Search

The rapid emergence and growth of e-commerce have caused an increase in halal issues, especially with the false description of Halal in E-Commerce amongst the various online platform providers. More specifically, halal issues that need legal attention include safety issues, deceptive conduct, misleading representation, and false description. This study aims to analyse the adequacy of the Consumer Protection Act 1999 to protect consumers, especially regarding false descriptions of halal in online transactions. To achieve this objective, the approach is to adopt a qualitative research method, in which content analysis is made by comparing the consumer protection laws in force in other countries. The findings of this study revealed several challenges in applying such laws, which used ambiguous terminologies and imposed limited liabilities on online market operators. A few recommendations have been put forward, such as the interpretation of terms such as ‘consumer,’ ‘goods,’ ‘description,’ and ‘suppliers’ needs. These terminologies have to be revised, in addition to extend the liabilities of online market operators so that there will be better consumer protection for Muslims when they shop online.

This study was conducted to investigate the influence of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on consumer purchasing behaviour. The method of systematic sampling was used, and a total of 150 students participated as respondents. A five-point Likert scale were utilised to measure the independent variables (economic responsibility, legal responsibility, ethical responsibility and philanthropic responsibility) and dependent variable (consumer purchasing behaviour) respectively. The data were collected by using online self-administered questionnaires. The Pearson correlation coefficient results indicated that economic responsibility, legal responsibility, ethical responsibility and philanthropic responsibility were significantly and positively correlated to the consumer purchasing behaviour. In addition, the results of Multiple Linear Regression showed that the four the independent variables could explain 42.0% of consumer purchasing behaviour, with ethical responsibility having the greatest influence on consumer purchasing behaviour. The findings of this study could aid consumers and businesses in comprehending the impact of corporate social responsibility on consumer purchasing behaviour.

Managing e-waste among consumers poses significant challenges for the authorities, as proper e-waste management is more prevalent in industrial sectors than in households. Consumers are left to manage their household e-waste in a disorganised manner either by throwing it in the trash or dumping it illegally. This study seeks to fill this gap by identifying the factors that influence consumer e-waste recycling behaviour. A quantitative approach was adopted for this study and a survey data was collected from 200 households through systematic sampling method. The results for Pearson correlation coefficient showed that awareness (r = 0.553, p = .000), availability of facilities (r = 0.260, p = .000) and perceived behavioural control (r = 0.341, p = .000) were significantly and positively associated with consumer e-waste recycling behaviour. The results for multiple linear regression showed that adjusted R2 is 0.336 which indicated that the determinants were able to predict 33.6% of the consumer e-waste recycling behaviour. Awareness and perceived behavioural control were significant determinants for consumer e-waste recycling behaviour among households while the most influential factor is awareness. The findings of this study would able to help the relevant authorities to increase the awareness of consumers to participate in e-waste recycling through campaigns and educational activities.

Engagement in Voluntary Simplicity behaviour can be strongly attributed to contributing towards environmental protection through consumption reduction. The attitudinal inclination towards adopting VS values has mostly been observed on the degree of awareness and current behaviour of individuals. However similar to sustainability practices, VS adoption can also be instigated through external influences. In the present study, a pioneer effort is being undertaken to observe the degree of persuasive intent that can be created through the intervention of anticipatory guilt, argument quality, and source credibility manipulation. The sample was drawn from the Malaysian youth population using the multi-stage cluster sampling method. The result of ANCOVA analysis shows significant direct effects on each of the VS values namely material simplicity, social responsibility, self-sufficiency, and spiritual growth. We also found strong interaction effects of anticipatory guilt and argument quality at high and low intervention levels towards youth attitude.

Ubi jus, ibi remedium is a well-known Latin maxim which means that ‘where there is a right, there is a remedy’. This maxim asserts that in situations where the law has established a right, there should be a corresponding remedy for its breach. Therefore, in order to ensure that consumer rights are sufficiently protected by the law against unfair trade practices, remedy is the only means to ensure a consumer’s right to redress is protected. This article aims to analyse the extent to which contract law act as a redress mechanism for consumers on the issue of fake halal logo. The main questions to be answered are whether the contract law provides sufficient protection to consumers relating to fake halal logo. Whether the consumer who has consumed fake halal logo products and suffers no injury entitled to claim remedies under the contract law. The findings of this study showed that the remedies available under the contract law are not able to provide appropriate protection to the consumer on the issue of fake halal logo.

The purpose of this study is to determine the safety practices of petrol stations employees in the Federal Territory of Labuan and Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. One hundred and sixteen employees participated in this study where they were randomly selected by using simple random sampling. The data were collected through a set of self-administered questionnaires. The results show that all three independent variables (occupational hazard awareness, hazard control methods awareness, and safety attitude) were significantly correlated with safety practices. Further results showed that hazard control methods awareness and safety attitude could explain 57.3 per cent of employee safety practices with hazard control methods awareness contributing the most to safety practices. The findings of this study indicate that strong awareness and attitude are essential in preventing injuries and accidents in the workplace.

The purpose of regulating the Credit Community industry is to standardise moneylenders’ business compliance so that consumers may freely choose where to pursue their moneylending transactions. Media reported an increasing trend on breaching of consumers’ sovereignty by the moneylenders in Malaysia. Thus, the primary role of regulation effectiveness comes into the limelight. It raises the question of whether regulation enhancement supports or deter consumers’ sovereignty. The study was undertaken in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, where most of the consumers’ issues were handled by non-governmental organisations (NGOs). The phenomenology approach was used to extract the three NGO leaders’ experiences and four regulator officers’ when dealing with the consumers and the licensed moneylenders’ issues. Data from semi-structured interviews and moneylending literature were uploaded into Nvivo 12 for thematic analysis. Findings revealed three themes: the non-governmental organisations’ role as the “watchdog”, the regulator’s educational role, and the regulator’s role in uplifting consumers’ sovereignty. The findings reveal a tendency for consumers with moneylending issues to seek NGOs, which affect the effort of seeking redress. The implication is for the regulator to take the lead in strengthening a three-way working relationship involving the moneylenders’ associations and the NGOs to resolve consumers sovereignty issues.

The doctrine of privity provides that only the contracting parties to a contract incur rights and obligations under the contract. Third parties cannot sue or be sued under a contract. Thus, if a manufacturer who sells a product to a seller who then sells it to a consumer who is injured by the product, the consumer could sue the seller based on the contract of sale between the seller and the consumer. The consumer cannot sue the manufacturer because there is no contract between the consumer and the manufacturer. This article thus addresses the question of the extent to which the doctrine of privity can give rise to liability on the part of the manufacture or the seller on the issue of halal. The findings of this study suggest that the doctrine of privity has some weaknesses that need to be addressed in order to provide better consumer protection on the issue of halal.

Online shopping has shaped a new trend of getting consumer goods and services during the pandemic. However, online shopping has also recorded an increasing number of consumer complaints. Hence, this paper explores the legislative approach of consumer protection laws in protecting consumers in online transactions using a content analysis approach. The relevant provisions of several laws, including the Malaysian Consumer Protection Act, were analysed based on the current development to highlight online consumers’ legal protection. Additionally, a questionnaire survey was carried out among 400 respondents in the higher education institutions in the four zones of Peninsular Malaysia using systematic random sampling to determine the level of consumer self-protection practices in online shopping. The analysis of the laws revealed that the current consumer protection laws were inadequate in giving comprehensive protection for online consumers. The survey results demonstrate that while the overall findings show that consumers have high self-protection practices, the preventive measures and consumer redress dimension must be seriously considered since this dimension showed the lowest mean score. Therefore, the relevant ministry and NGOs should increase advocacy programs to motivate consumers to utilize the right to redress, and become empowered consumers to exercise self-protection practices.

The vital role played by the moneylending industry in Malaysia resulted in 1,496 licensed moneylenders registered within the Klang Valley, in 2020. Even though the Moneylenders Act 1951 exist to protect the industry, law enforcement is a challenge to the regulator. This is evident as many borrowers’ complaints were made towards the moneylenders on poor self-regulation and questionable business practices. In understanding this gap, the main research objective is to gain insights on licensed moneylenders self-regulation in the moneylending process involving the borrowers. The Interpretative Phenomenology Analysis approach was used in extracting four themes from the twelve licensed moneylenders’ experiences. It was discovered that many of the moneylenders lacked the understanding of their rights and duties as stipulated in the Act. The apprehension of selfregulation amongst the licensed moneylenders was gravely misleading and require the regulator’s re-educational intervention. The first implication of the study is for the moneylenders and associations representing them. They must take remedial action to educate members on the value of practising business ethics in closing on the disparity found in their self-regulation throughout the moneylending process. The second implication is for the regulator to assess moneylenders practical adherence when introducing new business requirements.

This research seeks to identify the relationship between self-efficacy, awareness and subjective norms with online shopping self-protection practices among the Chinese consumers in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan. There were 200 Chinese respondents from Seremban who participated in this research through the systematic sampling method. Data were collected through a self-administrative survey questionnaire. A five-point Likert scale was used to measure the independent variables and dependent variables of this research. The findings revealed a positive and significant relationship between consumer awareness (r=0.468, p=0.000), subjective norm (r=0.192; p=0.007) and online shopping self-protection practices. However, consumer self-efficacy did not have a significant relationship with online shopping self-protection practices. In order to enhance awareness and subjective norms among consumers, the consumer associations and government agencies may organize more online shopping self-protection programs such as awareness campaigns for the consumers. As online shopping has become a new norm of acquiring goods and services, future research may explore more possible factors contributing to online shopping self-protection practices among consumers.

Nowadays, consumer issues are becoming more serious, especially those involving online fraud, such as scams. As a consumer, one should take precautions to protect oneself from encountering this problem. Consumerism practices are the key components that provide consumers with strong self-protection and positive attitudes. Students of higher learning institutions, a large group of mainly young people, play the roles of educated agents of change who may champion the interests of consumers in the future. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of media agents as a mediating variable in the relationship between consumer attitudes and values, self-identity, trust in the government, and consumerism practices. The Social Cognitive Theory and the Consumer Socialization Theory were used in this study to achieve a deep understanding of the concept of consumerism practices. This study involved eight hundred students of higher learning institutions in Malaysia from ten institutes selected by randomised sampling. A questionnaire was created and used for purposes of data collection. Data analysis was conducted in Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis using the Analysis of Moment Structural (AMOS) software. The results showed that media agents are partial mediators in the relationship between self-identity and consumerism practices and between consumer attitudes and consumerism practices. It was also found that consumer attitudes, consumer values, self-identity, and trust in the government have a direct and significant relationship with students’ consumerism practices. This study contributes to the theoretical expansion of consumerism practices and serves as a guide for relevant ministries, institutions of higher learning, and consumer associations in their efforts to implement educational activities and programs on consumerism.

Legal literacy means whether the consumers have the knowledge and are able to apply the information when they make transactions, and thus more likely know how to seek redress. The objective of this article is to analyze the determining factors of consumer legal literacy among Malaysian consumers. A survey was conducted among 500 respondents who were chosen through systematic random sampling. Standard multiple linear regressions results show that only value, self-efficacy, and peer influence can explain thirteen point four percent (13.4%) variance and the most influencing factor was peer influence. This research holds significant implications for the government, educators, and consumer movements to emphasize effective consumer education programs to increase literacy among consumers. It is also necessary to establish more comprehensive programs, either through formal or informal education, especially in instilling good values among consumers. Self-efficacy and peer influence can be considered in consumer education programs such as those by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, consumer movements, and consumer clubs in schools.

Kerancakan IR 4.0 telah menjadikan teknologi internet sebagai saluran komunikasi dan carian maklumat utama kepada pengguna internet. Di sebalik pembangunan ini, pengguna dibelenggu dengan pelbagai masalah pasaran yang melibatkan produk dan perkhidmatan. Memandangkan golongan muda sering menjadi mangsa dalam pelbagai masalah pasaran, kajian terhadap mahasiswa Institusi Pengajian Tinggi (IPT) di Malaysia amatlah penting agar mereka dapat memahami dan melaksanakan tanggungjawab sebagai pengguna dengan baik melalui amalan kepenggunaan seharian. Tujuan kajian ini adalah untuk menentukan profil mahasiswa IPT berkaitan amalan kepenggunaan agar tanggungjawab mereka sebagai pengguna dapat diperbaiki. Pemboleh ubah yang dikaji adalah faktor demografi iaitu jantina, umur, etnik, tahap pendidikan, bidang pengajian, tempoh menjadi ahli kelab pengguna, dan status keahlian di dalam kelab pengguna serta faktor tingkah laku iaitu amalan kepenggunaan. Kajian ini melibatkan seramai 800 mahasiswa IPT daripada sepuluh buah IPT yang dipilih secara persampelan rawak berperingkat. Penganalisisan data menggunakan analisis Ujian Khi Kuasa Dua dengan menggunakan perisian Statistical Package Social Sciences (SPSS). Hasil pemprofilan mendapati ciri responden yang perlu diberi penekanan dalam pendidikan pengguna ialah mereka daripada etnik Melayu dan Cina, yang masih bujang, dan mempunyai tahap pendidikan diploma dan ijazah sarjana muda tanpa mengira jantina, umur, asal, IPT, semester pengajian, bidang pengajian, dan keahlian dalam kelab pengguna. Kajian ini memberi implikasi kepada Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri, dan Hal Ehwal Pengguna (KPDNHEP), persatuan pengguna, dan pihak institusi dalam meningkatkan program pendidikan pengguna melalui seminar kepenggunaan, penerbitan, edaran bahan berkaitan kepenggunaan, pertandingan serta penyampaian melalui media massa dan media sosial berpandukan ciri-ciri mahasiswa yang perlu diberi penekanan agar tahap amalan kepenggunaan mahasiswa IPT di Malays

To date, technology has revolutionised consumer shopping experience, whereas the high internet penetration rate recorded in Malaysia causes the local online shopping market landscape to grow rapidly in recent years. Despite the convenience offered by online shopping, it also brings a new emerging area for consumer complaints and complicated issues implicating consumer protection. Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate the selfprotection practices embraced when online shopping among the students of higher education institutions in Malaysia. The data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire distributed among 400 respondents, following which a statistical analysis was performed inclusive of Pearson’s correlation and multiple linear regression. The outcome revealed that selfefficacy, media of consumer education, safety priority, and subjective norm pose a positive and significant relationship with self-protection practices, whereby safety priority was denoted as the most influential predictor for such practices. The findings of this study are highly useful for the government to educate consumers regarding self-protection practices that should be implemented when engaging in online shopping. They should firstly recognise the strategies required to protect themselves against falling victim to rogue online sellers and appreciate that the best form of protection is self-protection.

Buku ini menghuraikan pelbagai isu dan aran berdasarkan peruntukan undang-undang pengguna di Malaysia. Antaranya adalah pembentukan kontrak pengguna, amalan perniagaan tidakadil, keselamatan barangan dan perkhidmatan, jualan langsung, kawalan harga dan bekalan, keselamatan makanan, perumahan, pembelian dalam talian dan isu berkaitan komunikasi dan multimedia. Selain itu, isu berkaitan kredit penggunaseperti sewa beli, pajak gadai, pemberi pinjam wang, perbankan dan insurans juga dibincangkan. Pelbagai akta dirujuk berdasarkan isu pengguna termasuklah Akta Perlindungan Pengguna 1999 pindaan 2019. Setiap peruntukan undang-undang dihuraikan dengan bahasa yang mudah agar boleh difahami oleh pembaca yang bukan daripada latar belakang undang-undang. Secara umumny, buku ini amat sesuai dibaca untuk dijadikan panduan dan rujukan kepada para pengguna umunya dan sesiapa sahaja yang terlibat dalam isu kepenggunaan terutama pelajar dalam bidang sains pengguna, ahli persatuan pengguna dan pegawai penguat kuasa yang terlibat dalam perlindungan pengguna.

The law is the most effective mechanism in imposing liability against a supplier or manufacturer in the issue of false halal logo and misleading representation. This is because the law puts the responsibility on the supplier or manufacturer to ensure that they supply a product that is halal as stated. However, the question arises as to whether the rights of the consumers regarding false halal logo and misleading representation were fully protected under the Consumer Protection Act 1999. Therefore, this article aims to analyze the liability of the supplier or manufacturer under the Consumer Protection Act 1999, concerning matters regarding consumers protection in the case of the false halal logo and misleading representation. The findings of this article revealed that the Part II, V, and X of the CPA 1999 are not sufficient to address the liabilities of the supplier or manufacturer on the issue of false halal logo and misleading representation. This study implies that the Consumer Protection Act 1999 should be reviewed in order to provide consumers with better protection. An effort needs to be done to improve the consumer protection laws in Malaysia, thus growing in tandem with the halal industry.

Licensed moneylending industry supports the credit need of Malaysian consumers who have been denied personal loans by the formal banking sector. This research aims to gain insights into the barriers to consumer selfprotection in the moneylending decision process, fortified by the five-step Consumer Decision Process Model. Qualitative research through phenomenology was employed where 14 borrowers were interviewed. Steps taken to analyze the data was done via coding, categorizing and thematizing using the NVivo version 12 software. Based on the research objective, five related areas which were hindering consumers in achieving self-protection were discovered. They were desperation for funds, reliance on friends for moneylender’s information, indifferent attitude towards evaluating alternative contract options, passive role in contract rights and obligations, as well as the reluctance to file complaints. In overcoming these barriers, the Ministry of Housing and Local Government could educate consumers on the concept of lawful moneylending process, importance and benefits of self-protection practices. Furthermore, consumers need to enrich their financial acumen in preparation for the forthcoming wave of online and mobile money lending.

Moneylending in Malaysia began informally before independence with the Nattukottai Chettiars pillared by their temple institution, and the Punjabi Sikh community supported by their motherland Punjab (Lal, 2003; Manjit, 1991). It was spearheaded by mutual trust between lenders and borrowers using hand written or verbal IOUs. Borrowers were primarily adult males seeking funds to conduct businesses, resulting in prompt repayments. It is unfortunate that due to the Japanese occupation of Malaya in 1942 to 1945, and the implementation of the requirement of having Malaysian citizenship to practise licensed moneylending with the passing of Moneylenders Act 1951.

Background and Objective: Recognizing the importance of halal to Muslim consumers had caused the traders to use the concept of halal as a form of marketing. However, Muslim consumers often face problems to ensure that the products they buy, including cosmetics are truly halal as they can only rely on the certification of the authorities. Rather than looking from a marketing perspective, this study was an exploration from consumer empowerment aspects. The objective of the study was to predict the determining factors that influence consumer behavior when buying halal food products. The study focused on four factors which were the intensity of consumer education, the personality of assertiveness and aggressiveness and the role of social media. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in Malaysia and the data collection was done between December 2017 to March 2018. A total of 400 Muslim respondents participated in this study and were chosen through stratified random sampling. Multiple linear regressions were used to identify the factors that contributed to consumer behavior. Results: Results showed that only the intensity of consumer education and the personality trait of assertiveness were able to explain a 7.1% variance in the behavior of the respondents while buying halal food products. The results also found that the personality of aggressiveness and social media were not the predictive factors of consumer behavior. The most influential variable was the intensity of consumer education. Conclusion: This research holds significant implications for the government and consumer associations, to give emphasis to effective consumer education programs to inculcate good purchase behavior among consumers.

The primary aim of this study is to identify the relationship between selected factors and the intention to use m-government services among consumers. The study employs the Pearson correlation analysis to test the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) by incorporating the factors of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and perceived trustworthiness. The research is based upon a self-administrated questionnaire survey of 200 consumers in Putrajaya.. The outcome revealed a significant and positive relationship between perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and perceived trustworthiness with the intention to use m-government services. The findings of this study should enable m-government service providers to better understand the factors that can attract the consumers’ intention to use m-government services. This can be done by enhancing the ease of use and usefulness of the services.

Today, in the era of globalization, the evolution of internet technology has caused market conditions to become complicated and complex. Consumers of all ages are exposed to a wealth of information and commerce 24 hours a day. Also, a variety of choices and offers to consumers make the decision making more complicated. Thus, consumers need to be empowered to protect themselves in the market. Utilizing Empowerment Theory, this paper seeks to analyze the influence of intensity of consumer education on consumer empowerment among Malaysian consumers. A total of 400 respondents had participated in this research where they were selected using multistage probability sampling. The data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and were analyzed using SPSS software. Pearson Correlation Test is conducted to examine the relationship between the variables. The t-test is then used to examine the differences in consumers' level of empowerment among urban and rural consumers. The findings reveal that the intensity of consumer educations was positively related to consumer empowerment. Moreover, there is no significant difference between urban and rural consumers regarding the level of consumer empowerment. The results can significantly contribute to improving the current consumer policy and consumer education in Malaysia.

Malaysia has since undergone a lot of changes that are affecting its economic structure such as the rising cost of living which is an irreversible phenomenon. Coupled with the rise in the cost of production is the increased in indebtedness putting young worker’s financial well-being at stake. This article attempts to analyse the relationship between attitudes towards money, financial literacy and debt management towards financial wellbeing of young workers. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used for this study in the centre zone of Malaysia. A total of 508 respondents aged 40 and below was selected. Analysis using Pearson’s correlation showed that there were a positive relationship between financial literacy, debt management, attitudes towards money (inadequacy, effort/ability and retention) towards financial well-being. While, multiple regression results showed that all eight variables explained 27.4% of the variance of financial well-being whereby the variable of attitude towards money that is the dimension of ability/effort have a unique contribution towards financial well-being.

The study aims to examine the relationship between knowledge, attitude, subjective norms and behaviour of household solid waste management towards zero waste among urban households in eight states in Peninsular Malaysia that have implemented and enforced regulations under the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Act 2007 (Act 672). The study also examines the factors that influence the behaviour of household solid waste management. A total of 605 respondents were involved in this study where they were selected through simple random sampling using quantitative techniques through a questionnaire. Data obtained were analysed using SPSS software. The Pearson Correlation Test is used to examine the relationship between two variables, while Multiple Linear Regression is used to examine the factors that influence the behaviour of household solid waste management. The result shows that knowledge scores are high because the respondents have awareness of the importance of managing household solid waste. Meanwhile, subjective norms score is at a fair level. For attitude and behavioural scores, it was also positive as respondents are involved in solid waste management activities. The findings show that there is a significant relationship between knowledge and behaviour (r = 0.136 **, p = 0.001), a significant relationship between attitude and behaviour (r = 0.175 **, p = 0.000) and also a significant relationship between subjective norms and behaviour (r = 0.472 **, p = 0.000). Multiple Linear Regression analysis also found that knowledge, attitude and subjective norms factors influenced the behaviour of household solid waste management (adjusted R2= .254, F = 69.371 and p <0.01). This shows that the predictor factors ability to explain influencing the behaviour of household solid waste management is as high as 25.4%. In conclusion, knowledge, attitude and subjective norms as predictor variables influence the behaviour of household solid waste management. Therefore, in l

Consumer’s skills and consumer’s values are among the key components to cultivate consumers to have good consumers’ practices. However, there is a lack of measuring tools to gauge consumer skills and consumer values. The objective of this study is to identify the domains and indicators of the consumer’s skills and values among students in institute of higher learning. This study utilizes qualitative data methodology which adopts Nominal Group Technique (NGT) as a data collection technique. It comprises of two series of NGT among academicians, regulators, policymakers, members of consumer associations and higher education students. The results of the NGT show that there are ten identified consumer skills, namely the ability to speak, find information, compare prices, make choice, identify products, advocacy, differentiate needs and wants, finance, security, and the environment. As for the consumer’s values, eleven values were derived, namely justice, humanity, security, environment, stability, moderation, knowledge, wisdom, money, honesty, and unity. These domains can be used as a foundation to develop consumer’s skills and consumer’s value index in Malaysia. The findings of this study also give important implication to researchers in the field of consumerism, especially instrument development and can be the basis for consumer education in general.

Legal literacy is one of the important aspects of consumer empowerment. The objective of this paper is to determine the domains and indicators of legal literacy in Malaysia. The methodologies used are a combination of qualitative and quantitative research. The qualitative method utilised a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) technique, while the data for quantitative method were gathered through a survey. The findings of the FGD reveal that there are eight domains of consumer legal literacy that are based on consumer rights. The rights are the right to basic needs, the right to safe goods and services, the right to information, the right to make a choice, the right to be heard, the right to get compensation, the right to consumer education and the right to life in a healthy and safe environment. However, the results of the factor analysis revealed five domains, which are the right to safe and quality goods and services, the right to compensation, the right to consumer education, the right to be informed of financial matters and the right to be heard and to obtain information. Altogether, there are 46 indicators for measuring consumer legal literacy. The domains and indicators can be used to develop a Malaysian Legal Literacy Index and provide the instruments for measuring legal literacy in Malaysia.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore measures taken by local authorities in curbing poor compliance among renovated terrace houses in the state of Selangor, Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative methodology was selected in the data collection and analysis of the study. Seven local authority officers from seven selected local authorities were invited to participate in a face-to-face interview session to share their experience. A focus group was conducted for the purpose of confirming the validity of the data collected during the interview session. The focus group consisted of 32 officers in charge of building control enforcement invited from 11 local authorities within Selangor State. Findings: The results show that collecting revenue rather than ensuring compliance is the main objective among the authorities responsible for enforcing the regulations. There are four common tools adopted to penalize the offenders, which are compounds, demolition, prosecution and court orders, with a mix of opinions on their objective achievement. Major obstacles identified in the implementation of the enforcement task are low staffing capacity in monitoring and inspection, difficulties in preparing investigation paper and problems carrying out the demolition of illegal extensions. Originality/value: The study uncovers obstacles to enforcing regulations on home renovations. The findings contribute toward improving the enforcement practices of local building control authorities.

Halal is not just applicable to food and drinks consumed internally but also products applied externally. Halal is often associated with products that are safe, clean, healthy and in accordance with the principles of halalan toyyiban. Muslim consumers often face problems to ensure that the products they buy, including cosmetics, are genuinely halal as they can only rely on the certification of the authorities. However, the question is to what extent do Muslim consumers in Malaysia trust the responsible authorities such as Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM) and the Ministry of Health (MOH) in determining the halal status of a product. In addition, the consumers‟ values are also important to determine consumers’ behaviour. Therefore, the objectives of this paper are to identify consumers’ level of trust towards JAKIM, the Ministry of Health, the international certification bodies and also the producers of cosmetic and personal care products. In addition, this paper will also determine the value the consumers consider when they buy halal cosmetic products. The multiple regression analysis is used to examine whether trust and values are determinant factors of consumers’ behaviour towards halal products. A total of 400 Muslim consumers in Klang Valley participated in this study and they were selected through stratified random sampling. The results showed that trust towards JAKIM is the highest, followed by trust towards International Halal certification agency, the MOH and lastly, the producers. Meanwhile, the values associated with halal cosmetics are the quality, followed by emotional, economic, social and lastly conditional values. However, only two variables which are the trust towards MOH, and also emotional value, are significantly affecting the consumers’ behaviour where the emotional value is the strongest predictive factor. This study is expected to help stakeholders such as JAKIM, the MOH as well as producers of cosmetics products to enhance the Halal indu

The purpose of this study is to gather information about the determinants and characteristics of the owners/managers of small- and medium-sized hotels (SMSHs) and identify various issues in starting up and operating businesses in the United Arab Emirates. The results of this study reveal that the majority of the owners/managers of SMSHs in the United Arab Emirates are male, young and middle age, and relatively new to the tourism industry. The motivations for the business ventures of the entrepreneurs include wanting to be financially independent, become one’s own boss, involvement in family business and the opportunities of the hotel business. Among the key business challenges highlighted by the owners/managers of SMSHs are stiff competition in the hotel industry, increased operating costs, reduced demand, and lack of skilled employees. Several key strategies have been employed to face these challenges. These include offering competitive pricing, improving the marketing and channels of promotion, enhancing the quality of service and providing superior customer service.

Solid waste management has become one of Malaysia’s critical environmental issues. The increase of generation of waste and the high cost in its management is a challenge to the authorities. The study is aimed at determining the level of self-identity and subjective norm towards zero waste behaviour among consumers in Klang Valley. A total of 400 respondents were selected through multi-stage random sampling in this study. The survey was conducted using self-administered questionnaire to obtain information on the respondents’ socio-demographic background, self-identity, subjective norms and zero waste behaviour. Research findings show that respondents’ level of self-identity, subjective norms and zero waste behaviour were moderate. The results show that zero waste behaviour significantly correlates with self-identity (r=0.490*, p<0.01) and subjective norm (r=0.463*, p<0.01). The variables used in this study contributed 29.7% towards the model. Multiple regression result found that self-identity is the most significant factor to influence consumer behaviour towards zero waste. Therefore, appropriate effective strategies to build a strong self-identity towards environment should be developed by the relevant authorities to enhance zero waste behaviour among the consumers.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to highlight key trends, challenges, and opportunities for advancing women’s entrepreneurship and increasing their access to finance. Design/methodology/approach: Due to their high-growth potential, women-owned SMEs in developing countries are of particular interest. The International Financial Corporation and McKinsey built a detailed database for micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises. The data derived from the readily available global data sets provide coverage of a large number of countries and national statistics. Findings: Since financing is an important means by which to pursue growth opportunities, addressing the specific needs of women entrepreneurs (WE) in accessing finance must be part of the development agenda. Practical implications: This paper offers valuable practical insights to policy makers to establish a supportive, enabling environment that will facilitate access to financial services for WE in their respective countries; lead efforts to identify, evaluate, and support the replication of successful models for expanding financial services to WE; and lead efforts to gather gender-disaggregated data on small-, and medium-sized enterprise finance in a coordinated fashion. Originality/value: The value of this paper is that it offers insightful information about key trends, challenges, and opportunities for advancing women’s entrepreneurship and increasing their access to finance.