual, behavioural, and meaningful levels. Through expert interviews and case studies, it was found that this model of gradual transformation, from visual elements (shape, colour, and decoration) to behaviours (ritualised behaviour embedding, reconstruction of daily behaviours, and performance behaviour simulation) and then to philosophical thought (philosophical thought transmission, moral and spiritual metaphor, and blessing and auspicious meaning); demonstrates a hierarchical integration strategy that aligns with both user perception and cultural authenticity. From the findings, it is clear that, in the combination of three levels of cultural elements in cultural heritage, each glass product has its focus: some focus on one level, some on two levels, and some can be passed on at all three levels. The reason is that every existing product has a specific value. However, designers aim to give products as much value and attributes as possible. The additional cultural value of the product can be enhanced through the transfer and integration of cultural elements from cultural heritage spatial analysis. This allows glassware not only to embody cultural heritage but also to communicate its deeper symbolic meaning, offering users a more comprehensive and meaningful experience. This model provides a reference for other cultural and creative sectors and offers innovative ideas to product designers. Future research could incorporate actual consumer feelings and feedback to further improve and refine this model.
Copyright (c) 2026 QINGFENG LIU, WAN NOOR FAAIZAH WAN OMAR, MASITAH AHMAD, JIALIN HU https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
UNDERSTANDING ESCAPISM AS A KEY MOTIVATION BEHIND GENERATION Z’S ENGAGEMENT IN TIKTOK HASHTAG TRENDS
This study explores the motivations driving Generation Z’s engagement with TikTok hashtag trends in Malaysia, with a particular focus on escapism as a key psychological and social factor. Rather than analyzing specific hashtags, the study examines content appearing on the platform’s “For You Page” (FYP), where algorithmic exposure encourages spontaneous engagement and interaction. It investigates how TikTok functions as a digital escape from societal, academic, and personal pressures, while simultaneously enabling self-expression and identity construction within online communities. A qualitative phenomenological approach was adopted, combining semi-structured interviews with digital ethnographic observations of Malaysian Gen Z users actively participating in TikTok hashtag trends. Purposive sampling guided informant selection, and data were thematically analyzed and saturated using NVivo 14 software. Grounded in Uses and Gratifications Theory (UGT) and Social Identity Theory (SIT), the findings revealed four key themes: Theme 1: Trends Virality; Theme 2: Fear of Missing Out; Theme 3: Self-Representation and Alternate Identity and Theme 4: Algorithm Exposure and Digital Immersion. The analysis indicates that while TikTok provides avenues for creativity, self-expression, and emotional regulation, it simultaneously fosters social pressure to remain visible and relevant within fast-moving trends. Overall, the study concludes that TikTok operates as a dual-purpose platform that serves as both a coping mechanism for emotional relief and a space for online identity negotiation. These insights hold implications for educators, mental health professionals, and digital policymakers, helping them understand and support healthier digital engagement among young adults in Malaysia.
Copyright (c) 2026 MIERA SYAFIERA RAZEMI, TENGKU ELENA TENGKU MAHAMAD, YUSLINDA MAT YASSIN https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
MEDIA FRAMING AND SOCIAL COHESION: PEACE JOURNALISM IN MALAYSIAN RELIGIOUS-CULTURAL CONFLICT REPORTING (2013-2025)
This systematic article review critically examines the role and effectiveness of Peace Journalism (PJ) as an alternative framework for mitigating interethnic tension and enhancing national harmony in Malaysia’s diverse religious and cultural landscape. Conventional reporting often exacerbates tensions, making PJ, which emphasizes conflict resolution, context, and multi-perspective reporting, crucial. Employing a qualitative, systematic synthesis approach, fifteen peer-reviewed journal articles and academic sources published between 2013 and 2025 were analyzed. This review integrates Galtung’s Peace Journalism Theory and Framing Theory to assess the structural and socio-cultural constraints impacting PJ implementation. Findings confirm the prevalence of conflict/war-oriented frames in both international and domestic religious coverage. The limited adoption of PJ is attributed to complex structural constraints (e.g., regulatory frameworks, editorial policies, self-censorship) and a bias towards majority-group and authoritative perspectives, limiting exposure to alternative voices. The study establishes that PJ's theoretical potential is compromised by practical and systemic pressures. It recommends comprehensive institutional reforms, journalist empowerment, and strategic leveraging of citizen journalism to facilitate a proactive media role in social cohesion and peacebuilding.
Copyright (c) 2026 SURAYATUL NATASYA KERISTIFA, ANIS ELLYANNA MANSOR, KARIMAH AWI, MUNDZIR ZAHIR, ABDOLREZA ALAMI https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
FRAMING AND REPORTING SENSITIVE ISSUES IN MALAYSIA: A CONCEPTUAL STUDY
The study examines how framing theory can be adapted to improve the understanding of sensitive issue reporting in semi-authoritarian contexts, using LGBTQ coverage in Malaysia as a focal case. The representation of socially contested topics typically reflects the complex dynamics between journalistic responsibility and public sensitivity. The process of frame-building involves both internal and external factors which influence the frame selection for the narrative. The selection of frames is heavily influenced by newsroom culture that involves the intertwining of elements such as editorial policies, journalistic values and news values, while external factor like regulatory pressure heavily embedded in local reporting ethics and acts as the guiding principle in Malaysian news landscape. LGBTQ is a sensitive topic which often treated with biased reportage due to the cultural and values influences. Rather than promoting a specific stance on LGBTQ issues, the conceptual study focuses on the topic to act as the lens to theorize how local news media navigate contested discourses under constraint. While framing theory has been extensively applied in liberal democratic settings, the utilization of the framing approach is still limited in conservative media scenes which is bound by restriction in values and political influences. The conceptual study critiques the Western-centric assumptions that often applied in framing approaches and highlight the need for a local-centric framework that molded according to Malaysian’s values.
Copyright (c) 2026 FARHANAH SYAZWANI MD SAFIAN, MUHAMMAD HAKIMI TEW ABDULLAH, SHAZLEEN MOHAMED https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF HUMOROUS ADVERTISEMENT IN ENHANCING BRAND IDENTITY AMONG GENERATION Z IN MALAYSIA
This study examines the effectiveness of humorous advertising in enhancing brand identity among Generation Z in Malaysia. Using a quantitative research design, data were collected from 143 respondents through an online survey that assessed emotional responses, attention levels, brand recall, and consumer–brand connection toward humorous social media advertisements. Descriptive findings show that most respondents felt uplifted, relaxed, and more interested in the brand when exposed to humorous content. Humor was also found to significantly increase attention, memorability, and the likelihood of sharing advertisements with others. Inferential analysis further indicates that humor positively influences consumers across gender and age groups, although the differences were largely insignificant. The study concludes that humor functions not only as a source of entertainment but also as an effective branding strategy that strengthens emotional engagement, cultural resonance, and recognition of a brand’s identity. However, limitations include a small sample size, demographic imbalance, and reliance solely on quantitative methods. Overall, the findings highlight humor as a strategic asset for brands seeking to enhance visibility, recall, and loyalty among Malaysian Generation Z consumers.
Copyright (c) 2026 MANIMEGALAI AMBIKAPATHY, CHRISTY KH’NG KER YING, CHEONG ZHI HERNG, ER ROU JING, LEONG JING MEN https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
EDUCATIONAL CONSUMPTION AND REGIONAL COMMUNICATION INFRASTRUCTURE: AN ANALYSIS USING CHINA’S PROVINCIAL PANEL DATA
This paper examines how regional communication infrastructure affects education price dynamics across China. Using an annual panel of six provinces-Jiangsu and Shandong (east), Henan and Hubei (central), and Sichuan and Gansu (west) from 1993 to 2023, the study ensures consistent series for the Education Consumer Price Index (EduCPI) and its subcomponents: education supplies, education services, and culture & entertainment. Communication infrastructure is measured as the logarithm of cultural, educational, broadcasting, and postal institutions (ln(Media)). Two-way fixed-effects regressions with Driscoll–Kraay standard errors control for GDP per capita, disposable income, and government education spending. Results show a small but significant positive effect of ln(Media) on overall EduCPI growth. Yet, the effects vary across categories: infrastructure expansion tends to lower prices for education supplies and culture & entertainment, but slightly raises service costs. Regional heterogeneity is evident-price-containment is stronger in eastern and central provinces, while short-term upward pressure appears in less developed western areas. Overall, communication infrastructure can both moderate and amplify education prices depending on consumption type and regional capacity. Policy should therefore combine infrastructure investment with supply-side improvements in lagging regions and network optimization in advanced ones.
Copyright (c) 2026 JIANG LU, GUFENG WU https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
UNDERSTANDING PUBLIC PERCEPTION IN SOCIAL MEDIA: THE UAD FRAMEWORK
The rapid growth of social media has significantly changed the way the public, especially in Malaysia, interacts with law enforcement institutions such as the Royal Malaysian Police (RMP). With increasingly easy access to various digital platforms, public perceptions are now not only formed more quickly but also more easily influenced through open, immediate and interactive communication channels. This new dynamic has caused the digital space to become the main site for the formation of public discourse, including issues related to integrity, professionalism and misconduct of police officers. This situation presents a major challenge to the RMP in managing public perceptions, as negative sentiment, even stemming from a small number of incidents, can spread widely and affect overall trust in the institution. Based on these needs, this study presents a conceptual study through literature analysis with the aim of introducing the Understanding–Adaptation–Diffusion (UAD) Framework as a strategic communication model that can help the RMP navigate public perceptions in today's digital ecosystem. The objectives of this study are: (i) to introduce UAD as a conceptual framework that can explain how public sentiment is formed and changed through social media displays; and (ii) explore more responsive and transparent communication approaches in disseminating information to strengthen the reputation of policing institutions. UAD describes three main stages in public perception management: comprehension, which refers to the way audiences interpret media narratives and frames; adaptation, which is the institutional response to emerging sentiments; and dissemination, which emphasizes the need for clear, accurate and credible strategic communication. This study also incorporates Framing Theory (Goffman; Entman) and McQuail's thinking on mass communication, thus positioning UAD as a relevant contextual framework for the Malaysian environment. It is hoped that the contribution of this study can help public institutions build more effective digital communication strategies, increase transparency, and ultimately strengthen the level of public trust in the fast-moving information age.
Copyright (c) 2026 NURUL BAZILAH JAAFAR, ZULKIFLI ABD LATIFF, YUSLINDA MAT YASSIN https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
NARRATING A CORPORATE BEHEMOTH: A MEDIA SENTIMENT ANALYSIS TOWARDS INDONESIA’S LARGEST STATE-OWNED ENTERPRISE
This study provides a quantitative analysis of media sentiment surrounding Pertamina, Indonesia's largest state-owned enterprise (SOE), on Indonesia's leading online news portal, Detiknews. The aim of the study is to empirically map dominant media frames and sentiments, exploring whether the media function as "watchdogs" or "narrative stabilizers" in Indonesia's unique media environment, with high levels of trust and concentration. Using a quantitative content analysis methodology, the study examines a comprehensive sample of 1,548 news headlines published between January 2024 and May 2025. These headlines were systematically coded into positive, neutral, and negative sentiment categories. The study's claims are supported through novel triangulation, as presented in a comparison figure, which compares mainstream media themes with public discourse on social media. The results show a significant dominance of neutral coverage (73.56% of articles). Positive sentiment (18.62%) accounts for more than twice as much as negative sentiment (7.82%). Thematic analysis indicates that positive frames relate to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and achievements, while negative frames are driven by corruption and operational incidents. Neutral coverage, for the most part, focused on factual reporting of business operations and official statements. This discussion highlights that this neutral-to-positive frame (92.18%) constructs a "discourse of normality" that serves as a "reputational shield," a finding supported by triangulation, which confirms a clear "narrative platform dichotomy" (e.g., neutral media on fuel prices vs. negative social media). This aligns with the finding that traditional media, not social media, often determines long-term reputation in crises. The study concludes that the media, in this context, acted as a narrative stabilizer, reinforcing Pertamina's functional image, protecting its reputation from the volatile critical discourse found elsewhere.
Copyright (c) 2026 BAGUS ADITYA SUSANTO, VIDI SUKMAYADI, DEDE MARIANA, RIDWAN BUDISAPUTRA https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
STIGMA AND SILENCE: UNDERSTANDING MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH COMMUNICATION AND HELP-SEEKING IN KLANG VALLEY
In the realm of mental health discourse, considerable attention has traditionally been directed toward women’s well-being, resulting in a significant gap in understanding and addressing the unique challenges surrounding men’s mental health. This study aims to explore the factors contributing to the persistent stigma surrounding men's mental health in the Klang Valley, identify the communication barriers that discourage men from seeking help, and propose strategies to facilitate more supportive help-seeking behaviours. Employing a qualitative research design, this study conducted semi-structured interviews with ten male participants from the Klang Valley to capture rich, first-hand insights into their experiences and perceptions. Through thematic analysis, six major themes were identified: Toxic Masculinity Norms, Cognitive Barriers, Social Stigma Barriers, Structural and Financial Barriers, Narrative or Norms Shifts, and Supportive and Institutional Interventions. These themes reveal the complex interplay of cultural expectations, internalised stigma, and systemic barriers that shape men’s reluctance to seek mental health support. Framed through the lens of Muted Group Theory, the study highlights how men’s emotional expressions and help-seeking behaviours are frequently marginalised within dominant social narratives, often leaving them without the language, space, or societal permission to articulate their struggles. Participants in the study underscored the urgent need to reshape prevailing narratives by leveraging the influence of media, public figures, and grassroots community initiatives. They also stressed the importance of fostering greater support within families, workplaces, educational settings, and government institutions. This study contributes to public discourse by offering practical recommendations for media organisations, NGOs, and government agencies to design targeted mental health awareness strategies. It further underscores the need for continued research and sustained efforts to challenge harmful gender norms and promote help-seeking as a collective social responsibility.
Copyright (c) 2026 NA MOHAMAD NOR, SUFFIAN HADI AYUB https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
THE ROLE OF TELECOMMUNICATION SECTORS IN FINTECH ADOPTION IN AFGHANISTAN’S BANKING SECTOR
Telecom infrastructure and financial technology (FinTech) are jointly shaping the future of banking and financial inclusion worldwide. FinTech, namely mobile and digital payments, offers a potential route to greater inclusion and efficiency in unstable environments like Afghanistan, where political instability, restricted banking access, and low literacy are common. However, dependable telecommunications networks, supportive laws, and public confidence are essential for the long-term adoption of FinTech. This article examines Afghanistan's banking and telecommunications environment, highlighting its unique opportunities and challenges. The example of Malaysia, a nation that has quickly grown digital finance through coordinated telecommunications investments, open rules, and inclusion initiatives, is then used to make comparisons. We examine the interdependence between telecoms and fintech in Afghanistan, highlighting potential opportunities (such as digital remittances, mobile money, and migrant finance) and identifying constraints (such as connectivity and regulatory gaps, and low trust) based on the literature and current information. The article concludes with evidence-based suggestions for Afghanistan, including targeted literacy initiatives, modernizing regulations (fintech sandbox, e-money licensing), integrating digital identity/customer identification, strategic telecom investment (ubiquitous broadband), and consumer protection measures. The study concludes that Afghanistan must adopt a coordinated "digital infrastructure, policy-trust" strategy, as exemplified by Malaysia, to close the financial inclusion gap and build a more robust banking industry.
Copyright (c) 2026 INAMUL HAQ JAMI, MUHAMMAD TAHIR JAN https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
UNGOVERNED SPACES AS STRUCTURAL DRIVERS OF SMALL ARMS AND LIGHT WEAPONS PROLIFERATION IN NIGERIA
The proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALWs) in Northwestern Nigeria has emerged as a significant driver of insecurity, disrupting social, economic, and political stability. This study examines the role of ungoverned spaces as structural enablers of SALW proliferation, focusing on Sokoto, Katsina, and Jigawa states. Employing a qualitative approach, data were collected through Key Informant Interviews, field observations, and secondary sources, with thematic analysis conducted using NVivo 15. Findings reveal that porous borders, weak state presence, inadequate law enforcement, and socio-economic deprivation have created fertile conditions for the spread of SALWs and the rise of armed groups. These factors contribute to widespread violence, including banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and armed robbery, while also causing displacement, disruption of agricultural and economic activities, and erosion of community welfare. The study concludes that ungoverned spaces function as structural drivers of arms proliferation and exacerbate insecurity in the region. It recommends strengthening state presence, improving socio-economic infrastructure, engaging local communities, enforcing regulatory frameworks, and enhancing regional cooperation to mitigate SALW proliferation and its associated risks.
Copyright (c) 2026 MUBARAK SULAIMAN JAMIU, MUHAMMAD FEBRIANSYAH https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
AUTONOMY, RELATEDNESS AND COMPETENCE IN LEARNING MOTIVATION: EVIDENCE FROM MALAYSIA TERTIARY LEARNERS
Academic performance is viewed as a multidimensional construct influenced by learners’ motivational and self-regulatory capabilities. Making Self-Determination Theory as a focal point, this quantitative study examines Malaysian students’ perceptions towards learning motivation through the aspects of autonomy, relatedness and competence. A survey entailing 43 five-point Likert scale items was administered to 168 students from different academic disciplines and educational levels. Descriptive statistics revealed that learners exhibit moderate levels of autonomy and relatedness, while higher levels for competence-related strategies, cognitive strategies, and self-regulation in particular. Significant positive correlations are found between autonomy, relatedness and competence, implying that these factors correspond to the learners’ motivation. Inferential analysis also indicated that no significant differences were found across academic disciplines, while a significant distinction was identified for autonomy across education levels. Overall, the findings enhance the prevalence of Self-Determination Theory, answering the learning motivation while stressing the demand for insightful pedagogical approaches that advance learners’ autonomy, motivation and self-regulation.
Copyright (c) 2026 AFINA NAZIRA AFNIZUL, SOFEA AZLENA TUNG ADIB VINCENT TUNG, MARYAM AZIZAN, NIK SITI MAISARAH ABD RAHMAN, IZHANI FARHANA NOR AZAM, NOOR HANIM RAHMAT https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
THE INFLUENCE OF WRITING MOTIVATION ON WRITING ANXIETY
Writing motivation and writing anxiety are known as two important affective factors that influence learners’ performance in second language writing. This study aimed to explore learners’ perceptions of their writing motivation and writing anxiety, examined the relationship between the two variables, and determined whether significant differences exist across disciplines. A quantitative survey design was employed, involving 116 participants from various disciplines at a public university in Malaysia. The research instrument consisted of three sections namely demographic information, writing motivation (self-efficacy and task value), and writing anxiety (cognitive, somatic, and avoidance behaviour), adapted from previous studies. The findings revealed that learners demonstrated high levels of writing motivation, specifically in task value, while experiencing moderate levels of writing anxiety, with cognitive anxiety being the most prominent. Correlation analysis indicated a weak but significant positive relationship between writing motivation and writing anxiety, while ANOVA results showed no significant differences across disciplines. Overall, the study suggests that strengthening learners’ motivational beliefs may help manage writing-related anxiety. These findings offer valuable pedagogical implications for instructors in designing supportive writing instruction that fosters motivation while reducing anxiety.
Copyright (c) 2026 NURHAFEZA MOHD AKHIR, MUHAMMAD NASIRUDDIN AZIZ, NASIHA NASRUDIN, RUSREENA RUSLI, NURUL ATIQAH AMRAN, NOOR HANIM RAHMAT https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
ROLE OF ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY IN SHAPING CONSUMER PERCEPTION OF POULTRY INDUSTRY
This research study examines the role of environmental sustainability in shaping consumer perception of the poultry industry in Pahang, Malaysia. As the industry expands, exploring how environmental sustainability determinants, including environmental impact, resource efficiency as well as climate change adaptation affect public attitudes becomes essential to support industry growth. Using a quantitative approach, the data were gathered from 411 respondents and analysed using SmartPLS to analyse the relationships between determinants and consumer perception. The research findings show that environmental impact as well as climate change adaptation is the primary determinants of consumer perception, whereas resource efficiency has a negligible direct effect. The structural model shows 85.5% of the variance in perception, meaning that consumers emphasise environmental responsibility and proactive adaptation measures. The research findings suggest that clear communication on adaptation strategies and environmental-related actions is essential to consumer acceptance of poultry producers while improving efficiency alone may not change consumer attitude.
Copyright (c) 2026 MOHD HILMI ABDUL RAHMAN, ABD RAHMAN AHMAD, HAIRUL RIZAD MD SAPRY https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
REVOLUSI DALAM LIPATAN HTAMEIN: KUASA SIMBOLIK WANITA MYANMAR (2021-2024)
Artikel ini menganalisis “Revolusi Htamein” pascakudeta Myanmar 2021 sebagai bentuk penentangan simbolik wanita terhadap rejim tentera. Htamein, kain tradisional wanita Burma, secara historis diposisikan dalam kerangka patriarki dan dikaitkan dengan kepercayaan bahawa lelaki akan kehilangan hpone (kuasa spiritual maskulin) jika melaluinya. Wanita Myanmar memanfaatkan simbol ini dengan menggantung htamein di jalan-jalan utama sebagai strategi protes yang melemahkan moral aparat keselamatan dan membuka ruang taktikal bagi penunjuk perasaan. Kajian ini menggunakan pendekatan analisis wacana kritikal berasaskan sumber primer, termasuk laporan rasmi dan berita atas talian yang mendokumentasikan pengalaman langsung wanita dalam Spring Revolution 2021–2024, serta sumber sekunder, seperti karya teori dan historiografi (Butler, Mohanty, Scott, Enloe) yang menyediakan kerangka analisis gender, kuasa dan penentangan. Dapatan menunjukkan bahawa penggunaan htamein bukan sahaja mendedahkan keretakan dalam ideologi patriarki, tetapi juga menegaskan peranan wanita sebagai agen perubahan politik aktif. Fenomena ini memperlihatkan bagaimana simbol budaya yang sebelum ini mengekang wanita dapat digunakan semula sebagai senjata politik yang kreatif dan subversif. Antara 2021–2024, kuasa simbolik htamein berkembang menjadi naratif transformatif yang memperkukuh solidariti gender, mencabar hegemoni patriarki, dan menandai fasa baharu emansipasi wanita dalam gerakan pro-demokrasi Myanmar. This article analyses the “Htamein Revolution” following Myanmar’s 2021 military coup as a form of symbolic resistance by women against the authoritarian regime. Htamein, the traditional Burmese women’s skirt, has historically been positioned within a patriarchal framework and associated with the belief that men would lose hpone (masculine spiritual power) if they crossed it. Women in Myanmar repurposed this cultural symbol by hanging htamein in public streets as a protest strategy that undermined the morale of security forces while creating tactical space for demonstrators. The study employs a critical discourse analysis approach, drawing on primary sources, including official reports and online news documenting women’s direct experiences during the Spring Revolution (2021–2024), as well as secondary sources, such as theoretical and historiographical works (Butler, Mohanty, Scott, Enloe) providing frameworks for analysing gender, power, and resistance. Findings indicate that the use of htamein not only exposes cracks in entrenched patriarchal ideology but also affirms women’s role as active political agents. The phenomenon demonstrates how cultural symbols previously constraining women can be creatively and subversively reappropriated as instruments of political struggle. Between 2021 and 2024, the symbolic power of htamein evolved beyond street protests into a transformative narrative that strengthened gender solidarity, challenged patriarchal hegemony, and marked a new phase of women’s emancipation in Myanmar’s pro-democracy movement.
Copyright (c) 2026 EMMA TINGKAS, MAUREEN DE SILVA https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
SCHOLARLY FRAGMENTATION IN WOMEN’S SPORT LEADERSHIP RESEARCH: A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS (1989-2025)
Women remain significantly underrepresented in sport leadership positions globally. Previous narrative reviews identified the dominance of Western perspectives, but no study has empirically mapped the intellectual structure and geographic distribution of this research domain. This study employed bibliometric methods to quantify publication trends and geographic concentration, map intellectual structure through bibliographic coupling and keyword co-occurrence analyses, and diagnose patterns of scholarly fragmentation. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, 180 Scopus-indexed articles published between 1989 and 2025 were analysed using VOSviewer. The analysis revealed significant geographic concentration: four countries (United States, Australia, Canada, United Kingdom) produced 75.5% of publications. Keyword co-occurrence identified four thematic clusters with limited integration. Bibliographic coupling confirmed Burton multilevel review as the intellectual anchor. Notable gaps include minimal Southeast Asian representation, methodological concentration in qualitative approaches, and limited empirical testing of psychological mechanisms. This analysis provides the first bibliometric diagnosis of scholarly fragmentation in women's sport leadership research. A research agenda prioritising cross-regional collaboration, methodological diversification, and integration of governance and psychological perspectives is proposed.
Copyright (c) 2026 SITI FADHILAH ABDUL HAMID, AHMAD FIKRI MOHD KASSIM, SITI AISHAH WAHAB https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
EFFECTS OF ELECTRICAL MUSCLE STIMULATION (EMS) ON BODY COMPOSITION AMONG WORKING ADULTS
Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) has emerged as an innovative and time-efficient training modality that enhances muscle activation and promotes metabolic adaptations. While its benefits for athletes are well established, its potential for improving body composition among working adults who often face sedentary lifestyles and limited time for exercise remains underexplored. This study examined the effects of EMS training on body composition parameters among working adults with sedentary lifestyles. Thirty participants aged 30–40 years were randomly assigned to either an EMS training group (n = 15) or a control group (n = 15). The intervention lasted eight weeks, with the EMS group completing two 20-minute sessions per week. Body composition variables, including body mass, body fat percentage (%BF), lean muscle mass (LMM), and body mass index (BMI), were measured before and after the intervention using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Results showed that the EMS group demonstrated significant reductions in body fat percentage (−3.4%, p < 0.01) and BMI (−1.1 kg/m², p < 0.05), along with a significant increase in lean muscle mass (+1.8%, p < 0.05), whereas no significant changes were observed in the control group. These findings suggest that EMS training is an effective and time-efficient approach for improving body composition among working adults, offering a practical alternative for individuals with limited time to engage in conventional exercise.
Copyright (c) 2026 FATIN HANANI MD SAID, SHAZA MOHD SHAH, SAIDATUL NUR SYUHADAH MOHAMED SABADRI, MAISARAH MOHD SALEH, ROSLEEN KHAIRI, KHAYMA LATHA BALAKRISHNAN https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A WAQF-DRIVEN NOT-FOR-PROFIT FOOD SERVICE MODEL FOR SUPPORTING MALAYSIA’S B40 COMMUNITY
The food service industry is an important contributor to the Malaysian economy in fulfilling customer demands who eat outside of home on a daily basis. Due to the challenges of overcoming the aftermath of the COVID-19, the B40 group are susceptible to the rising costs of living, especially in affording nutritious meals. Hence, community food programmes, such as soup kitchens and social enterprises, are much needed in helping the underprivileged in fulfilling their balanced meals per day which can be achieved through a waqf-based approach that are sustainable. The aim of this research is to explore how a waqf-based model can overcome the challenges faced by the B40 group through transforming a for-profit food service into a not-for-profit entity, thereby providing sustainable food service initiatives and supporting government initiatives like the Menu Rahmah programme under the Malaysia Madani framework. A proposed conceptual framework was developed to provide a structural approach in implementing a waqf-driven model, offering a practical insight into the operational strategies necessary for a successful transition. The pilot study conducted using Focus Group Discussion, interviews, and survey found that participants show their support in the model and provided comments as feedback.
Copyright (c) 2026 MOHAMED ASLAM AKBAR, AZIDAH AHMAD ZAKI https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS IN KELANTAN
Among the Y and Z generation, who most of them are college students, social media has become a great phenomenon. Social media is now the main communication medium which helps people communicate quickly and effectively. Today, social network sites are running the future and career of students. It existed as an electronic connection between users, however, it has become a total addiction for students. There comes the question whether the excessive use of social media among students will provide a bad reputation to their academic performance. In this research, we studied the impact of social media on students’ academic achievements among UNITAR undergraduate students in Kota Bharu, Kelantan. It shows whether the students successfully use social media in their study to improve their achievements or otherwise. The research paper discusses social media for academic purpose, impact of social media in academic performance, and the social media usage pattern among students.
Copyright (c) 2026 SITI FATIMAH ABD RAHMAN, MURSYIDAH AMANI MOHAMED FADZLI, AMIRUL HAKIMI MOHAMMED NOR, NOORLILA AHMAD, KHADIJAH KHALILAH ABDUL RASHID, FETYLYANA NOR PAZILAH https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
INSTRUMEN DAN TEKNIK PENGUKURAN GARIS SEMPADAN: KAJIAN PERBANDINGAN ANTARA BNBC DAN NEDERLANDS-INDIE, 1881-1939
Kajian ini meneliti instrumen dan teknik pengukuran dalam proses penentuan dan penandaan garis sempadan di utara Borneo antara tahun 1881 hingga 1939 dengan memberi tumpuan kepada perbandingan amalan British North Borneo Company (BNBC) dan Nederlands-Indië (Hindia Timur Belanda). Period ini merupakan fasa kritikal dalam proses penginstitusian sempadan kolonial yang dicirikan oleh penerapan kaedah pengukuran moden, pemetaan topografi dan penandaan fizikal sempadan. Berdasarkan analisis sumber primer seperti laporan survei, komunikasi rasmi agensi kerajaan dan peta, kajian ini mendapati bahawa walaupun kedua-dua penjajah Eropah ini menggunakan instrumen asas yang sama seperti teodolit, kompas prismatik dan rantai ukur, pendekatan teknikal serta keutamaan pemetaan yang diamalkan menunjukkan perbezaan yang ketara. BNBC cenderung menekankan keperluan pentadbiran serta pengesahan kedaulatan secara praktikal dan segera, manakala Nederlands-Indië mengamalkan tradisi pemetaan saintifik yang lebih sistematik, berhierarki dan berpusat. Perbezaan pendekatan ini mempengaruhi tahap ketepatan pengukuran, kadar kemajuan kerja lapangan serta interpretasi garis sempadan, khususnya di kawasan pedalaman seperti dari Sungai Simenggaris hingga Pulau Sebatik. Justeru itu, kajian ini menyumbang kepada pemahaman yang lebih mendalam tentang sejarah teknikal persempadanan kolonial di utara Borneo yang menjadi legasi terhadap pembentukan sempadan geopolitik moden antara Malaysia dan Indonesia kemudiannya. This study examines the instruments and techniques of measurement in the process of determining and marking the boundary line in northern Borneo between 1881 and 1939, focusing on a comparison of the practices of the British North Borneo Company (BNBC) and the Nederlands-Indië. This period was a critical phase in the process of institutionalizing colonial boundaries, characterized by the application of modern surveying methods, topographic mapping and physical marking of boundaries. Based on the analysis of primary sources such as survey reports, official communications from government agencies and maps, this study found that although both European colonialists used the same basic instruments such as theodolite, prismatic compass and measuring chain, the technical approaches and mapping priorities practiced showed significant differences. The BNBC tended to emphasize the need for administration and the verification of sovereignty in a practical and immediate manner, while the Nederlands-Indië practiced a more systematic, hierarchical and centralized tradition of scientific mapping. These differences in approach affected the level of measurement accuracy, the rate of progress of fieldwork and the interpretation of boundary lines, especially in the interior areas such as from Simenggaris river to Sebatik island. Therefore, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the technical history of colonial demarcation in northern Borneo, which became a legacy for the formation of the modern geopolitical boundary between Malaysia and Indonesia later.
Copyright (c) 2026 ABDUL AZIZI KONG ABDUL ALIM, BASZLEY BEE BASRAH BEE https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
TRADITIONAL CHINESE MUSICAL SYMBOLS IN GAME MUSIC: ONTOLOGY AND AESTHETIC ANALYSIS
China’s game industry’s "cultural going global" strategy has positioned traditional musical symbols as core cultural expression carriers, but the contradiction between superficial symbol application and disconnected cultural connotations has become increasingly prominent in current creations. Existing studies primarily focus on symbols’ communication effects from a communication perspective, overlooking systematic deconstruction at the musicological ontological level and failing to establish an interpretive framework linking symbols’ formal characteristics, aesthetic connotations, and cultural genes. Using musicological ontological analysis, comparative musicology, and cultural semiotic interpretation, this study examines 34 representative Chinese game music works launched between 2018 and 2025 to construct an ontological classification system for traditional musical cultural symbols and interpret their aesthetic logic. The research identifies a four-dimensional system (temperament, instrument, form, genre symbols), reveals triple aesthetic expression logic (artistic conception adaptation, functional coordination, cultural resonance), and clarifies contemporary transformation paths of traditional Chinese musical aesthetic thoughts such as "the unity of emptiness and reality" and "harmony in diversity." This work fills gaps in musicological ontological studies on traditional symbols in game music, providing theoretical support and practical guidance for their modern media application through the constructed "ontology-aesthetics-culture" three-dimensional interpretive framework.
Copyright (c) 2026 BINGER HU, YEW YOONG CHONG https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
SIKAP TEGAS DIRI DAN KESEDARAN RASUAH DALAM KALANGAN KAKITANGAN AWAM DI MALAYSIA
Kajian ini bertujuan untuk mengenal pasti tahap sikap asertif dan tahap kesedaran rasuah dalam kalangan penjawat awam di Malaysia serta meneliti hubungan antara kedua-dua pembolehubah tersebut. Kajian ini menggunakan reka bentuk kuantitatif dengan kaedah tinjauan, melibatkan seramai 196 orang penjawat awam yang dipilih melalui persampelan rawak. Soal selidik telah diadaptasi dari Asertif-Rasuah Scale (AR-Scale) dan Corruption Perception Scale. Data dikumpulkan menggunakan soal selidik yang diedarkan secara dalam talian melalui Google Form dan dianalisis menggunakan perisian IBM SPSS versi 31. Analisis data merangkumi statistik deskriptif (min dan sisihan piawai) serta analisis inferensi menggunakan korelasi Pearson. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan bahawa tahap sikap asertif dan tahap kesedaran rasuah responden berada pada tahap sederhana. Selain itu, terdapat hubungan yang signifikan secara statistik antara sikap asertif dan kesedaran rasuah, namun kekuatan hubungan tersebut adalah lemah. Dapatan ini mencadangkan bahawa sikap asertif mempunyai peranan dalam membentuk kesedaran terhadap rasuah, namun turut dipengaruhi oleh faktor-faktor lain. Kajian ini memberi implikasi penting terhadap pembangunan diri penjawat awam, perancangan dan pelaksanaan latihan integriti serta pengukuhan dasar kerajaan dalam usaha pencegahan rasuah. This study aims to identify the level of self-assertiveness and level of corruption awareness among public servants in Malaysia and examine the relationship between the two variables. This study uses a quantitative design with a survey method, involving 196 public servants selected through random sampling. The questionnaire was adapted from Asertif-Rasuah Scale (AR-Scale) and Corruption Perception Scale. Data were collected using a questionnaire distributed online via Google Form and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 31 software. Data analysis includes descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential analysis using Pearson correlation. The study findings show that the level of self-assertiveness and level of corruption awareness of respondents are at a moderate level. In addition, there is a statistically significant relationship between self-assertiveness and corruption awareness, but the strength of the relationship is weak. This finding suggests that self-assertiveness has a role in shaping awareness of corruption, but is also influenced by other factors. This study has important implications for the self-development of civil servants, the planning and implementation of integrity training and the strengthening of government policies in corruption prevention efforts.
Copyright (c) 2026 NORSIMAH DASAN, REZKI PERDANI SAWAI, NURUL HUDANI MD NAWI, SHARON SWAM KAM MEE, JOKI PERDANI SAWAI, IBRAHIM FAHAD SULAIMAN https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
BEYOND THE PANDEMIC: LIFE POST COVID-19 THROUGH LOSS, GRIEF AND ADJUSTMENT
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a tremendous influence on worldwide social, economic, and healthcare systems, resulting in broad post-pandemic difficulties. This qualitative study investigates the adaptation, resilience, and coping techniques of Malaysians who have endured substantial loss and grief during and following the pandemic. Using semi-structured interviews with individuals aged 21 to 58, consisting of both male and female participants, the study finds major themes such as adaptation and resilience, shifting societal norms, and coping methods used to manage post-pandemic living. A thematic analysis was conducted to code relevant themes to the studies objectives discovering that overcoming adversity required personal growth, lifestyle modifications, and professional adaptability. Furthermore, the study underlines changes in cultural expectations, particularly those related to job, social connections, and mental health considering shifting norms such as hybrid and working from home. The findings highlight the necessity of understanding individuals' various perspectives and solutions for dealing with the pandemic's ongoing challenges or when considering moving ahead and putting these challenges behind them. This study adds to the increasing body of research on post-pandemic recovery and its effects on mental health by providing insights into the lived experiences of persons navigating life after COVID-19.
Copyright (c) 2026 ZHEN FOONG RAYMOND FOO, IAN SHEN GOH, JANAK ASHOK TECKWANI, MAHPARA REYAZ KHAN, AHMAD MUSTAQIM YUSOFF, ZAINAH AHMAD ZAMANI https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
MEGALITIK PENAMPANG: DOKUMENTASI DAN PENILITIAN AWAL
Artikel ini mengupas kaitan antara tradisi lisan dengan kewujudan budaya megalitik di Penampang, Sabah. Kajian itu menyerlahkan bagaimana naratif lisan, terutamanya legenda dan mitos tempatan, berfungsi sebagai rekod budaya penting yang melengkapkan bukti arkeologi struktur megalitik yang ditemui di rantau ini. Melalui akaun sejarah, tafsiran linguistik, dan pemerhatian etnografi, kertas kerja mengkaji bagaimana masyarakat Kadazan-Dusun mengekalkan ingatan kolektif dan kepercayaan kosmologi melalui amalan bercerita. Tradisi lisan ini bukan sahaja menerangkan asal-usul dan fungsi megalit tetapi juga mencerminkan pandangan dunia, kerohanian, dan penghormatan masyarakat terhadap alam semula jadi. Dengan menganalisis legenda seperti Monsopiad dan Gondiran, kajian itu mendedahkan bahawa monumen megalitik adalah lebih daripada artifak fizikal; ia adalah simbol budaya yang terjalin dengan identiti nenek moyang dan kesepaduan sosial. Penyepaduan tradisi lisan ke dalam penyelidikan megalitik oleh itu memberikan pemahaman yang lebih holistik tentang warisan orang asli di Penampang dan menggariskan keperluan untuk memelihara kedua-dua unsur budaya ketara dan tidak ketara. This article explores the interrelationship between oral tradition and the existence of megalithic culture in Penampang, Sabah. The study highlights how oral narratives, particularly local legends and myths-serve as vital cultural records that complement archaeological evidence of megalithic structures found in the region. Through historical accounts, linguistic interpretation, and ethnographic observation, the paper examines how the Kadazan-Dusun community preserves collective memory and cosmological beliefs through storytelling practices. These oral traditions not only explain the origins and functions of megaliths but also reflect the community’s worldview, spirituality, and reverence for nature. By analysing legends such as those of Monsopiad and Gondiran, the study reveals that megalithic monuments are more than physical artefacts; they are cultural symbols intertwined with ancestral identity and social cohesion. The integration of oral tradition into megalithic research therefore provides a more holistic understanding of indigenous heritage in Penampang and underscores the need to preserve both tangible and intangible cultural elements.
Copyright (c) 2026 AFRINA SHAFRI KHAN, ZAINUDDIN BACO https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
THE IMPORTANT OF PHYSICAL WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT TOWARDS ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT
Employees spend a significant portion of their time in the workplace, where the physical environment plays a vital role in shaping well-being, engagement, and productivity. A thoughtfully designed workspace that incorporates ergonomic furniture, effective lighting, and well-planned layouts enhances comfort and reduces stress and fatigue. These elements contribute to improved job satisfaction, performance, and organizational support. Moreover, a conducive workplace environment can reinforce organizational values, boost employee morale, and foster a sense of pride and loyalty. Organizations that prioritize functional and appealing workspaces are often seen as attractive employers, aiding in talent retention and satisfaction. In addition, this paper reviews how workplace safety, the physical environment, and spatial arrangement influence employees’ perceptions of organizational support, contributing to a positive and comfortable work experience. These factors enhance motivation and efficiency. It highlights compliance with safety standards and organizational policies, ensuring a healthy, secure, and efficient workplace that supports employee well-being and satisfaction. This paper presents an analytical review of existing literature to explore the relationship between physical workplace environment and organizational support. The findings indicate that a well-designed physical environment not only reflects but also supports organizational goals, promoting a culture of engagement and adaptability in an increasingly competitive business landscape.
Copyright (c) 2026 SAPIAH ABDUL HAMED, MOHD RAMZI MOHD HUSSIN, SYIKH SAZLIN SHAH SABRI, NAZRUL RUSLI https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0