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Neotropical cichlid possesses territorial aggression which explains their success as alien species that pose threats to local fauna. The feeding ecology of Midas cichlid, Amphilophus citrinellus species outside its native range had never been fully understood. We aim to determine the stomach content, length-weight relationship and condition factor of this non-native species in one of the agroecosystems in Malaysia. The fish was collected using a cast net, and the guts were dissected. The stomach content (n = 35) revealed Midas cichlids feed on a wide array of preys including fish, amphibian and gastropod. The b-value is 2.60 (negative allometric growth) and the relative condition factor, Kn is 1.04. This result represents an initial study on the feeding aspect of this cichlid. Subsequent and continued researches are needed to evaluate the feeding behaviour and prey preferences of this species in its introduced range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing oil palm among the indigenous peoples in Peninsular Malaysia is not uncommon. While individuals' success either economically or academically are lauded and ought to be nurtured and supported, previous study by Wirth believes that collective success is the key not only in elevating the socioeconomic status but also serves as a mean to retain them as a cohesive unit culturally and socially. This study aims in promoting a model for collective development in the form of cooperative in oil palm cultivation of the indigenous peoples. Through simple random sampling and snowball techniques, a total of fifteen small-scale oil palm farmers from an indigenous village in the state of Pahang were interviewed periodically during the months of June till September, 2020. The results of the study found that these indigenous oil palm farmers faced both social and economic issues between the household members as well as within the indigenous community arising from inequalities of income level. At the macro level, a competent cooperative will attain far greater achievements and more beneficial to the indigenous community than a few successful farmers due to the concept of inclusiveness and sustainability. It is hope that the cooperative model can be replicated in other indigenous communities and effectively raise the overall living standard of the indigenous community in Peninsular Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To remain competitive, rural tourism should be more proactive in commercializing its products given the challenging external environment. Similarly, homestay programme that offer unique tourism products have the potential to contribute to the socioeconomic development of the country. However, there are homestay programme that have experienced a decline in tourist visits due to a lack of innovation in marketing techniques. Hence, the objective of this study is to explore the impact of the marketing innovation implementation on homestay programme performance. To achieve the objective of the study, a qualitative research approach was used that included face-to-face interviews with homestay programme coordinators. A total of eight homestay programme in Peninsular Malaysia were selected based on several criteria. The results of these interviews were analyzed using content analysis techniques. The study shows that the marketing innovations implemented fall into three categories, namely participation in commercial programs, external agency ventures and the use of a digital medium. The innovation impacted the performance of the homestay programme in terms of increasing community involvement and achievement of homestay awards. The implications of this study contribute to the development of entrepreneurial knowledge by highlighting the importance of innovation and performance in rural tourism. The findings of this study are useful to industry stakeholders as a guide for commercialising homestay programme globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses archaeological research of shipwrecks as a form of underwater cultural heritage with special reference to ancient shipwrecks and their cargoes discovered in Peninsular Malaysia from 1907 to 2019. The discussion will include the formation process of underwater cultural heritage, especially the discoveries of shipwreck sites and cargoes which have connections as well as trade, cultural and political relationships with early maritime kingdoms in Southeast Asia. The significance of shipwreck sites in the development of archaeological shipwrecks in Peninsular Malaysia will also be discussed in the contexts of research and education of our national history. This is important for the early development of maritime archaeology's potential, particularly on shipwrecks from the 1990s to the early first decade of the 21st century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issue of Indigenous peoples’ rights has always been fought for both internationally and domestically. This writing focuses on implementing the principle of “Free, Prior, and Informed Consent” (FPIC) in the affairs of the Orang Asli in Semenanjung Malaysia. Article 3 of the Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (DHOA) 2007 recognise the FPIC principle which entails the spirit of the right of Indigenous peoples to self-determination. The principles of IMABT and consultation are key aspects of the right to self-determination that allow the Indigenous community of a country to be involved in the decision-making process on matters that may affect them. Malaysia has not prepared any guidelines for implementing the FPIC principle despite agreeing with the adoption of the DHOA. Therefore, this paper presents a proposal to implement on FPIC guideline which is practical and suitable for Orang Asli in Malaysia. For this purpose, the Philippines will be used as a reference country to see how this principle is implemented in the country. If this principle is successfully implemented, it will be a great starting point that recognizes the rights of Orang Asli and will also be able to improve their socio-economic status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It becomes imperative to understand the eco-climatic predictors and know the suitable habitat for Porphyrio porphyrio indicus and Amaurornis phoenicurus in the urban wetlands to prevent their local extinction. The study explored the habitat suitability for Porphyrio porphyrio indicus and Amaurornis phoenicurus in Paya Indah wetlands and Putrajaya wetlands of Peninsular Malaysia. Porphyrio porphyrio indicus and Amaurornis phoenicurus surveyed using the point count technique, and a stratified random design. The maximum entropy modelling (MEM) approach and geographic information systems employed to determine the influence of 17 eco-climatic factors on the suitable habitats for the species. Water at a minimum depth (44.30%) and rainfall (74.20%) contributed to the availability of suitable habitats for Porphyrio porphyrio indicus in Paya Indah and Putrajaya wetlands. Also, dissolved oxygen (56.60%) and salinity (43.50%) contributed to habitat suitability for Amaurornis phoenicurus in Paya Indah and Putrajaya wetlands. Large portions of the two urban wetlands were unsuitable for the Porphyrio porphyrio indicus and Amaurornis phoenicurus populations because of several eco-climatic factors. Thus, the models as management tools with a robust population monitoring database and framework would enhance the management effectiveness of the two species and urban wetlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus (CAEV) is a member of the genus lentivirus causing caprine arthritis-encephalitis (CAE), a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the lungs, joints, udder and central nervous system of small ruminants such as sheep and goats. CAE is distributed worldwide and is recognised as a significant cause of morbidity and decreased milk production in dairy goats. Earlier studies highlighted the clinicopathological features and supplied preliminary serological evidence for the existence of CAE among selected goat herds in Malaysia. Therefore, this study aims to provide further insights into the seroprevalence and contributing factors of CAE among sheep and goat herds in two states of Peninsular Malaysia. The blood samples and biodata were randomly collected from a total of 262 individual sheep (40) and goat (222) in seven smallholder farms. Blood sera were tested for specific anti-CAEV antibodies using Qayee-Bio CAEV sandwich-ELISA test kits according to standard procedures. Our results of the study revealed 21.4% (95% CI: 15.8-28.6) apparent and 20.6% (95% CI: 14.5-27.8) true seroprevalence with significant differences (p < 0.05) in seroconversion rates between the states, farms, production systems and breeds of small ruminants. The prevalence of CAE in the Malaysian Peninsular is a potential threat to the small ruminant industry and developing agricultural economy. Further studies are required to determine the genetic characteristics, distribution and risk factors of CAEV for effective prevention and control in Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to investigate the performance of Peninsular Malaysia's single mother co-operatives. This study mainly examines the number of active and inactive co-operatives and identifies the key factors influencing their success or failure. The research evaluated 23 co-operative groups of single mothers. The performance of the cooperatives was analysed through in-depth interviews with officers of the Malaysian Co-operative Societies Commission (MCSC). Despite the government's financial and non-financial assistance, the findings indicate that cooperatives have not performed well. The preliminary results suggest that inactive single mother co-operatives are higher than those active ones. This study found that 61% of the total single mother co-operatives in Peninsular Malaysia are inactive (dormant and non-operational) compared to 39% active ones. Four influencing factors contribute to a higher percentage of inactive co-operatives: limited resources, dependence on subsidies and sponsors, managerial incompetency, and member participation. The results suggest solutions for the management of single mother co-operatives and provide additional information and contribution to the parties involved to empower the association to fulfil the economic, social, and cultural requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The popularity of palm oil production is amazing. Around 10 percent of the world's permanent cropland has been used for global oil palm planting area. Among them, 85% of palm oil is produced in Malaysia and Indonesia. Palm oil has increased the income of populations of the two countries, especially farmers. But there is at cost, the environment is devastating, and labour rights and human rights are repeatedly violated. The objective of this study is to explore sustainable palm oil farming practices conducted by Orang Asli smallholders. This study was carried out in one of the indigenous villages located in the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia - Kampung Sungai Mai, Jerantut, Pahang. Employing qualitative method, eight indigenous farmers were interviewed periodically through simple random sampling and snowballing. The study results show that the orang Asli farmers are working towards land ownership as prerequisite of MSPO. Family farming as next step to sustainable farming and deforestation is curbed by oil palm cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The close association between the Gua Musang formation, Telong formation, Aring Formation, and Nilam marble reflect the lateral facies changes among these formations. Poorly delineated boundaries between each formation calls for a reassessment on the genetic and stratigraphic correlation of these formations. The newly proposed Gua Musang Group is defined as argillite-carbonate-volcanic deposited within the same Gua Musang platform during Permo-Triassic period, which includes all four formations under study. High resolution stratigraphy is needed for each formation for better stratigraphic correlation between the various lithostratigraphic units of the Gua Musang Group and other chronologically related rock formations in the region. The new division of formations within this Group is proposed based on lithologies and stratigraphic correlation that could provide better understanding on the geology of northern section of Central Belt of Peninsular Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article studies the re-emerged of Malayan Communist Party (MCP) in Peninsular Malaysia on 1 June 1968 to resume their armed struggle. The MCP failed in their first armed struggle that began on 16 June 1948 and lasted until 31 July 1960, during the period of Emergency in Malaya. The re-emergence of the MCP was due to several factors, which were their ability to win support from the populace in southern Thailand, the spread of communist influence in Mainland China, Vietnam, and Sarawak, and the reorganisation of the MCP. These factors led the MCP to the idea that their struggle should be resumed. The objective of MCP's re-emergence was similar to their earlier goal to seize control of the nation and establish a communist republic in the Peninsular. The main targets of the MCP in their latest campaign were the security forces and their highranking officers who were responsible for the main opposition to the communists. The communists attacked civilians, sabotaged public facilities and involved in bank robberies. Furthermore, the communists infiltrated education institutions and labour unions, as well as influencing political leaders and also displayed their flag and distribute communist propaganda tracts in public places. This study found that the acts perpetrated by the communists have caused problems and unrest in the country. However, the MCP failed in their armed struggle and agreed to sign a peace treaty with the government on 2 December 1989. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study on the stipe anatomy was conducted on six taxa of Blechnum in Peninsular Malaysia namely B. finlaysonianum, B. fraseri, B. indicum, B. melanocaulon subsp. pallen, B. orientale and B. vestitum. The objective of this study is to investigate the variations in the stipe anatomical characteristics that can be used for species identification and classification. There are five stipe anatomical characteristics found in this study that can be used to distinguish the Blechnum species. The characters are stipe outlines, patterns of sclerenchyma cell layers present under epidermal cells, presence and absence of sclerenchyma cell layer encircled the vascular bundles, number of vascular bundles, and presence of auricles on the adaxial side of stipe. Similarities found in stipe anatomical characteristics in all Blechnum species studied are the Aspidium stele type and presence of sclerenchyma cell layers underneath the epidermal layer. The diagnostic anatomical characteristics found in this study is the absence of sclerenchyma cells layer ensheathing each vascular bundles in the steles of B. finlaysonianum. Therefore, the stipe anatomical characteristics can be used in the identification of species in the genus Blechnum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The herpetofauna of Beris Valley, Kedah, Malaysia, was studied using a rapid assessment survey during a scientific expedition organised by the School of Biological Sciences at the Universiti Sains Malaysia, from 14-17 August 2009. All amphibians and reptiles were observed and captured during the four-day survey along the ditches, roads, dam areas, swamps, forest trails and streams. The results showed that 14 species of amphibians from 9 genera and 5 families inhabit the area, and 7 species of lizards, 5 species of snakes and 2 species of freshwater turtles were also present in the area. Fejervarya limnocharis and Microhyla butleri seemed to be the most common amphibians, while Hemidactylus frenatus and Varanus salvator were the most common reptiles in the area. This report constitutes a preliminary checklist and first record of amphibians and reptiles in Beris Valley, Kedah. The number of specimens was less than expected because of the very short survey period, but we hope to record more species in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]