INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LAW, GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNICATION (IJLGC)

REKONSTRUKSI STRUKTUR SOSIAL KRT BAGI PENGUKUHAN TADBIR URUS KEJIRANAN: IMPLIKASI TERHADAP PERANCANGAN DASAR MALAYSIA

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Kawasan Rukun Tetangga (KRT) merupakan institusi sosial akar umbi yang mempunyai liputan paling luas dalam rangka pembangunan perpaduan negara di Malaysia. Namun, perubahan gaya hidup moden, peningkatan stratifikasi sosioekonomi dan pemudaran norma kejiranan tradisional telah mengubah dinamika sosial komuniti setempat, sekali gus memberi kesan terhadap keberkesanan pelaksanaan dasar kerajaan di peringkat akar umbi. Walaupun KRT sering dinilai sebagai pelantar pelaksanaan program perpaduan, analisis empirikal terhadap struktur sosial KRT sebagai asas keberkesanan dasar masih terhad. Sehubungan itu, kajian ini bertujuan menilai struktur sosial KRT melalui tiga dimensi utama iaitu institusi sosial, stratifikasi sosial dan norma sosial bagi memahami implikasinya terhadap tadbir urus kejiranan dan perancangan dasar negara. Kajian ini menggunakan reka bentuk penyelidikan campuran yang melibatkan tinjauan nasional terhadap 4,264 responden daripada 32 KRT progresif di seluruh Malaysia, disokong oleh sesi perbincangan kumpulan berfokus bersama pemimpin komuniti dan pegawai kerajaan. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan wujudnya ketidakseimbangan penyertaan komuniti yang dipengaruhi oleh perbezaan kedudukan ekonomi, kepekatan peranan kepimpinan dalam kelompok tertentu serta kemerosotan amalan sosial harian seperti budaya memberi salam, membantu jiran dan gotong royong. Keadaan ini mencerminkan tanda awal gejala anomi pada peringkat komuniti yang berpotensi melemahkan keberkesanan pelaksanaan dasar berasaskan penyertaan. Berdasarkan dapatan tersebut, kajian ini mengemukakan implikasi dasar yang konkrit, termasuk keperluan membangunkan sistem data sosial KRT di peringkat nasional, reka bentuk program yang disesuaikan dengan variasi lokaliti serta pengukuhan kepimpinan rentas generasi sebagai intervensi strategik. Secara keseluruhan, kajian ini menegaskan bahawa KRT merupakan infrastruktur sosial kritikal yang perlu diintegrasikan secara sistematik dalam perancangan dasar negara bagi memastikan pelaksanaan dasar perpaduan dan pembangunan sosial yang lebih inklusif, berasaskan bukti dan mampan.

The Neighbourhood Watch Areas is a grassroots social institution with the widest reach within Malaysia’s national unity development framework. However, changes in modern lifestyles, increasing socioeconomic stratification, and the erosion of traditional neighbourhood norms have altered local community social dynamics, thereby affecting the effectiveness of government policy implementation at the grassroots level. Although KRT is often assessed as a platform for implementing unity programmes, empirical analysis of its social structure as a foundation for policy effectiveness remains limited. Accordingly, this study aims to examine the social structure of KRT through three key dimensions: social institutions, social stratification, and social norms to understand their implications for neighbourhood governance and national policy planning. This study adopts a mixed-methods research design involving a nationwide survey of 4,264 respondents from 32 progressive KRTs across Malaysia, supported by focus group discussions with community leaders and government officials. The findings reveal imbalances in community participation influenced by differences in economic position, the concentration of leadership roles within specific groups, and the decline of everyday social practices such as greeting neighbours, mutual assistance, and communal activities. These conditions reflect early signs of anomie at the community level, which have the potential to weaken the effectiveness of participation-based policy implementation. Based on these findings, the study proposes concrete policy implications, including the need to develop a national-level KRT social data system, the design of programmes tailored to local variations, and the strengthening of intergenerational leadership as a strategic intervention. Overall, this study emphasises that KRT constitutes a critical social infrastructure that must be systematically integrated into national policy planning to ensure more inclusive, evidence-based, and sustainable implementation of unity and social development policies.

KECENDERUNGAN PENGUNDI INDIA DALAM PILIHAN RAYA UMUM DI MALAYSIA: ANALISIS PRESTASI MALAYSIAN INDIAN CONGRESS (MIC) PASCA PRU KE-12

M. Periasamy, Mohammad Tawfik Yaakub, Junaidi Awang Besar — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Kajian ini merupakan kajian kualitatif tematik yang bertujuan mengenal pasti faktor-faktor penentu yang membentuk pilihan mengundi dalam kalangan pengundi India di Malaysia dalam tempoh pasca Pilihan Raya Umum ke-12 (PRU-12). Kajian ini dilaksanakan bagi memahami perubahan corak tingkah laku politik pengundi India susulan peralihan landskap politik nasional selepas PRU-12. Data kajian diperoleh melalui temu bual kualitatif separa berstruktur bersama 30 orang informan yang mewakli komuniti India. Semua temu bual telah ditranskripsikan dan dianalisis menggunakan perisian NVivo bagi mengenalpasti tema-tema utama yang muncul daripada set data. Pendekatan analisis kajian ini berpandukan model tingkah laku pengundian klasik, iaitu model sosiologi, identifikasi parti dan pilihan rasional. Namun demikian, kajian ini melangkaui kerangka teori konvensional dengan meneliti peranan emosi dalam mempengaruhi proses pembuatan keputusan mengundi. Pengintegrasian dimensi emosi ke dalam analisis membolehkan pemahaman yang lebih menyeluruh terhadap dinamik tingkah laku politik pengundi India di Malaysia. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan berlakunya peralihan yang ketara daripada kesetiaan berasaskan faktor sosiologi dan kepartian kepada motivasi yang lebih rasional serta dipengaruhi oleh emosi. Emosi afektif seperti kemarahan, kekecewaan, rasa tidak puas hati dan aspirasi terhadap maruah, muncul sebagai penentu utama dalam pembentukan pilihan pengundian, sekali gus mencerminkan perubahan landskap politik dan kesedaran politik yang semakin matang dalam kalangan pengundi India pasca PRU-12.

This study adopts a thematic qualitative approach to identify the key determinants shaping voting choices among Indian voters in Malaysia in the post-12^th General Election (GE-12) period. The study is motivated by the need to understand the evolving political behaviour of the Indian community following significant electoral realignment after G-12. Research data were collected through semi-structured qualitative interviews with 30 informants representing diverse segments of the Indian community. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and systematically analyzed using NVivo software to identify dominant themes emerging from the data set. The analytical framework of the study is grounded in classical models of voting behaviour, namely the sociological model, party identification and rational choice theory. These models provide the foundational lens for examining structural, partisan, and instrumental considerations influencing voting decisions. However, the study extends beyond conventional theoretical framework by explicitly examining the role of emotions in influencing the voting decisions-making process. The integration of emotional dimensions into the analysis allows for a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the dynamics underpinning political behaviour among Indian voters in Malaysia. The findings reveal a significant shift away from traditional sociological and party-based loyalties towards voting motivations that are increasingly rational and emotionally driven. Affective emotions such as anger, frustrations, dissatisfaction, and aspirations for dignity emerge as key determinants in shaping voting preferences. This shift reflect broader changes in the political landscape and indicates a growing level of political awareness, and maturity among Indian voters in Malaysia in the post-GE12 period.

DEVELOPING AND VALIDATING A SCALE FOR ASSESSING THE OPEN SPACE REDUCTION MANAGEMENT MODEL TO SUSTAIN COMMUNITY SOCIAL LIFE

Tamkeena Aftab, Shardy Abdullah, Ramly Hasan, Qurat ul Ain Anwar — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Rapid urbanization in Karachi has accelerated the reduction of urban open spaces, leading to declining environmental quality and weakening neighbourhood social cohesion. Although the significance of open space management is widely recognized, there are no systematically validated, empirically supported methods for measuring Open Space Reduction Management Models (OSRMM), particularly in new urban settings such as those in Karachi. To address a substantial gap in research methodology on urban planning and social sustainability, this study aims to develop and validate a multidimensional instrument to measure the management of open-space reduction and its efficacy in supporting neighbourhood social life. This study employed a quantitative research design with purposive sampling. The scale items were developed from a comprehensive review of relevant theories and expert opinions. Data was collected from N=281 residents and experts in urban settings. Exploratory factor analysis identified and validated key factors using IBM SPSS Version 26 software. The findings showed that the OSR scale was valid and reliable for measuring urbanization, community social life, and urban policy and planning. These factors collectively account for 75.8 percent of the variance in this study. This research provides a robust instrument for assessing the open space reduction management model and significantly adds to the open space reduction literature. This study presents empirically validated and theoretically and practically significant instruments for future research and evidence-based management practices in urban open spaces. In conclusion, this study provides key insights by developing and validating a scale to assess the Open Space Reduction Management Model and its role in sustaining community social life in rapidly urbanizing cities like Karachi.

THE APPLICATION OF MISREPRESENTATION UNDER SECTION 18 OF THE CONTRACTS ACT 1950 IN MALAYSIAN CASE LAW

Nurul Izzati Md Rashid, Nur Diana Mat — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Section 18 of the Contracts Act 1950 identifies misrepresentation as a factor that may vitiate free consent and undermine the validity of a contract. However, the statutory provision is broadly worded and lacks clear categorisation, resulting in continued reliance on Common Law distinctions which classify misrepresentation into three namely fraudulent, negligent, and innocent misrepresentation. This classification is not expressly provided in the Act. The ambiguity surrounding the scope and interpretation of Section 18 of the CA1950 has led to inconsistent judicial reasoning and uncertainty in the remedies granted. Despite its significant impact on contractual disputes, there is limited scholarly analysis on how Malaysian courts have interpreted and applied this provision. This study adopts a qualitative legal research methodology, drawing on literature review and descriptive legal analysis. It examines judicial decisions and academic commentary relating to misrepresentation under Malaysian law. The analysis reveals that Malaysian courts employ divergent approaches in determining the presence and effect of misrepresentation. These inconsistencies highlight conceptual ambiguity and the judiciary’s dependence on Common Law principles in the absence of clear statutory guidance. The study concludes that the interpretation of misrepresentation under Section 18 of the CA1950 remains unclear, fragmented, and heavily dependent on judicial discretion. These issues highlight the need for statutory reform to clarify the categories and elements of misrepresentation, the development of judicial guidelines to promote consistent application, and doctrinal clarification to strengthen predictability and coherence in contractual adjudication.

FRAMING RETURNING ENTREPRENEURIAL YOUTH IN RURAL CHINA: NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF SHORT VIDEO CREATORS

Zhang Xijing, Awan Ismail — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0800

This study investigates how returning entrepreneurial youth are framed within Douyin’s "Three Rural Issues" short video sphere. Drawing on a purposive sample of eight creators and a corpus of sixteen first-person narrative videos, we conduct narrative analysis grounded in framing theory. Coding proceeded along four dimensions: personal background, return motivations, self-positioning, and narrative focus, to examine how creators frame self-identity, articulate value orientations, and intervene in the "Three Rural Issues" discursive field. Findings show that short video creators have constructed a new youth image within rural revitalization through self-narratives: creators shift from rural documentarians to rural guardians, cultural trendsetters, and agents of revitalization. Educational and professional trajectories underpin entry into the field; diversified backgrounds provide unique material for creation, while media and marketing experience clarifies entrepreneurial direction. Return motivations combine policy and economic opportunities with intrinsic value commitments, producing narrative reorientation—from an early emphasis on economic returns to the increasing integration of cultural heritage and public-interest elements. Self-positioning evolves from individual entrepreneurs to participants in collective rural development, accompanied by a shift from traffic acquisition to the assumption of social responsibility. Narrative perspective expands from individualized lenses to multi-angled depictions that foreground rural vitality while acknowledging structural constraints and developmental challenges. The study extends framing theory to first-person digital storytelling and illuminates the communicative practices through which returning entrepreneurial youth negotiate subjectivity and agency within China’s rural revitalization discourse.

DOCUMENTARY VIDEO PRODUCTION OF “ROADSIDE RENDEZVOUS: A JOURNEY INTO STREET FOOD CULTURE”

Harishavini K. Vathumayogam, Norsiah Abdul Hamid — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0800

This article highlights the production of a documentary video titled “Roadside Rendezvous: A Journey into Street Food Culture”, which explores the distinct street food culture of Malay, Chinese and Indian communities in Malaysia. Despite the numerous and affordable local street food options from various ethnicities in Malaysia, these culinary delights often lack effective marketing and a strong social media presence, making them less visible and known to the public. To address this issue, there is a pressing need to produce a documentary that raises awareness and showcases the uniqueness of Malaysian street food cuisines. The main objective of this documentary is to highlight the unique Malaysian street cuisine’s tastes, ingredients, and preparation techniques to highlight cultural relevance and distinctiveness. It highlights the culinary journey and promotes local businesses by sharing the intimate tales of vendors. The production encourages respect for cultural food traditions and raises public awareness about the importance of maintaining traditional street food. The documentary video production contains a 1-minute teaser, 1-minute behind-the-scenes footage, and a full-fledged 10-minute documentary video. The documentary introduces viewers around the world to the unique tastes, preparation methods, and traditions of this vibrant street food, and fosters cultural understanding and appreciation by promoting unity through food. It encourages viewers to follow their passions and embrace their cultural heritage by showcasing the perseverance, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit of Malaysians.

A LEGAL ANALYSIS OF MALAYSIA’S PRIVACY LAW: TOWARDS A MORE RESILIENT LEGAL FRAMEWORK IN THE DIGITAL ERA

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0800

As digital technologies continue to transform industries and daily life, the protection of personal data has become a central issue in legal and policy discourse. In Malaysia, the Personal Data Protection Act 2010 (PDPA) represents a landmark statute governing data privacy in commercial contexts. However, the rapid development of technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and cloud computing has raised concerns about the adequacy of the existing legal framework. This paper provides a legal analysis of Malaysia’s privacy law, examining the effectiveness of the PDPA in addressing emerging data protection challenges in the digital era. It evaluates the PDPA’s scope, enforcement mechanisms, and alignment with global standards while identifying significant gaps, particularly the exclusion of public sector data processing and limited data subject rights. Through critical examination, the study proposes key reforms aimed at strengthening Malaysia’s legal framework to ensure a more comprehensive and resilient approach to privacy protection in an increasingly digitalized environment.

EMERGING MILITARY TECHNOLOGIES IN THE U.S.–CHINA RIVALRY: IMPLICATIONS FOR SOUTHEAST ASIA’S DEFENSE LANDSCAPE

Herlin Anak Aman, Aini Fatihah Roslam, Tharishini Krishnan — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a central driver of military transformation in both the United States and China, reshaping patterns of strategic competition and security governance. While existing studies largely examine AI’s implications for great-power rivalry, limited attention has been given to how AI-driven military competition affects Southeast Asia’s strategic autonomy and regional stability. This study addresses this gap by analysing how the diffusion of autonomous systems, surveillance technologies, and cyber capabilities influences ASEAN’s threat perceptions and strategic responses. The research adopts a qualitative design based on thematic and discourse analysis of selected defence policy documents, official strategies, and authoritative policy reports from the United States, China, and regional institutions. Documents were systematically coded to identify patterns related to governance frameworks, operational priorities, escalation risks, and regional dependencies. The findings indicate that AI-enabled military modernisation intensifies strategic rivalry, accelerates operational tempo, and increases the risks of miscalculation in contested maritime and digital domains. Most ASEAN states face persistent constraints, including limited technological capacity, uneven interoperability, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and reliance on external suppliers, which collectively narrow policy flexibility and strategic autonomy. The study contributes by providing one of the first region-focused analyses linking U.S.–China AI military competition to ASEAN’s strategic agency. Policy implications highlight the need for ASEAN to strengthen technological resilience, develop regionally aligned governance norms, and institutionalise confidence-building mechanisms for AI-enabled systems. Rather than remaining a reactive arena of great-power competition, ASEAN has the potential to shape regional rules, manage escalation risks, and act as a proactive stabilising actor in the evolving AI security landscape.

SPORT CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ON BADMINTON DEVELOPMENT: A COMPARATIVE LEGAL STUDY OF INDONESIA AND MALAYSIA

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is widely recognized as an important element for corporate sustainability and is utilized as a public relations instrument to shape corporate image, in addition to fulfilling corporate responsibilities toward society, both in Indonesia and Malaysia. This study aims to analyse and compare the governance structures, coordination mechanisms, and evaluation frameworks of CSR in Indonesia and Malaysia. The objects of this study are the Daihatsu ASTEC badminton development program in Indonesia and the Maybank Junior Badminton Development Programme in Malaysia. The findings indicate that CSR in Indonesia is mandatory, serving to strengthen regulatory control and institutional alignment with national badminton development objectives. In contrast, CSR in Malaysia is voluntary, providing greater autonomy to sponsors while ensuring long-term program sustainability through partnerships between corporations and sports federations. Accordingly, this study emphasizes the importance of clear regulatory standards, transparency mechanisms, and structured collaboration between federations and corporations to ensure the sustainable development of badminton talent. In conclusion, differences in CSR practices between the two countries reflect variations in governance models and stakeholder coordination, rather than the normative superiority of one system over the other.

REFRAMING ORGANIZATIONAL REPUTATION IN THE DIGITAL COMMUNICATION ERA WITH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) TOOLS AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

Nurul Safaniza Che Ani, Zulhamri Abdullah, Jusang Bolong — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0800

The landscape of digital communication technologies and innovations has evolved, presenting opportunities and challenges for organizations seeking to build and maintain trust with their stakeholders. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools might change the management of organizational communication and help sustain trust with stakeholders. In particular, this study aims to develop a conceptual framework for organizational reputation and to examine the relationships among AI tools, stakeholder engagement and organizational reputation in the evolving field of digital communication in Malaysian higher education institutions. Concurrently, this conceptual paper proposes a framework that derives a model or theory from an exhaustive interdisciplinary review of the literature. This study explores organizational reputation through a framework that integrates Stakeholder Theory, Relationship Management Theory, and the Modality, Agency, Interactivity, Navigability (MAIN) Model. At the same time, this study's findings explain how AI tools are reshaping organizations to build, sustain, and measure stakeholder relationships by introducing new modes of personalization, responsiveness, and interaction. Overall, the findings contribute to university management and communication practitioners in developing a structured process or guideline to strengthen the positive impact on organizational reputation. In addition, this study offers valuable knowledge and perspective on a trending topic in the discipline, as well as fresh theoretical insights for communication studies. This paper also provides an outline of avenues for future research on how AI-mediated engagement can strengthen or challenge an organizational reputation in the digital communication era.

TINGKAH LAKU POLITIK PENGUNDI KAUM INDIA DALAM PRU-14 DAN PRN-15 DI NEGERI SEMBILAN: SATU ANALISIS GEOGRAFI POLITIK DAN PARTISIPASI POLITIK

Mokhtar Ahmad, Junaidi Awang Besar — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Artikel ini menganalisis pola partisipasi politik kaum India di Negeri Sembilan dengan meneliti kerusi Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) yang ditandingi calon kaum India dalam PRU-14 (Jeram Padang, Nilai, Lobak, Labu, Rahang, Mambau, Seremban Jaya, Rantau, Sri Tanjung dan Repah) serta PRN-15 (Jeram Padang, Bahau, Nilai, Bukit Kepayang, Mambau, Seremban Jaya, Lukut, Sri Tanjung dan Repah). Artikel ini meneliti demografi pengundi India, menjelaskan pola sokongan dan peralihan undi, serta menghuraikan secara lebih mendalam bagaimana perubahan geografi, peralihan kelas sosial, tumpuan penduduk, persaingan parti dan faktor geografi politik di peringkat tempatan saling berinteraksi membentuk tingkah laku politik masyarakat India di setiap DUN. Data kajian diambil daripada daftar pemilih, keputusan pilihan raya dan taburan demografi etnik. Dapatan menunjukkan bahawa PRU-14 memperlihatkan peralihan ketara sokongan tradisional daripada Barisan Nasional kepada Pakatan Harapan yang dipacu oleh gelombang nasional, tekanan sosioekonomi dalam kalangan B40 India dan kesan kebangkitan Hindraf. Namun, PRN-15 memperlihatkan pola yang lebih rencam dengan kemunculan Perikatan Nasional sebagai pesaing signifikan, penurunan kadar keluar mengundi dalam kalangan pengundi India, serta perubahan komposisi demografi di beberapa DUN seperti Nilai, Seremban Jaya, Labu dan Jeram Padang yang mempengaruhi orientasi politik setempat. Secara keseluruhan, analisis menunjukkan bahawa partisipasi politik pengundi India dibentuk oleh gabungan faktor nasional, lokaliti dan geobudaya termasuk profil calon, identiti politik, persaingan parti serta dinamika ekonomi mikro setempat. Kajian ini memberi implikasi penting bagi pemahaman strategi parti politik dalam merangka pendekatan penglibatan pengundi berasaskan etnik, serta menekankan kepentingan faktor lokal dan struktur geobudaya dalam meramal dan mempengaruhi pola sokongan politik komuniti India di Negeri Sembilan.

This article analyzes the political participation patterns of the Indian community in Negeri Sembilan by examining state assembly constituencies (DUN) contested by Indian candidates in the 14th General Election (Jeram Padang, Nilai, Lobak, Labu, Rahang, Mambau, Seremban Jaya, Rantau, Sri Tanjung, and Repah) and the 15th State Election (Jeram Padang, Bahau, Nilai, Bukit Kepayang, Mambau, Seremban Jaya, Lukut, Sri Tanjung, and Repah). The article investigates the demographics of Indian voters, explains voting patterns and shifts, and provides an in-depth analysis of how changes in geography, social mobility, population concentration, party competition, and local geocultural factors interact to shape political behavior within each constituency. Data were drawn from voter registers, election results, and ethnic demographic distributions. Findings indicate that the 14th General Election witnessed a significant shift from traditional support from Barisan Nasional to Pakatan Harapan, driven by national waves, socio-economic pressures among the B40 Indian group, and the mobilization effects of Hindraf. In contrast, the 15th State Election revealed more fragmented patterns, with Perikatan Nasional emerging as a significant competitor, a notable decline in voter turnout among Indian voters, and changes in demographic composition in constituencies such as Nilai, Seremban Jaya, Labu, and Jeram Padang influencing local political orientations. Overall, the analysis shows that Indian political participation is shaped by a combination of national, local and geocultural factors, including candidate profiles, political identity, party competition, and micro-level economic dynamics, underscoring that support patterns are heterogeneous and vary according to the geopolitical context of each DUN.

KESUNYIAN DALAM PERADABAN MODEN

Faezah Kassim, Noor Ain Mat Noor̖, Norazlan Hadi Yaacob — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Kesunyian atau loneliness bukan sekadar pengalaman psikologi individu, tetapi semakin jelas merupakan fenomena peradaban. Dalam konteks modeniti, manusia hidup dalam dunia yang semakin terhubung melalui teknologi digital, urbanisasi dan globalisasi. Namun pada masa yang sama manusia mengalami kehidupan terasing atau kesunyian yang semakin mendalam. Artikel ini membincangkan kesunyian yang dihadapi oleh individu sebagai paradoks peradaban moden iaitu suatu keadaan ketika era kemajuan material dan teknologi perhubungan berlaku tetapi tidak menjamin kewujudan interaksi dan hubungan sosial yang bermakna pada sesetengah individu. Sehubungan itu, perbincangan dilakukan bagi mengenalpasti apakah faktor-faktor fundamental yang menyebabkan keadaan ini berlaku dan bagaimana untuk mengatasinya. Analisis dilakukan dengan menggunakan pendekatan falsafah sosiologi dengan meneliti pandangan klasik Émile Durkheim mengenai anomie dan analisis Zygmunt Bauman tentang liquid modernity terhadap masyarakat moden. Analisis ini menunjukkan bahawa kesunyian adalah cerminan krisis individualisme dan perubahan struktur sosial, teknologi digital dan media sosial serta ekonomi dan globalisasi. Memahami kesunyian sebagai fenomena peradaban dapat membuka ruang untuk membina semula asas solidariti sosial, nilai spiritual dan identiti kolektif. Ia juga memberikan sumbangan baharu kepada wacana peradaban dengan mengangkat kesunyian merupakan masalah individu yang menjadi tanda rapuhnya asas kemanusiaan dalam peradaban moden.

Loneliness is not merely an individual psychological experience, but increasingly a civilizational phenomenon. In the context of modernity, human beings live in a world that is ever more connected through digital technology, urbanization, and globalization. Yet, at the same time, people experience an increasingly profound sense of isolation and loneliness. This article discusses the loneliness experienced by individuals as a paradox of modern civilization, a condition in which material progress and advanced communication technologies exist, yet do not guarantee the presence of meaningful social interaction and relationships for certain individuals. Accordingly, the discussion seeks to identify the fundamental factors that lead to this condition and explore possible ways to overcome it. The analysis employs a sociophilosophical approach by examining Émile Durkheim’s classical concept of anomie and Zygmunt Bauman’s analysis of liquid modernity in relation to modern society. The findings reveal that loneliness reflects the crises of individualism and structural change, as well as the influence of digital technology, social media, economy, and globalization. Understanding loneliness as a civilizational phenomenon opens the way to rebuilding the foundations of social solidarity, spiritual values, and collective identity. It also contributes new insights to civilizational discourse by highlighting loneliness as an individual problem that signifies the fragility of humanity’s moral foundations in modern civilization.

NAVIGATING CULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS BOUNDARIES: INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION IDENTITY IN NOVEL RUSNEE BY MONTRI SRIYONG AS A REFLECTION OF THAILAND'S MALAY-MUSLIM COMMUNITY

Sahidin Nitiphak, Nordiana Ab Jabar — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Thailand's Deep South has experienced protracted violent conflict rooted in tensions between state-imposed Thai-Buddhist identity and Malay-Muslim cultural heritage. Despite extensive research on political and security dimensions, intercultural communication and identity negotiation through literary analysis remain underexplored. Correspondingly, this study examines how cultural symbols function as identity markers and analyzes intercultural communication patterns in Montri Sriyong's novel Rusnee, which portrays Thailand's marginalized Malay-Muslim community. Employing qualitative critical literary analysis, this research integrates cultural identity theory, critical discourse analysis, and narrative theory. Systematic close reading identifies cultural symbols and examines silence as communication, trust erosion, and the transmission of intergenerational trauma. Furthermore, cultural and religious symbols function as powerful markers, creating us-versus-them boundaries, with hijab-wearing triggering state surveillance and discrimination. Meanwhile, communication patterns reveal silence as strategic resistance, community leadership collapses due to a trust deficit, and trauma transmission across generations. In addition, characters navigate contradictory identities through constant boundary management between religious obligations, cultural traditions, and state expectations. Overall, this research contributes Southeast Asian perspectives to intercultural communication scholarship, demonstrating the literature's dual role as a societal mirror and a cross-cultural bridge. Additionally, findings offer implications for educational curriculum development and policy formulation in ethnically diverse regions experiencing protracted conflicts.

THE STATUS OF AIRSPACE FOR UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES (UAVS) AND THE ISSUE OF AIRSPACE TRESPASS: THE TAWHIDIC EPISTEMOLOGY APPROACH

Norhusna Emirah Onn — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0800

This paper evaluates the legal status of airspace and the concept of ownership in relation to the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and the issue of trespass through the lens of Tawhidic epistemology. The current Malaysian legal framework and international level reveal a significant loophole, as the UAV operational airspace has yet to be formally declared, creating uncertainty over ownership, control, and liability. Tawhidic views the integration of ownership as trust (amanah) and serves for the public interest (maslahah). Drawing from the Islamic jurisprudence on the doctrine of ownership, this research argues that airspace governance must reflect both divine unity and human accountability. The dynamic principle of revival of dead land (ihya al-mawat) enriches this analysis by emphasising the concept of UAV airspace as mawat land that can be cultivated within the concept of ownership of airspace. Within this framework, customary practice ('urf) plays a vital role in shaping the contextual application of the rule, which is consistent with the higher objective of shariah (maqasid al-shariah). The hybrid approach of this research consequently solves the issue of airspace ownership for UAVs by combining doctrinal legal analysis with epistemological reasoning.

PENCEGAHAN KEMATIAN MENGEJUT DALAM KALANGAN BAYI MELALUI PENYUSUAN EKSKLUSIF: TINJAUAN SAINTIFIK DAN PERSPEKTIF ISLAM

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Kematian Mengejut Bayi atau Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) merupakan antara penyebab utama kematian dalam kalangan bayi berusia bawah satu tahun dan lazimnya berlaku secara tiba-tiba semasa tidur tanpa tanda awal. Kajian ini merupakan sorotan literatur naratif dan konseptual yang bertujuan meneliti peranan penyusuan susu ibu secara eksklusif sebagai strategi pencegahan berkesan terhadap SIDS, berdasarkan analisis literatur saintifik berwasit serta sorotan terhadap perspektif Islam. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan bahawa kandungan bioaktif dalam susu ibu seperti Immunoglobulin A (IgA), lactoferrin, lysozyme dan kolostrum bertindak sebagai pelindung awal terhadap jangkitan respiratori dan gastrousus, iaitu dua faktor utama yang dikaitkan dengan gangguan fisiologi berkaitan SIDS. Selain itu, penyusuan eksklusif terbukti menyokong kestabilan sistem respiratori, neurologi dan mikrobiota usus (gut microbiota), yang memainkan peranan penting dalam mengekalkan keseimbangan fisiologi bayi semasa tidur. Secara mekanistik, perlindungan ini berlaku melalui pengurangan risiko jangkitan, pengawalan tindak balas keradangan, serta sokongan kepada kestabilan sistem pernafasan dan kawalan autonomi, yang secara kolektif menurunkan risiko gangguan fisiologi berkaitan SIDS. Dari perspektif Islam, penyusuan dianggap sebagai manifestasi kasih sayang, ibadah dan pelaksanaan prinsip ḥifẓ al-nafs yang menekankan pemeliharaan nyawa. Ajaran Islam yang menganjurkan tempoh penyusuan selama dua tahun dalam Surah al-Baqarah ayat 233 selari dengan saranan saintifik dan panduan kesihatan global. Dalam konteks ini, perspektif Islam melengkapi bukti saintifik melalui kerangka etika dan spiritual yang mengukuhkan motivasi serta penerimaan masyarakat terhadap amalan penyusuan eksklusif. Oleh itu, penyusuan eksklusif bukan sekadar memenuhi keperluan pemakanan, malah berfungsi sebagai mekanisme imunisasi pasif dan pendekatan kesihatan awam yang menyeluruh dalam mencegah kematian bayi secara tiba-tiba.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is among the leading causes of mortality in infants under one year of age and typically occurs unexpectedly during sleep without prior warning signs. This study is a narrative and conceptual literature review that aims to examine the role of exclusive breastfeeding as an effective preventive strategy against SIDS, based on an analysis of peer-reviewed scientific literature and a review of Islamic perspectives. The findings indicate that the bioactive components of breast milk, such as Immunoglobulin A (IgA), lactoferrin, lysozyme, and colostrum, function as early protective agents against respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, which are two major contributors to the physiological disturbances associated with SIDS. In addition, exclusive breastfeeding has been shown to support the stability of the respiratory and neurological systems, as well as the gut microbiota, all of which play a crucial role in maintaining infant physiological homeostasis during sleep. Mechanistically, this protection operates through a reduction in infection risk, modulation of inflammatory responses, and support for respiratory stability and autonomic control during sleep, which collectively reduce the likelihood of physiological disruptions linked to SIDS. From the Islamic perspective, breastfeeding is regarded as an expression of compassion, an act of worship, and an embodiment of the principle of ḥifẓ al-nafs (preservation of life). Islamic teachings that recommend a two-year breastfeeding period, as stated in Surah al-Baqarah (2:233), are consistent with contemporary scientific recommendations and global health guidelines. In this context, the Islamic perspective complements rather than replaces scientific evidence by providing an ethical and spiritual framework that strengthens motivation and societal acceptance of exclusive breastfeeding practices. Therefore, exclusive breastfeeding not only fulfils infants’ nutritional needs but also serves as a form of passive immunisation and a comprehensive public health intervention in preventing sudden infant death.

E-WASTE AND CLIMATE CHANGE: ADDRESSING LEGAL GAPS IN MALAYSIA’S ENVIRONMENTAL AND CLIMATE GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK

Nur Irinah Mohamad Sirat, Irma Kamarudin, Nurul Mazrah Manshor, Rohayati Hussin — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Electronic waste (e-waste) is a rapidly growing waste stream that presents significant challenges to environmental sustainability and climate governance. It contributes to climate change through both direct and indirect pathways. Direct climate impacts result from potent greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from open burning, unregulated landfilling, and informal dismantling, while indirect impacts arise from virgin metal extraction driven by low recycling rates and constant device turnover. Despite these climate linkages, regulatory responses in many jurisdictions, including Malaysia, continue to treat e-waste primarily as a hazardous-waste management issue rather than a climate governance concern. Against this backdrop, this article adopts a doctrinal legal methodology to critically examine Malaysia’s environmental and climate governance framework relating to e-waste. It analyses national legislation, policy instruments, and relevant international obligations, including circular economy and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) initiatives. The analysis identifies structural legal gaps, including fragmented institutional coordination, inadequate regulation of household e-waste, weak oversight of informal processing activities, and the absence of binding EPR mechanisms. It further demonstrates that existing enforcement practices remain predominantly reactive rather than preventive and climate aligned. The article advances the original argument that Malaysia’s e-waste regime must be reconceptualised as part of climate governance rather than treated solely within a hazardous-waste paradigm. The article proposes targeted statutory and institutional reforms, including the codification of EPR obligations, strengthened inter-agency coordination, and the integration of climate considerations into scheduled waste regulation to align waste governance with Malaysia's Nationally Determined Contributions. By reframing e-waste through a climate governance lens, this study contributes a coherent doctrinal pathway towards a more integrated and climate-responsive regulatory framework in Malaysia.

A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK ON THE INFLUENCE OF ROLE-PLAY ASSESSMENTS ON CONFLICT COMMUNICATION COMPETENCE

Nuraina Nadiah Rosli, Zulfati Izazi Zulkifli — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Effective conflict communication is a critical competency for university graduates, yet many assessment approaches in higher education remain rooted in traditional formats that do little to prepare students for the complexities of real-world interactions. Without opportunities for authentic practice, students risk entering the workforce without the skills or confidence to navigate conflict constructively. This conceptual paper introduces a framework positioning role-play assessments as a powerful pedagogical tool to enhance conflict communication competence. Drawing on Experiential Learning Theory and Communication Competence Theory, the framework outlines how structured, feedback-driven role-play can create safe yet realistic spaces for students to rehearse conflict scenarios, reflect on their strategies, and develop adaptive communication skills. From a quantitative research design perspective, role-play assessment is identified as the independent variable and conflict communication competence as the dependent variable. Evidence from prior studies consistently demonstrates that role-play interventions foster empathy, confidence, and cooperative conflict behaviors across diverse learning contexts. The proposed framework extends theoretical models of competence development and offers practical guidance for integrating role-play into curriculum and assessment design. While the framework is yet to be empirically tested, it provides a strong foundation for future research to examine its effectiveness and explore moderating factors such as cultural background, personality traits, and learning environments. By rethinking assessment as an active, immersive learning process, this study encourages higher education to better equip students with the communication skills necessary to manage conflict effectively skills that are increasingly indispensable in today’s collaborative, dynamic workplaces.

KAJIAN PERLINDUNGAN UNDANG - UNDANG TERHADAP PELANCONG DALAM AKTIVITI EKOPELANCONGAN

Nur Aisyah Fatihah Mohamad Zamry, Nur Khalidah Dahlan — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Kajian ini membincangkan perlindungan undang-undang terhadap pelancong dalam aktiviti ekopelancongan di Malaysia dengan memberi tumpuan kepada keberkesanan pelaksanaan dan cabaran penguatkuasaan undang-undang sedia ada. Malaysia memiliki pelbagai akta yang berkaitan seperti Akta Industri Pelancongan 1992 (Akta 482), Akta Perlindungan Pengguna 1999 (Akta 599), Akta Pemuliharaan Hidupan Liar 2010 (Akta 716), Akta Perhutanan Negara 1984 (Akta 313), Akta Perikanan 1985 (Akta 317), dan Akta Taman Negara 1980 (Akta 226). Namun, kajian ini mendapati bahawa ketiadaan kerangka undang-undang khusus untuk ekopelancongan, pertindihan kuasa antara agensi dan kelemahan pemantauan di lapangan menjejaskan keberkesanan perlindungan terhadap pelancong dan kelestarian alam sekitar. Kajian ini turut membandingkan pendekatan perundangan di Australia, Thailand dan Singapura yang memperlihatkan keberkesanan struktur pentadbiran tunggal, pensijilan lestari dan penguatkuasaan bersepadu. Dapatan kajian mencadangkan agar Malaysia merangka satu akta khusus yang holistik, merangkumi pelesenan operator, perlindungan pengguna, pemantauan berasaskan teknologi serta peranan komuniti tempatan, untuk memastikan ekopelancongan dilaksanakan secara bertanggungjawab, selamat dan mampan.

BETWEEN STETHOSCOPE AND STATUTE: WHO COUNTS AS MEDICO-LEGAL EXPERT IN MALAYSIA

Nur Liyana Hanapi — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Doctors in Malaysia regularly provide expert opinions to courts, regulators, and healthcare institutions, yet there is no structured mechanism for recognising or validating medico-legal expertise. Because medical law is not recognised as a clinical specialty under the Medical Act 1971 [Act 50], medico-legal competence develops outside the statutory specialist framework. This creates a recognition gap in which legitimacy, scope, and accountability remain unclear. This paper argues that treating medico-legal practice as a missing specialty misdiagnoses the problem. Specialist recognition is designed to validate clinical competence in therapeutic decision-making. Medico-legal work, by contrast, concerns accountability, regulatory interpretation, and institutional decision-making. The difficulty lies not in the absence of title, but in the absence of a governance framework for non-clinical subject-matter expertise. Through comparative analysis and doctrinal examination, the paper identifies structural constraints in current practice, including reliance on ad hoc reputation and case-specific judicial gatekeeping. It distinguishes between clinicians who undertake occasional expert work and practitioners whose roles are predominantly governance-oriented, noting that neither pathway is supported by a standardised validation model. To address this gap, the paper proposes a Subject-Matter Expert (SME) framework based on function rather than status. The framework introduces structured validation, time-limited recognition, defined scope, and independence safeguards. It recommends administrative hosting within the Academy of Medicine of Malaysia to ensure professional oversight without incorporating medico-legal expertise into the National Specialist Register. By prioritising competence and accountability over title creation, the framework offers a governance-based solution that preserves judicial discretion and respects the statutory separation between the medical and legal professions.

THE ROLE OF AGENCIES WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF SPECIAL GUIDELINES FOR HANDLING CASES OF SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST CHILDREN IN MALAYSIA: A PROCEDURAL PERSPECTIVE

Alias Azhar Azhar , Harlida Abdul Wahab — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Cases of sexual crimes against children show a pattern that is increasing year by year. However, the reported cases are somewhat reduced as many people still use the excuse of shame to come forward and complain. The principle of protecting children must be prioritized for their future as the future generation of the country's leadership. The study is socio-legal in nature, that is, a research method that combines two main fields of research: social science and law. The study used content analysis using inductive and deductive. The Sexual Offences Against Child Act 2017 is an act clearly intended to protect children from sexual offences, in line with the Child Act 2001. The Special Guidelines for Handling Cases of Sexual Offences Against Children in Malaysia are designed to ensure that the aims and objectives of Act 792 can be achieved more effectively. The collective efforts of all agencies are based on the Special Guidelines, which serve as a support measure for the handling of victims of child sexual offences.Cooperation between Ministries and government agencies such as the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, Division of Legal Affairs, Prime Minister's Department, Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), Ministry of Health, Courts, and Department of Social Welfare (JKM) with one goal, to ensure the protection and welfare of children are guaranteed within the legal and social framework in Malaysia.

PEMBUBARAN PERKAHWINAN: ANALISIS LAPORAN BERTULIS PEJABAT KADHI BESUT, 1972 SEHINGGA 1978

Haryati Hasan, Nafisah Ilham Hussin , Muhammad Akramin Kamarul Zaman — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Artikel ini mengenai pembubaran perkahwinan melalui tuntutan Fasakh. Analisis berdasarkan laporan bertulis Pejabat Kadhi Besut dari tahun 1972 sehingga 1978. Laporan berkenaan diperolehi di Arkib Negara Malaysia Cawangan Terengganu. Perbincangan artikel ini mengupas sebanyak 19 buah kes tuntutan Fasakh yang dibahagikan kepada dua bahagian. Pada bahagian pertama menerangkan tentang latar belakang pelapor dan terdakwa seperti tempat asal, umur, tempoh masa ditinggalkan, status perkahwinan dan keluarga serta pekerjaan terdakwa. Sementara itu bahagian kedua pula menghuraikan mengenai faktor yang menyebabkan pelapor membuat aduan kepada pihak Pejabat Kadhi Besut. Perbincangan dicerakinkan kepada masalah pengabaian nafkah dan tanggungjawab, penyelewengan dalam poligami dan menghilangkan diri untuk tempoh masa tertentu. Kajian lanjutan perlu dilakukan kerana maklumat mengenai pekerjaan dan mengapa tempoh tuntutan mengambil masa yang lama masih belum lengkap. Selain itu peranan Pejabat Kadhi Besut dalam menangani isu permasalahan berkaitan pasca pembubaran perkahwinan perlu dinilai kembali. Hal ini penting bagi menjaga kebajikan pelbagai pihak terutama wanita dan anak-anak.

This paper examines the dissolution of marriage through Fasakh petitions based on written reports from the Office of the Kadhi Besut from 1972 to 1978. These reports were obtained from the National Archives of Malaysia, Terengganu Branch. The discussion analyses 19 selected Fasakh cases. Over the seven-year period, the analysis focuses on two main aspects. The first explains the background of the couples, particularly the complainant (wife) and the defendant (husband), covering elements such as place of origin, age, duration of abandonment, marital and family status, and occupation. The second aspect outlines the factors that led wives to file complaints with the Kadhi’s office, categorised into the neglect of financial and marital responsibilities, misconduct in polygamy, and disappearance of the husband for certain periods. Further research is needed as information regarding the husbands’ occupations and the reasons behind the lengthy delay before filing the petitions remains incomplete. Additionally, the role of the Kadhi Besut Office in addressing issues related to post-divorce matters should be reassessed to ensure the wellbeing of all parties, particularly women and children.

SAFEGUARDING LAND TRANSFERS IN ESTATE PLANNING: MISUSE OF TRUST DEEDS AND THE NEED FOR REGULATORY REFORM IN MALAYSIA

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Estate planning is a vital aspect of personal wealth management, ensuring that assets are safeguarded and efficiently transferred to intended beneficiaries. Estate planning involving lands commonly involves wills and inter-vivos gifts, but trust deeds have also become a popular mechanism. The increasing use of trust deeds, however, has given rise to land scam issues, especially in skewer lot cases, sparking concerns among land authorities. Literature and preliminary studies highlight misuse of trust deeds as a way to circumvent restrictions under the Torrens System as embodied in the National Land Code (Revised 2020) [Act 828]. Such misuse undermines the objectives of estate planning, creating risks of manipulation of inheritance processes and threatening intergenerational sustainability. This article examines the significance of estate planning in wealth management, focusing on the problem of trust deed misuse. It specifically analyses the concept of restriction in interest under Malaysia’s land tenure system and the potential consequences if such trust deeds are allowed to be registered without safeguards. Employing a qualitative content analysis within the doctrinal legal research methodology, the study reviewed primary and secondary sources including legislation, books, articles, and case studies. Findings reveal the absence of a procedural framework to validate trust deeds prior to registration in the land title system. This legal gap creates opportunities for fraudulent practices where trust deeds are misused to bypass laws and regulations. The study concludes that while trust deeds can be effective estate planning tools, their unregulated use exposes landowners and beneficiaries to significant risks. Thus, enhanced supervision by land authorities, supported by a clear procedural framework, is crucial to ensure synchronization of land administration and protection of land interests.

DEPOSIT-REFUND SYSTEMS FOR POLLUTION CONTROL: GLOBAL LESSONS AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS FOR MALAYSIA

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Deposit-refund systems (DRS) are widely acknowledged as efficient and practical policy measures for pollution reduction alongside with the promotion of circular economy practices since they give the consumers the incentive to return used products and get the refund as a result. The Polluter Pays Principle has been operationalised by DRS and has resulted in countries with strong legislation, efficient infrastructure, and high public participation recording recovery rates of over 90 percent as seen in Germany, Norway, Canada, and South Korea. These examples show that DRS can be applied even in countries with different governance and cultural contexts. The planned introduction of DRS in Singapore in 2025 is another evidence of this growing trend in Asia. Even though Malaysia has implemented various laws and policies pertaining to waste management, it has not yet adopted DRS at the national level and consequently, due to weak governance, limited facilities, and dependence on informal waste collectors, it still records low recycling rates. The paper using international experiences as reference examines the suitability of DRS for Malaysia and suggests a gradual implementation that is backed by the provision of clear legislation, the establishment of collection and digital refund infrastructure, and the active participation of stakeholders. The adoption of DRS in Malaysia is predicted to enhance the country's waste management system, lessen the reliance on landfills, and speed up the achievement of its Sustainable Development Goals.